5 Pro Tips For Thrift Shopping

An ultimate guide to effective thrifting or what to bear in mind when roaming the stores.
lifestyle · 4 min
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Black Friday bargains, Boxing day discounts, End of season sales, and many more prove how much we got used to getting our stuff for a better price. But what about the neverending wait we have to go through every time we find something we want but cannot afford at the time? 

What if I tell you, you can have the best deals available at any time of the year? Whenever you need something, you can have it without spending a lot of $$$. Sounds good? Try thrifting. 

Whether you are a newbie here or just trying to get a hold of it, check out these simple golden rules of thrifting that would make your next thrift store visit much easier. 

1. Not Every Day Is Your Day

When deciding to go to the thrift store it's important to not expect anything. It's really easy to give up thrifting after an initial disappointment of not finding that perfect pair of boyfriend jeans in semi-washed grey color that looked so great on that girl standing in front of you in the line to get the coffee.  

Brace yourself, the truth bomb coming, this will probably never happen. There is very little chance of finding such a specific piece of clothing in the thrift store. Setting our expectations low will prevent us from sorrow and help us enjoy the experience more.

TIP: Try to be less specific. Before going thrifting for something particular, think abstractedly. Focus just on the idea of potentially buying some nice jeans. Don't think about it too much, be open. You'd be surprised how your thrift store visit eventually ends up being the best purchase of your life. Sometimes, jeans, not necessarily, being a part of it. 

2. Don't Judge The Book By The Cover. Keep an open mind

Let's face it. Not everything you'll find in the thrift store would look like from a cover of a fancy magazine. Some clothes would be ugly. Some clothes might not be the right cup of tea for you and others would need a lot more than a needle and a thread to comply with your uniqueness. But finding the beauty and purpose in the things that had already been condemned by others is one of the most rewarding feelings. Believe me. 

TIP: Look at the clothes twice. Try to think about every item like it is the latest trend the world is obsessing about. The clothes I have refused to even look at the first time always turned out to be my favourite ones to wear in the end.  

3. Spend But Don't Waste Your Time

The best thing about thrift stores - their massive offer - may, at the same time, be detrimental. Just an idea of going through the racks and racks of clothes may be scary for some people and discourage them from even entering the thrift store. Time is a very scarce resource, don't waste it on something that might not be a benefit for you. Looking for hoodies and sweatshirts today? Don't roam the dress section. Yes, it's that easy. 

TIP: This one is for more experienced thrift shoppers. Love wearing oversized t-shirts tucked into your jeans? Men's t-shirt section is your go-to. I bet you probably already know where to find the best bits and pieces, right? Divide the store into your own sections and depending on your current needs, check those departments only.

4. Know your HOW? Learn your WHERE

Check out the stores in your neighborhood first. Be prepared that not every thrift store is the place of paradise. Some stores offer true gems. Some of them are better to avoid. Some of them are unnecessarily overpriced. Some of them might be worth taking a little drive to get there. 

5. Know your WHERE? Learn your WHEN

Despite having pretty much the same offer the whole year throughout all the seasons, it is important to know when you can truly secure the best shopping experience for you. From my experience, I wouldn't recommend thrifting for regular clothes in October, around Halloween, when the stores are usually packed with people looking for the right costume for their night.

And now, you are good to go.

Important note:

Sometimes even being prepared for everything is not enough when it comes to thrift stores.

You just never know what to expect and that's the beauty of it.

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Opinions and Perspectives

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Caleb_1993 commented Caleb_1993 3 years ago

The advice about keeping an open mind has completely changed how I shop.

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Willow_Symphony commented Willow_Symphony 3 years ago

I've started taking measurements of my favorite clothes to make thrifting easier.

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IoneX commented IoneX 3 years ago

My best finds always happen when I least expect them.

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Eva commented Eva 3 years ago

The article's right about thrift stores having different personalities. Each one is unique.

