In honor of National Thrift Shop Day, I asked some of my favorite thrift shoppers to share their number one thrifting tips. I was super excited because everyone’s responses were super unique and helpful. I hope these pro tips help you on your next thrift trip. Don’t forget to check out my top thrift shopping tips as well.
Let’s hear the thrift tips from the experts:
“Be open minded! Don’t judge yourself for being drawn to different styles or unique colors – that open mindedness is the quickest way to develop and elevate personal style!”
– @savannahish
“Don’t focus on sizing when you thrift. With such a wide variety of brands you are bound to be a different size in each one. Instead finds colors, patterns and garment shapes that you love and then see how you could tailor the item to fit you! Wear an oversized sweater as a dress or a child’s shirt as a crop top! Get creative!”
– @inspoandco
“Shoe thrifting tip: sole should be hard no excessive creases heels not excessively uneven be patient shoe should be structurally sound”
– @thriftedgent
“Try on EVERYTHING. Always over try on. If you kinda like it, if you’re not sure if it’s your size, you can’t tell what it looks like on- try it on. Usually you’ll be pleasantly surprised. It’s always better to over try on to find the gems then put it back and maybe miss it.”
– @thisjustynthrifting
“Try everything on! Especially as a plus size thrifter I always try everything on because you never know what may fit even if it isn’t technically your size.”
– @thelazyethical
“If you have the time & patience: look through everything!! This is the method that always works for me and helps me find the real gems. You might not be paying much but you’re paying with your time 🙂 Have fun digging!”
– @I.thrift.shit
“Have some inspirations of finds as you go in! Not exact, but the idea of something – like colors, prints, puff sleeves, skirt styles, etc. that way you have direction and don’t get too overwhelmed.”
– @bjonesstyle
“My tip may be unpopular since as thrifters, we all love to buy more “new-to-us” garments! But before I head to the thrift store, I take time to review my closet. This way I remember what I own so I don’t buy a double (or sometimes, a triple!) of it. It’s also good to review your closet weekly so you have items top of mind to help visualize outfits and pairings when at the thrift store. The worst thing is coming home with a bag full of thrift finds that you won’t actually wear anytime soon. Review what you own regularly, and make smarter thrift purchase decisions!”
– @sammydtv
Founder of THRIFT BABES on Facebook and the NYC Bargain Thrift Store Tour @nycthriftingtours
“Don’t necessarily shop for trends. Go with styles and cuts that you feel good in no matter the decade the item is from. For example, ultra high rises work better for my shape even before mom jeans were a thing.”
– @thriftanista
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“Go Often! Stock changes daily, multiple times a day at the thrift stores but that’s not the only reason why you should go often. Going often helps you become more comfortable navigating a thrift store. Practice makes perfect, so going often helps you build your thrift skills in turn making you a smarter, more efficient shopper. And most importantly, going often creates a habit out of thrifting, therefore making it a way of life.”
– @dinasdays
“Check various sizes because some brands, especially vintage will tend to run small. Some of my favorite pieces (specifically denim) I would have missed out on if I had only looked in “my size”.
– @ryannedarr
“SHOP THE RACKS NEAR THE FITTING ROOM. Most thrift shoppers know that as a courtesy you should not shop from the rack of merchandise that employees are bringing to the floor. But do you shop the racks near the fitting room? If not you are missing out on the gold mine of treasures you may find! Be sure to stop by and shop the racks near the fitting room. You will be surprised at what you might find.
Think about it for a second. Most shoppers try on clothing that they are interested in buying. Most likely these are items that made the must-have list and are seen as the best of the best to try on. The good news is you now have a chance to shop these pieces without doing all the work of shopping the store. It’s similar to having a personal shopper.”
– @twostylishkays
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“Always dress in a solid color, tight fitting pair of bike shorts or leggings and a tight fitting tank top. I always wear black. That way, you never have to wait in line for a dressing room. You just try the clothes on right in the aisle.”
– @styleforlessvegas
“Don’t be a brand hopper. Find things that you actually enjoy and works with your style. If you buy only because you see a brand you recognize, you’re more likely to skip over things you may actually enjoy and keep in your closet for years because it didn’t have a familiar tag on it.”
– @imnotjustintune
“Keep a running list of things you see on Pinterest or IG that you love. For example a pair of white jeans, a jean jacket, etc. This way when you thrift it’s not overwhelming and you know exactly what you’re looking for!”
– @thethriftinglemon
What are your top thrifting tips?
These tips are all SO good!! It’s so interesting how unique and great everyone’s tips are!
Really awesome! ??
Thanks Shayzon!
Awesome advice!
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
Thank you!! Loved hearing from the experts.
Great advice! I also love using Pinterest for inspiration!
http://www.NancyUgo.com
Yess!!! Pinterest is the best for inspo.