I’ve been thrift-store shopping for as long as I can remember.

It all started when I was little… my mom and Nana always shopped at thrift stores because it was budget-friendly. I remember thrift shopping still in my teen years, only then it wasn’t cool yet so I kept it a secret. I once had a confrontation with a neighborhood girl who teased me about my clothing regularly. This particular case was because I had worn the same pair of jeans twice in one week, she assumed they had not been washed (she was correct). “You need to throw those jeans in the washing machine. You’re DIRTY!” she yelled at me from across the culdesac. That was my first experience of someone judging me by my clothing. At the time, it sent the message to me that in order to fit in, I needed the trendiest clothing and couldn’t repeat an outfit.

Screw that mentality!

Flash forward a dozen or more years and I’m happy to say that I outgrew that mentality a long, long time ago. In my early twenties, long before I became eco-conscious, I continued second-hand shopping. However, I now approach it with a completely different mindset. I try to keep a list of items I need or want and not overconsume. I also try to buy things that will last and are preferably natural materials, but that’s not a total dealbreaker.

Why buy secondhand?

Environmental impact

Buying things that ready in use reduces waste and pollution. That means one less new product manufactured. Producing synthetic fibers like polyester requires lots of energy, as well as crude oil. Sadly, pesticides used on most plants mean that even cotton and linen garments ca have a negative impact. Transportation-related pollution also decreases when clothing is re-used, as new clothes are much more likely to travel long distances before being sold. Rather than their second-hand counterparts.

Social impact

Thrift stores make it easier to know where your money is going. If you by something new from a giant corporation an want to learn more about that item, you’d have to trace the brand back to the corporation behind it, the assembly factories used by the corporation, their textile providers, and those textile providers’ raw materials suppliers—at a bare minimum. That’s not to mention other questions like: is the farmer using environmentally responsible methods? Was your seamstress of legal working age, paid a fair wage to work in a safe factory? Is the corporation behind it the kind you want to support?

There are many reasons to buy secondhand and these are just a few.

Thrifting has become such a way of life for me that I sometimes forget there are people who have yet to succumb to its charms. Since I think that secondhand shopping is one of the most morally responsible ways to shop, it seems fitting to share my favorite tips.

The Selection of Secondhand

Thrift Store or Charity Shops

You might find this setting to be a bit chaotic to navigate through. Depending on where you go you may find some really awesome pieces that are pretty unique and they are great if you have a sixth sense, like to hunt, and are willing to get creative.

Consignment Shops

This is a store that sells secondhand items on behalf of the original owner, who receives a percentage of the price after the item has sold. You can list your items for sale and make a few bucks too. These shops are typically higher in price than a charity or donation style shop. You may find higher-end or designer items here as well.

Buy, Sell, Trade “Swap Shops”

This is a really cool idea and reminds me of going to GameStop with my brother years ago. These shops allow you to bring in clothing to sell or trade for store credit (a bit like consignment). You may need to be ready to do some digging at these shops, but they make it easy to rotate your closet if you like to mix things up. You may also find online groups with the same concept.

Online Secondhand

Because everything is online, now you can secondhand shop too. Did you know that you can shop Goodwill online? But don’t forget the increasing number of shops like Threadup, Etsy, and Poshmark.

Pro Secrets to Secondhand Shopping

Give yourself plenty of time to shop

As in make a day of it or block off a little time to avoid panic. If possible, leave the kids at home.

Have a plan and know what you need

I like to keep a Pinterest board of the things that I am looking for. Many times, I find that I don’t truly need an item right away and can typically find it second hand if I’m patient. I may not find exactly what you want the first time around, but I’m always happy when I finally do.

Stick to what you know

Learn what colors, cuts, and shapes work with your body type. This will avoid buying anything unnecessary and also make the search a little easier. A lot of stores have their clothes arranged by color so knowing that you need a blue shirt will come in handy.

Sizes are a lie… well, unregulated.

It never matters if I buy something new or used, as far as clothing goes, my size is all over the place. Often, an item is donated or sold to a secondhand store because the fit might be off, so keep an open mind. Vintage sizes are usually 4-6 sizes smaller than what we expect today. And, learn your European size. If you have a favorite dress or pants that fit perfect, check the label for the European size. I al always keep a measuring tape in my bag.

