“I want to start thrifting but I don’t know how.” This was the message I just got in my Instagram DM’s. I have this conversation quite often, and my best response is to just start! Head to the thrift store and notice how the space makes you feel. Yes taking action is a good way to start but I wanted to dig a little deeper into this and give you some real pointers on how to start thrifting.
In the early 1920s thrifting was a response to a growing epidemic of clothing waste. (Sound familiar?) Since then, thrifting has gone through multiple phases of popularity, but with the addition of Gen Z caring about their personal style more than micro-trends, we’ve seen a huge increase in demand from secondhand shops.
How to get rid of the secondhand ick factor
For some shoppers, it is a challenge to wrap their heads around wearing something owned by a complete stranger. We have no idea what their hygiene standards were, but that’s okay as long as we do our due diligence to check out the basics when we start thrifting.
In the beginning, it was weird buying used clothes from thrift shops, but I thought about how many times I’ve donated tons of barely-worn and perfectly good clothing that didn’t fit, wasn’t my style, etc. More often than not, donation centers serve more gently used items than raggedy sweaty items.
It’s easy to tell the difference between heavily worn items and fairly new clothes at a thrift shop. Check the armpits, crotch, seams, bottoms of pants, etc. to get a better idea of the treatment this garment went through.
Lastly, always wash your clothes prior to wearing them. This will help with any uneasiness around shopping secondhand.
Some things to remember when thrift shopping
Shop for your personal style, not what’s trending.
If you’re hoping to find a full 3-piece matching suit at your local Goodwill, think again. Have a general idea of what you want, but don’t tie yourself down to a super-specific item. Knowing what you’d like to find will give you direction, but leave room for spontaneity as well
Follow your instincts.
I tend to gravitate toward fun colors and patterns no matter what type of store I’m in. I take that same instinct into the thrift store with me too. Don’t deviate from what you normally would wear, but use that as your guide.
Take a risk.
The best thing about secondhand is the price point. You can’t beat finding a cashmere sweater for only $4! Take a risk and buy that funky piece! Sometimes the funkiest can be a little intimidating in the store, but once you give them a little love, they end up becoming a closet staple.
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Don’t only see something for what it is, but what it could be.
One of my favorite thrifts was a belt from a little pop-up shop. I’ve worn this as a belt, necklace, and hair accessory. It’s okay to use items for things other than their intended purpose. I once bought a mother-of-the-bride David’s bridal jacket that was super formal, and I’ve only worn it with jeans and sneakers. It just added a little pop of pizzazz to the outfit.
If you start thrifting & get overwhelmed, break it up.
Thrift stores can be filled from wall to wall with racks of options. This can be extremely overwhelming. Whenever you start to get a little frustrated by the options, stop and just focus on one style vs the whole store. Head to the tank tops and only look there today. Come back another time for jeans and shoes!
Don’t rule out your size.
The thing with thrift stores is they have sizes from all brands, and all decades. Our size charts have never been consistent. When racks are sorted by size be sure to look at the sizes bigger and smaller than your regular size. you might be surprised what you find that fits!
Those are just a few ways to get you started on your thrifting journey. Not only is thrifting a more sustainable option, but it’s better for your wallet too. Notice how much extra money you’ll have by not spending full price on all your clothes!
