A Guide to Thrift Shopping for the Future Rich

We’ve already established thrift shopping is the superior way to shop. Now I’m here to give you a guide to thrift shopping for the frugal newbie who’s nervous about the secondhand threads. It can definitely be overwhelming when you first walk into a thrift shop – the only mannequins around are in the windows, if there’s any at all, and there’s no one design that spans several sizes. There’s also that air of mystery surrounding it, since you never quite know what to expect as you peruse the long racks. Here’s some direction for when you take that plunge to improve your wealth and carbon footprint.

Visit All Your Nearby Thrift Stores

Similar to grocery stores, you don’t know starting out which thrift shop generally offers what. Odds are you’ll find some are awesome and some are not so great; some have great prices, some are (stupidly) comparable to department store prices. Figure out which ones are ones you like that are worth shopping at. This also goes for what thrift stores support the causes you’re into. I’ve heard bad things about Salvation Army so I don’t shop there, for example. Others like Goodwill do great work and I’m all over them.

Pro tip: if you live in an urban area, it’s worth it to scope out the thrift stores that are either in or next to the rich-people areas. This is because not only will all the rich folk drop off their super-nice clothes at that conveniently-located donation place, but there’s also less competition for these nice threads.

My favorite thrift store is actually one within walking distance from my house, and, subsequently, only a ten-minute drive from the multimillion-dollar homes. If I’m not at home or out with friends on a Saturday morning, that’s exactly where you’ll find me. Likely knee-deep in the $2 rack or the $2 bookshelves.

Know What You Want

Make a list of things you want; it helps prevent you getting lost in the weeds of clothes you don’t actually need. With that said, don’t get too specific on what you’re looking for; odds are you won’t find it. When I say “specific,” I mean very narrow parameters like “Calvin Klein red blazer with wide shoulders in a size small”. No. Go for more like “nice shirt for work” or “pants that make my butt look nice”. You might find what you want, you might not. That is up to the thrift gods, who may choose to generous or may choose to only give you weird early-2000s ironic shirts.

Don’t Buy What You Don’t Need

What’s cool about thrift shopping is that it’s like a scavenger hunt – there’s more challenge to it than regular clothes shopping. You do have to think more and consider what you want out of it. This thinking can go off the rails if you’re not familiar with the bargain prices, and first-time thrifters risk going crazy and buying clothes they’re not actually going to wear regularly. Just because it’s cheaper doesn’t mean you should go on a spending spree. Only buy what looks good on you, what feels comfortable, and that you’re actually excited to wear. Otherwise don’t bother.

Explore ALL Parts of the Store

This is my biggest pro tip, especially for the ladies: don’t just stay in the section tailored to your gender! There can be the perfect clothing pieces in the opposite section that are perfect for you. A lot of my pants, for example, are from the men’s section because those fit my longer legs. I’m five-foot-nine, which Google tells me is REALLY FUCKIN TALL for a woman. Most women’s clothes aren’t made to fit my proportions, but not so for men’s! Google also tells me the average height for dudes is also 5’9”, which helps me out a lot finding nice work pants.

Learn How to Spot Quality

Look for quality pieces, else those bargain prices aren’t worth it. You want the most bang for your buck, and it doesn’t take long to learn your way around quality. For example, a small rip or a loose button isn’t necessarily cause for concern. Both are easy sewing fixes that take five minutes tops. You do, however, need to ensure these fixable imperfections won’t become a regular occurrence. Check that the fabric isn’t thin or threadbare before purchasing.

If you’re unsure how to find a quality piece ask yourself questions as you examine it:

• Does it feel stretched out, or does it retain its shape well?
• Is the stitching straight and even?
• Does it feel nice to the touch?
• Do you like the style and colors?

Then you should really try it on: does it flatter your body shape? Does it pinch you? Is it too tight or too loose? Some of these are basic clothing questions; they’re still worth the ask.

You also want to go for natural fabrics (cotton, linen, or silk) over synthetic (polyester, rayon, acrylic, whatever). Pay attention to what your clothes are made out of because that might mean it needs different laundry care. For my wool pieces I need to make sure to lay them on a table to dry instead of hanging them. For my silk pieces I need to wash them in a special bag, and also to wash them separately from my light-colored clothes. Silk WILL bleed out on your clothes and it WILL take a couple of careful washes to get out. Ask me how I know.

Take Your Time, But Be Quick About It

You’ll have to spend TIME in the thrift store to get the most out of it. Everything is clean, likely cleaner than department store fabrics, so don’t get weird about going through previously-owned threads. I normally block out a couple of hours to thrift shop, just to be sure I’m really looking over everything that’s in stock and not missing anything.

This is needed because every piece in there is one of a kind. Therefore, if you like it, scoop it up now so no one else will take that from you. I have never felt such rage as when some very nice lady got the books I was eyeing but neglected to grab. Alternatively, I was once cornered in the thrift store by a guy who wasn’t pleased I nabbed an art book before he bought it. Timing is the name of the game, as is luck. Make sure you take advantage before someone else does.

BE DECENT

This is a tip for shopping in general, but too many people seem to have forgotten this part of the social contract. Don’t leave clothes off their hangers and sections messed up. If you drop a shirt or something, pick it up. Don’t be nasty to other people in the thrift shop, either. Thrift stores are doing good things, reducing fashion waste and contributing to charities on top of that. Don’t mess up a good thing like that.

Keep Building Your Experience

Finally, keep at thrifting. The first time or two you might not find anything you consider worth buying, which is perfectly fine. Not every trip will bear fruit anyway, especially when you’re starting out and unsure yet what to expect. Once you get used to it, you become a well-oiled fashion machine that plows ruthlessly and efficiently through the proffered options.

Some people have rules about what NEVER to buy at thrift stores, such as swimsuits and shoes. I say use your best judgment and go for whatever will keep making you happy. You can be brave if you want. I won’t judge.

How comprehensive was this guide to thrift shopping? Does this make it seem more accessible now?