How to Thrift Shop Like a Pro

Discover expert tips, tricks, and must-know strategies for scoring hidden gems while navigating thrift stores like a seasoned pro!

By Ingrid Butler
Published on February 2, 2024
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by Adobestock/Lubo Ivanko

Unlock the secrets of savvy shopping with our guide on how to thrift shop like a pro! Make the most of your trip to the thrift store with these tips, ideas, and inspiration.

Thrift stores can be an amazing place to find bargains of all kinds, from the practical to the whimsical. One of my favorite finds is an authentic 1980s Gunne Sax prom dress. It’s wispy, floor-length, and ethereal–now if I only had an event to wear it to! I have a friend who collects dinner plates with cats on them and jello molds. You can imagine my surprise to see his jello mold of Queen Elizabeth II.

Most of my finds are far more practical, though: shirts, jeans, skirts, and even a cute pair of shoes. Some clothes fit well off the rack, while others I have to make small alterations to. Adjusting thrifted clothing to fit you can be a great place to start your sewing journey.

Thrifting is also environmentally friendly. According to Walter Leal Filho et al. in the academic journal Frontiers in Environmental Science, the textile industry is estimated to contribute 8 percent to 10 percent of global carbon emissions and 20 percent of the global wastewater. Thrifting clothing can help reduce this impact by prolonging the lifespan of clothing, instead of sending it to the landfill.

If this is your first time in a thrift store, check out Chad Sophia Suiter’s tips to maximize your experience and your finds. Suiter recommends deciding ahead of time which thrift stores to visit, knowing the size of your living space if shopping for furniture, having a friend tag along, sticking to your budget by carrying cash for your purchases, picking items that speak to you and your personal style, and going during off-hours. Furthermore, you may wish to pass up items that are stained or heavily damaged. A small tear can be repaired; a structural issue may take more effort that you’re willing to put in. Personally, I also always wash clothing items before adding them to my closet; you always want to avoid bringing in moth eggs or other potential pests.

Mary Ekstrand offers more specialized tips for enjoying ethical fashion by thrifting clothing. She got into thrifting as a way to offset the cost of her children’s clothing, and eventually began to think of the process as akin to a “lending library” situation; she’d purchase thrifted clothing and keep a bag of unused clothing or household items to donate when she went back to the thrift store. She recommends purchasing seasonal clothing at the beginning of the season, rather than the end. That way, the racks will still be full of relevant items. Take your time while thrifting: Finding that perfect piece may take a bit of time. And lastly, sometimes you’ve got to ignore all the thrifting “rules” when you find that ideal piece. She recounts how she found a raincoat that’s served her well, despite the general rule to avoid used rain gear.

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