Categories: Fashion

What To Look For While Thrift Shopping

Thrift shopping is one of the most fun ways to shop for clothes. Not only is that item special to specifically you, there is a slim chance that anyone else will also have that item. Thrift shopping is also something that is better done alone because you don’t want the person you came with finding cooler items you hadn’t seen yet… selfish, I know. There are specific items that you should always keep in the back of your mind when you hit the thrifting scene as well.

1. Denim

Finding vintage that fits is like finding gold. It’s an amazing feeling stumbling upon a pair of vintage Levis while thrift shopping that is worn out in all the right places. Vintage denim has that rugged look to it that is comfier than most pairs of jeans. They also have fun styles or unique rips that you wouldn’t find at the mall. The denim section should be the first place you hit while thrift shopping so you can grab the good stuff first.

2. Oversized Shirts

Oversized shirts are some of the comfiest items of clothing that can be in your closet. They serve as great sleeping shirts, something that you can wear with biker shorts, or if you want the overall baggy look, a pair of boyfriend jeans. Thrift shopping is the perfect opportunity to find those oversized shirts for your outfits. Thrift stores have quirky shirts with sayings on them or they’re for vintage brands. Or sometimes they’re from different states. Regardless of what shirt you pick out, a thrift store will have more than enough t-shirts for you to choose from.

3. Sweatshirts

Hoodies and crewnecks from thrift stores are absolutely amazing. They are already worn in and baggy so the hard work for you is already done. You just have to find one that you like and it’s perfect. There is something different about a sweatshirt that is already stretched out in the sleeves and waistband. Plus, what’s super fun about a hoodie find while thrift shopping is that you can alter it. You can crop it, tie-dye, anything. It makes it more personal to you and only adds to the story that the hoodie already has.

4. Band T-Shirts

The epitome of thrift shopping. If you like classic rock or old-school hip-hop then the thrift shop is your go-to place. While these vintage items may be more expensive, they are so worth it. Vintage band t-shirts are honestly so badass. Not only to you but to the people you wear them around. They also can make people nostalgic when they see them. Old band t-shirts are fun to wear with denim jackets or flannels too. You can never go wrong when you put a band t-shirt on.

5. Dresses

Another great find while thrift shopping is vintage dresses. Vintage dresses have an elegance to them. They aren’t like what is being sold in stores now they are normally floral, have some sort of belt attached, and so on. Vintage dresses aren’t for everyone if that makes sense. When you find a vintage dress that you love, that dress actually found you. Because of how unique they are, that dress really has to speak to you and when it does, it’s a euphoric feeling.

6. Fun Pants

Thrift shopping is the perfect time to find those pairs of pants that no one else will be able to. Fun pants have become the trend, this could include different patterns, patchwork, two-toned, etc. A thrift store is a perfect place to find something different that can be that pair of pants you pull out on a special occasion. What’s super cool about finding fun pants while thrift shopping is that these could have started out as a regular pair of pants and the previous owner could have done stuff to them. It leaves them being a one-of-a-kind pair that you get to hold special in your closet.

7. Sweaters

Finding sweaters you actually like from thrift stores is not an easy task. Some fit differently, the material is itchy, the pattern isn’t very wearable… but when you do find one that you really like, you will wear it more often than you think. Getting comfy oversized sweaters is nice to shop for in general, so if you stumble upon one at a thrift store, snatch that baby up. Sweaters can be worn year-round and are magical pieces of clothing to have multitudes of in your closet.

8. Authenticity

When thrift shopping, you really want something that feels authentic and old. You don’t want something that accidentally slipped through the cracks and you could buy at Target. There is a hunch that you get while thrift shopping that what you just bought is older than you. And quite frankly, sometimes it has to do with the smell of clothing. Gross, I know. But clothes from thrift shopping have a scent and feel to them that just let you know that they could’ve been in your mom’s closet 20+ years ago. Plus, you want your clothes to have the older, vintage vibe. That’s why you went to the thrift store in the first place, right? Most thrift stores are good about being picky when it comes to making sure that what’s in their store is authentic, though. It’s just a useful tip to keep in the back of your mind though.

9. Unique Items

One of the best parts about thrift shopping is the random pieces of clothing that you find. They can be so out of the ordinary that you just feel obligated to buy them. That’s all the fun in thrift shopping, though. You don’t want to get something that looks similar to what people already have. You want the different pieces that make people stare. This could mean prints, patterns, colors, style. Clothes that you find while thrift shopping are different all on their own, but when you find that piece that totally stands out to you, you must buy it. Who knows, maybe that t-shirt from Nevada or floral print crew neck found you.