Thrifting 101: 5 Tips You Need to Know!
- Katie Hajjar
- Apr 15, 2016
- 2 min read

Thrifting isn’t easy. Whether you’ve been at it for years or are just starting out, these pointers will come in handy during your next thrifting spree. So without further introduction, here are 5 tips you need to know!
1. Thrift Often
The more you thrift, the more chances there are that you will find something good. Thrift shops have to keep making room for new donations, so expect different sales and items every week. With that being said, it’s smart to visit your local shop once a week or every other week. If you make frequent visits, you’ll soon find yourself becoming familiar with their inventory, making it easier for you to notice when something new has been added. So keep your eye on that cute top you’ve been seeing the last couple visits. It may go on sale next week. Remember that patience and persistence are key.
2. Make a List
Fill the gaps in your wardrobe by taking inventory of your own closet before heading out. Find out what you need and what you don’t. Of course, you’ll have to start out with the essentials (garments that go with anything such as jeans, plain tops, jackets) before looking for unique pieces. Keeping track of what you already own can be easier with virtual closet apps or your simple phone gallery.
3. Use Your Imagination
Stop right there! Before placing that item back on the rack and writing it off as ugly, think about how many ways you can wear it. In a thrift store, you know it won’t be that easy to find it again next time, so why not give it a closer look. Hold onto it while you shop and think about it later or when you find a mirror. Does it have potential? Don’t be so quick to judge because it may be worth it after all.
4. Know When to Walk Away
It’s perfectly fine to walk away empty-handed. Sometimes, you just have to accept that it wasn’t your lucky day and have hope that you’ll score big next time. A mistake many shoppers make is convincing themselves that their trip was a waste of time and that they need to buy something. Know when to walk away to avoid hoarding/ending up with a bunch of cheap crap you’ll never use.
5. Donate!
It goes towards a good cause and you can finally clean out your closet and have an excuse to get rid of that hideous sweater your grandma gave you last Christmas, creating more space for new clothes. It’s a win-win situation. Also, donating goes hand-in-hand with tip #4. To avoid feeling like you just wasted your time, bring a bag of clothes, books, knick-knacks, etc., so at least you can say you had something to do.
Σχόλια