Thrift Shopping Tips for Beginners

We share essential tips to help you shop secondhand like an expert in our Go to Guide to Thrifting, which includes this story. 

Continue reading if you have always been interested in thrift stores and want to know how to get the most out of your first visit.

regardless of your location or the kind of item you are searching for. These insights will undoubtedly position you for success.

Thrift shopping isn’t about finding more clothes — it’s about finding better ones. The right piece tells a story, lasts longer, and brings far more value than fast fashion ever could.

– Amelia Harper, Sustainable Fashion Expert

Make the right timing

Weekend thrift store shopping typically entails navigating a large number of customers and more shabby racks. 

Early in the week, around the time the store opens, is when I like to visit the most. 

The majority of stores release new merchandise every day, but some have sales or special days for new merchandise, which may also help you plan your time.

Keep to your list

Gather some ideas for the clothing you wish to purchase. (I enjoy using boards on Pinterest.) 

Perhaps you have a capsule closet or a particular uniform. You may be aware of the colors that suit you the best and choose to stick with them. Additionally, you might favor particular fabrics or brands. Make a note of the things you want to add to your wardrobe and search for them.

Speaking of sizes, do not pay too much attention to the figures

Put items on. Brands differ greatly in size, and sizes have evolved over time. Even if something is not marked as your size, it might still fit you perfectly.

Do not let the labels or prices overwhelm you

Make sure to quickly but thoroughly check each item for discoloration, holes, tears, or pilling. 

These do not have to be deal breakers, but if you know you are not the type to sew and you purchase something with the hazy hope of fixing it later, you might want to pass on it rather than putting something on your closet floor that you never use. 

Additionally, if at all possible, try it on before purchasing.

Move out of your regular section

Avoid concentrating on just one area of the store. Frequently, people leave perfectly good items in the incorrect section or mislabel. 

Look for good clothing that someone chose to leave behind on racks outside of dressing rooms or at the ends of the rows. 

Additionally, look for racks of brand new clothing that have not been put on the rack yet; there are typically a lot of treasures to be found there as well.

Touch the textiles

Sometimes it is easy to spot low quality products, even if they cost more than they would if you were buying them new. 

High quality textiles tend to have a slightly thicker texture or heavier weight. Examine the care tags, which are typically located on the collar’s back or the lower side seam. 

Natural textiles, such as cotton, silk, linen, or a combination, are typically of higher quality. I recently found a high-end brand of jogger pants that were mislabeled and ended up costing less thanks to this tip.

Take your time

Unless you know exactly what you are looking for and where to find it (for example, a white t-shirt), it is best to go when you have more than five minutes. 

Examine each rack individually, item by item, or, if you are aware of the colors or patterns that appeal to you, only look at clothing that fits those descriptions. 

“Successful thrifting is less about luck and more about strategy. Go in with a plan, trust your instincts, and let quality guide you — that’s how you discover timeless treasures.”

— Evelyn Brooks, Vintage Style Curator

Conclusion

Shopping at thrift stores can be very enjoyable and fulfilling. When it is so simple and convenient to purchase something cheaply and dubiously made instead, I find that it is usually a good idea to take a little longer and occasionally leave empty-handed.