5 Essential Tips for Thrifting Newbies

1. Walk in Knowing What You Want

While there’s no harm in browsing, the thrift store aisles stuffed full of knick knacks can be overwhelming if you walk in without a plan. Before I head out to my favorite thrift stores, I like to make a list of specific items to search for. Plan out if you are looking for something to pair with your Seattle Pack and Washington Waistpack, for example.

Whatever you have on your list, make sure to jot it down in a journal or your phone’s notes app before you make your way to the second-hand store. Creating a list gives you a goal—and helps you spend less on random items you don’t need. 

2. Prep Ahead & Try Stuff On

When I shop at the thrift store, I always try every item on. Many stores don’t have a return policy, so you need to be sure you definitely want to buy the items before you leave with a little less cash in your wallet. 

While most second-hand stores have dressing rooms, keep in mind that some do not. For this reason, I always come prepared. I wear a thin tank top and leggings so I can try on things over the outfit I walked in with, right there in the aisles. When it’s cold out, I also wear layers that I can store in my roomy Right Pack as I’m trying stuff on. 

You can often find a mirror to check out the ‘fit without stepping foot into a changing room. A large backpack is my favorite thrifting companion—not only will it hold my layers, but it can also fit whatever pieces I pick up so I’m not stuck carrying an extra, unnecessary bag all day! Good for the environment too, huh?

3. Take Your Time

Don’t miss out on something incredible by speeding through the racks. When I head to the thrift store, I do my best to look at as many things that catch my eye as possible. Always set aside a good chunk of time for your thrifting excursion. I like to take at least three hours to peruse the racks. And I look for ways to keep myself cool, calm and collected while doing so, to minimize the overwhelm.

Note that thrift stores sometimes aren’t as organized as other retailers. Don’t just look at one particular section, because something could be hiding among others. Time is key for any thrift-store shopper. 

4. Bring Your Friends

An honest second opinion goes a long way. I love thrifting with my friends—they can help me make the call on whether an item is right for me. This helps me cull any impulse buys. Plus, shopping at second-hand stores with friends helps me pick up thrifting tips I didn’t know, because everyone brings their own perspective.

Shopping with friends makes the experience even more fun. You can pull out hilariously ugly sweaters to gawk at together, have a fashion show in the dressing room, or hype each other up when you find an item that would work so well on you. 

5. Focus on Quality

Second-hand stores can be treasure troves—but you sometimes have to sift through a bunch of “meh” items to find the hidden gems. On my thrift excursions, I spend a lot of time examining each item for quality before I decide to bring it up to the checkout counter. 

Make sure the item you’re interested in isn’t broken, pilling or doesn’t have any little holes. That means looking over the item with a fine-toothed comb. Check for stains and always look for discoloration around the armpits and neck, or dots of coffee and ketchup on sleeves or down the front. 

Thrifting gives you the opportunity to get high-end finds at a fraction of the price. When I find something I love, I always check the tags for the brand. If I don’t know of it already, I’ll pull out my phone and do a quick Google search to find out how much of a deal I’m getting. 

What thrifting tips do you follow when you visit a second-hand store?