Don’t create unnecessary waste

I hate to say it, but trends can create waste. So even if you want to shop sustainably, don’t overconsume just to keep up. Buy what you love and will love for a long time. And, let’s be strong in the face of nostalgia… You really don’t have a use for that cabbage patch doll that looks just like the one you had in first grade.

Learn markers of quality

The basics:

• Hardwood furniture is of better quality and will last longer than a veneer. Hardwood will have the same grain all the way through, and furniture with a veneer will be made of plywood or particleboard on the inside and feel less porous. It’s also wicked heavy.
• Natural materials are more expensive, regardless if it’s furniture or clothing, so when you see natural materials, you’re looking at a higher quality piece usually.
• Lining in clothing means it’s a higher quality item of clothing.
• A woven, not printed, tag in a piece of clothing means it’s a more expensive brand.
• 100%-leather shoes will have a mark on the sole and the words “vero curo.” Shoes that are leather but have a rubber sole will be marked “leather upper.”

Insider tip: Use Label Resource to find out more about your vintage clothing.

The tailor is your new best friend

Don’t be afraid to have something tailored to fit you perfectly or have it mended if it is otherwise in great shape. For just a few dollars any local tailor can repair most clothing problems and can make your clothing custom to fit you. Shoes are worth repairing too.

Know when to shop

• Don’t shop on Saturday — shop Wednesday instead for the best selection.
• Ask when your thrift store restocks so you can choose the best day to shop.
• Shop offseason. Or shop January and Springtime when people are usually cleaning out.

Get a discount

• Check for any military, senior or service discounts. Our local store offered a discount to teachers and parents for back to school.
• Some stores have a color of tag or a special colored bag that goes on sale each week on the same day.
• Sign up for the email mailing list or texts.
• Ask if your store has an app.

The change of Seasons rule

I find the best stuff when the seasons change because everyone wants to declutter. But don’t forget to shop off-season for clothes. I have the best luck finding wool sweaters in June.

Harness the power of the internet

• Next time you want to find a new thrift store in your area, or anywhere else, just enter the zip code on thethriftshopper.com.
• Maybe that awesome vintage teacup caught your eye but you want to know a little more about it? Try looking it up online. Sometimes sellers will list similar items with descriptions on Etsy or eBay.

Don’t Be a Hoarder

Thrifting is a slippery slope to go from ‘collector’ to ‘hoarder’. So, before you buy something at a thrift store, make sure that you have a use for it. Don’t fall into the “one day, someday” trap of buying an item for a house that you will one day have or a dress for the party you plan to attend someday.

Know your charity

This is so important as a conscious consumer. Some thrift stores are run for profit and some for charity. Knowing who sponsors the store might provide valuable insight or incentive to buy from specific stores. Most thrift stores exist to raise money to support their organization’s missions.

Here’s what a few popular thrift stores in the states support:

• Goodwill: This depends on the area but usually includes workforce development.
• Salvation Army: Offers shelter, food, job training, and Christian guidance.
• Savers is a for-profit store but they have great sustainability incentives and support charities as well.
• Many thrift stores are also run by churches and veterans’ groups; their goals are usually pretty self-evident.
• Run an Ecosia search with your zip code and the words “charity shop”. You will likely be able to find a few smaller shops that support local charities.

Get creative

One of the fun things about secondhand is thinking outside the box. Something as repurposing a plate and a candle holder to make a cake stand can ignite creativity! A waste-basket can hold a plant, suitcases can stack into a side table, etc.

Give back

Don’t forget to drop off the things you no longer use or need when you’re at the thrift store! But, please don’t use this as an excuse to overconsume. Often times items that cannot be resold get sent to other countries to deal with.

Try things on

The dressing room gives you the chance to get a good look at an item. Give it a good once over and inspect it for broken zippers, runs in the fabric, pulls, or any stains. Not that these are deal breakers but you want to be sure that the item is worth the investment to have it repaired. An alternative is to wear a long maxi skirt so you can try things under your dress if there is no dressing room.

Bring a bag

Because you just spent all this time saving the world by being a super freaking amazing pro secondhand shopper, don’t forget to bring a reusable bag. And, make sure it is a really big one for all your thrifty finds.

 

I’m always on the hunt for thrifty tips. Did I miss anything? What is your favorite tip for secondhand shopping?