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Flourish-And_Thrive_101 commented Flourish-And_Thrive_101 3 years ago

I think the key is to go often but keep visits short and focused.

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Amelia-Claire commented Amelia-Claire 3 years ago

Anyone else feel like they're on a treasure hunt every time they go thrifting?

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Zoe_Waves commented Zoe_Waves 3 years ago

The seasonal shopping advice is helpful but I think it varies by location.

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CyberNinja commented CyberNinja 3 years ago

Been thrifting for years and still learn new tricks every time I go.

2
Vanessa_Light commented Vanessa_Light 3 years ago

I've found some amazing vintage pieces by thoroughly checking every section.

5
SoulAligned commented SoulAligned 3 years ago

The article's advice about being open-minded has led to some of my favorite purchases.

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Happiness-Hacks_07 commented Happiness-Hacks_07 3 years ago

Love how thrifting has made me more conscious about fast fashion and consumption.

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FutureDataX commented FutureDataX 3 years ago

Early weekday mornings are definitely the best time to find good stuff.

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Katherine_Star commented Katherine_Star 3 years ago

I've started following the one in, one out rule to keep my thrifted collection manageable.

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BiancaH commented BiancaH 3 years ago

The sizing tip about checking different sections is so helpful. Labels don't matter as much as fit.

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ClaraMoon commented ClaraMoon 3 years ago

Finding your perfect thrift store takes time. I tried six before finding my favorite.

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HealthyHabits_24 commented HealthyHabits_24 3 years ago

The article's right about managing expectations. I treat each visit like an adventure now.

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EleanorB commented EleanorB 3 years ago

I think the best approach is to go regularly but spend less time each visit.

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PurelyYou commented PurelyYou 3 years ago

Anyone notice how thrifting has become more popular lately? Stores are getting crowded.

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Blakely99 commented Blakely99 3 years ago

The tip about dividing the store into sections has saved me so much time.

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LimitlessGrowth commented LimitlessGrowth 3 years ago

I love how thrifting has made me more creative with mixing different styles.

2
Lara_Twilight commented Lara_Twilight 3 years ago

The article could have mentioned the importance of trying everything on.

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PhantomPulse commented PhantomPulse 3 years ago

My strategy is to grab first, decide later. You can always put things back.

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Nadia-Gordon commented Nadia-Gordon 3 years ago

I've learned to look at potential rather than current state. Some items just need minor alterations.

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Renee_Sky commented Renee_Sky 3 years ago

Anyone else check the bins section? That's where I find the real treasures.

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Littleton_Lines commented Littleton_Lines 4 years ago

The advice about focusing on specific sections is helpful for beginners who feel overwhelmed.

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RetroDimension commented RetroDimension 4 years ago

I think persistence is key. Some of my best finds came after months of regular visits.

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LucySanders commented LucySanders 4 years ago

Finding beauty in overlooked items is so rewarding. Rescued a 'ugly' jacket that's now my favorite.

1
Hope-Patrick commented Hope-Patrick 4 years ago

The article's right about some stores being worth the drive. I travel 30 minutes to my favorite spot.

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Delaney-Webster commented Delaney-Webster 4 years ago

Been thrifting for years and still get excited every time I walk in. You never know what you'll find.

1
Macy_Doodles commented Macy_Doodles 4 years ago

I disagree about avoiding certain seasons. Every day is different in thrift stores.

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RetroEcho commented RetroEcho 4 years ago

The tip about being less specific really changed my thrifting game completely.

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Courtney-Garcia commented Courtney-Garcia 4 years ago

True about the men's section. Same goes for the women's section for guys looking for oversized fits.

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AlignAndShine commented AlignAndShine 4 years ago

I've found that going during off-peak hours yields the best results.

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NicoleFisher commented NicoleFisher 4 years ago

The article should have mentioned how to clean thrifted items properly.

1
PowerOfNow commented PowerOfNow 4 years ago

Anyone else feel like they're doing a workout while thrifting? Those racks are heavy!

