3 Tips for Thrift Shopping

It’s no secret that the fashion industry has done some detrimental damage to our environment. If you are able to avoid it, buying new should still be the last option. Getting clothing second-hand is the next best thing to only shopping sustainably. The truth is, everyone can’t afford to buy new stuff from sustainable, environmentally friendly brands. And that’s okay. We all do the work where we can to make a difference.

For those of you who can choose to shop more consciously, I encourage you to follow the three rules of conscious shopping. First, try borrowing what you are looking for. If you can’t borrow it, then thrift it. And if you can’t thrift, buy it from a sustainable or sustainably-minded brand with the environment in mind.

I have taken this advice for a good portion of my mid-twenties. I wasn’t always able to abide by this rule, but I’m in a better place than in college.I want to share my own tips for getting items secondhand. Whether that be clothes, shoes, or home decor, these tips can apply.

Know What You’re Looking For

My favorite thing to make is lists. I have lists for grocery shopping, hair shopping, and yes, even thrift shopping. To prevent yourself from overspending or getting overwhelmed, you need to make a list.

Look through your closet and think about what you need. Or if you have gained weight and need to replace items, look at what you really loved but can’t wear anymore. Make a list of everything you need for your wardrobe.

Don’t forget that no matter what, the most sustainable mindset is using what you already have.

This tip can also be applied to home decor or accessories. Let’s say you really love cross-body bags, but the one you’ve had is on its last leg. You can add a cross-body bag to the list of things you need. If you need a flower vase, add that to the list. Need coffee mugs? Add it to the list. Are you following me?

Know Thy Fabric 

The materials that make clothes aren’t what they used to be. In this day and age, many thrift stores get fast fashion leftovers, making it hard to find good quality pieces that will actually last. Knowing that many donated clothes still end up in landfills, I say if you find an item you like and will wear, you should still get it. Yes, even if it’s from a fast-fashion brand.

With that said, pay attention to what the items you are picking up are made of. I have found a lot of wool sweaters at thrift stores, but wool makes me itch. I know that I wouldn’t wear anything with wool, so I don’t buy it.

I enjoy linen the most, so that is a material I always venture towards when I go out. Think about the fabric of the item you are looking at. Will you be able to afford to get it dry cleaned if that’s what’s needed to take care of it properly? What are the cleaning instructions? How does the item feel? Will you wear this often?

Don’t go into shopping with the mindset “for when I’m skinny or lose weight.”

Know Your Fashion Style

I know that I am someone who values comfort over everything. I like a combination of street fashion and glamour. I enjoy pairing graphic tees with work slacks. I love crop tops and high-waisted bottoms. So these are things I venture towards. I don’t buy items I know don’t fit my personal style. And I definitely don’t buy things I’m not gonna wear. Knowing your style will help you stay in your lane.

Think about what you feel best in. What clothing items do you always gravitate towards in your closet? Personal style does evolve, and experimenting with style is excellent for self-expression. Just don’t get too carried away by walking out of the store with items that will only sit in your closet.

Don’t buy clothes you can’t fit. Don’t go into shopping with the mindset “for when I’m skinny or lose weight.” Not only are you taking away clothes from other people who may need them, but you are also doing yourself a disservice by not dressing the body you have now.

Thrifting can be very overwhelming, especially if you have never done it before. There are so many options that it can make your head spin. And sometimes, there are so few options that you can feel discouraged.

You are not alone; we have all been there. These tips will help you get started. Or remind you of what you can do in case you forget. Don’t forget that no matter what, the most sustainable mindset is using what you already have.

This article is not meant to encourage you to thrift shop. However, it is a good guide if you are going to. Please remember to be aware of what you pick up. Thrifting isn’t always size-inclusive, and bigger sizes are hard to come by for many people. Please be mindful of the items you choose and the sizes you obtain.

Happy thrifting :)

Socials:

---

---

---