1
Miriam_Cunningham commented Miriam_Cunningham 4 years ago

Learning when stores restock has been game-changing for my thrifting success.

2
Rubin_Report commented Rubin_Report 4 years ago

I've started a thrift journal to track which stores have the best stuff for different items.

0
LucasParker commented LucasParker 4 years ago

The article's spot on about different stores having different specialties.

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Dreher_Digest commented Dreher_Digest 4 years ago

My best finds have been in stores that looked the most chaotic from the outside.

5
NoraFisher commented NoraFisher 4 years ago

I appreciate the honest advice about not finding specific items. Took me a while to learn that lesson.

2
Mindful-Decluttering_07 commented Mindful-Decluttering_07 4 years ago

The tip about thinking abstractly really works. I went looking for a blue shirt and found an amazing green dress.

5
ElizaH commented ElizaH 4 years ago

Sometimes I find the best stuff in the section that's opposite to my usual style.

2
SophieMorgan commented SophieMorgan 4 years ago

I've found designer pieces for pennies because I always check every section thoroughly.

5
Cora_Morgan commented Cora_Morgan 4 years ago

The article should have mentioned checking different neighborhoods. Each area has different kinds of donations.

2
Eric_1995 commented Eric_1995 4 years ago

Anyone try thrifting furniture? That's a whole different adventure.

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VortexRider commented VortexRider 4 years ago

I think timing is everything. Early morning right after they put out new stock is the best.

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JulietteBell commented JulietteBell 4 years ago

The article's right about some stores being overpriced. I've seen items marked higher than retail!

6
Stargazer101 commented Stargazer101 4 years ago

Being open-minded has definitely improved my thrifting success rate. I've discovered styles I never thought I'd wear.

5
William-Joseph commented William-Joseph 4 years ago

Anyone else notice certain days have better selections? My store restocks on Wednesdays.

0
JessicaL commented JessicaL 4 years ago

I love how thrifting forces you to be creative with your style choices.

5
Aurora_Carter commented Aurora_Carter 4 years ago

The tip about avoiding October is interesting. I've actually found it's a great time for formal wear.

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SuttonH commented SuttonH 4 years ago

I'm still learning to keep an open mind. Sometimes I get stuck on finding exact things I've seen online.

2
Healing-Haven_888 commented Healing-Haven_888 4 years ago

The article could have mentioned how to spot valuable vintage pieces. That's a whole skill in itself.

1
Wholehearted_Living_555 commented Wholehearted_Living_555 4 years ago

I think it depends on location too. City thrift stores seem to have different selections than suburban ones.

4
Barrett_Bulletin commented Barrett_Bulletin 4 years ago

Anyone else spend way too much time in the accessories section? I always find amazing vintage jewelry.

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Belloni_Blog commented Belloni_Blog 4 years ago

The men's section tip is spot on. Found my favorite oversized blazer there last month.

4
Meditation-Moments_01 commented Meditation-Moments_01 4 years ago

I've started taking pictures of great finds that don't fit me and sharing them with friends. We help each other thrift!

5
Happiness_Unlocked_07 commented Happiness_Unlocked_07 4 years ago

My strategy is to go every week. The inventory changes so frequently you never know what you'll find.

7
MindfulBeauty commented MindfulBeauty 4 years ago

The article's right about being less specific. I've found better alternatives to what I originally wanted.

4
AmberLuxe commented AmberLuxe 4 years ago

I actually love the Halloween season for thrifting. People donate such interesting pieces then.

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Joshua commented Joshua 4 years ago

True about not getting discouraged. My first few trips were disappointing but now I always find something good.

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FrankieT commented FrankieT 4 years ago

Learning your local stores is key. I've mapped out which ones have the best selections for different items.

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Bessie_Blossom commented Bessie_Blossom 4 years ago

I wish they'd talked about seasonal rotations. My local store puts winter clothes out in July!

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Mindful_Munchies_2024 commented Mindful_Munchies_2024 4 years ago

The best finds are usually when I'm not looking for anything specific. Just browsing with an open mind.

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Tasha99 commented Tasha99 4 years ago

I think the article should have mentioned the environmental benefits of thrifting too.

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BreatheDeeply commented BreatheDeeply 4 years ago

Anyone else notice prices going up at thrift stores lately? Some items are getting pretty expensive.

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AndrewWatson commented AndrewWatson 4 years ago

I've actually had great luck finding specific items. Maybe I'm just patient enough to keep going back?

2
Joyful_Journey_88 commented Joyful_Journey_88 4 years ago

The tip about dividing the store into sections is brilliant. It's helped me become much more efficient.

2
Jolene-Black commented Jolene-Black 4 years ago

Not every store is created equal. I've got three in my area and each has its own personality and price points.

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Matt_2001 commented Matt_2001 4 years ago

My local thrift store has the best selection of vintage jeans. Anyone else notice certain stores specialize in particular items?

1
Holistic_Eats_333 commented Holistic_Eats_333 4 years ago

You're absolutely right about keeping expectations low. I went looking for a specific dress once and left with amazing vintage boots instead!

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Sophia-Noelle commented Sophia-Noelle 4 years ago

I find early mornings on weekdays are the best time to go. Much less crowded and better selection.

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SilentGuardianX commented SilentGuardianX 4 years ago

The article missed mentioning checking for quality. I always inspect seams and fabrics carefully.

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SimoneL commented SimoneL 4 years ago

Totally agree about not wasting time. I used to browse every section but now I'm much more strategic about it.

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Eloise_Sunset commented Eloise_Sunset 4 years ago

Sometimes I struggle with the 'don't expect anything specific' rule. It's hard when you have something particular in mind.

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Moyers_Media commented Moyers_Media 4 years ago

Great advice about checking the men's section for oversized shirts. I've been doing this for years and it's my favorite hack.

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DeclutterAndThrive commented DeclutterAndThrive 4 years ago

I actually disagree with the tip about avoiding October shopping. I've found some of my best regular pieces during Halloween season when everyone else is focused on costumes.

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Carla_Lavish commented Carla_Lavish 4 years ago

Does anyone else feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of clothes? I spend hours in there sometimes!

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Rosalie-Weiss commented Rosalie-Weiss 4 years ago

The part about not judging clothes by first impressions really resonates with me. I've found some amazing pieces that I initially walked past.

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Aspen_Starlit commented Aspen_Starlit 4 years ago

I love thrifting! It's like a treasure hunt every time I go. The article's tip about keeping an open mind is so true.

1
Woodruff_Worldview commented Woodruff_Worldview 4 years ago

Not sure I agree about setting low expectations. I think having a wishlist helps focus your search, even if you end up finding different things.

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Align_Your_Soul commented Align_Your_Soul 4 years ago

My best thrift store find was a designer bag for $12. Sometimes you just get lucky!

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SamaraX commented SamaraX 4 years ago

The part about not judging items at first glance is so true. I've found some incredible pieces that looked terrible on the hanger but amazing when tried on.

7
CyberHunterX commented CyberHunterX 4 years ago

I never thought about checking the men's section for oversized shirts. That's brilliant! Going to try that this weekend.

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TechWanderer commented TechWanderer 4 years ago

Really wish they'd mentioned something about checking for stains and damages. That's crucial for thrift shopping success.

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DominicStone commented DominicStone 4 years ago

I actually disagree with the point about avoiding October shopping. I've found some great regular pieces during that time, you just need to go early in the morning.

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QuantumLegend commented QuantumLegend 4 years ago

The tip about not being too specific really resonates with me. I went looking for a specific red dress once and left with an amazing leather jacket instead.

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VivianJ commented VivianJ 4 years ago

I love how this article breaks down thrift shopping into manageable tips. I've always been intimidated by the massive racks of clothing!

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