How to Grab the Best Finds at the Thrift Store
Tips and tricks for a successful thrift trip!
With sustainability at the forefront of everyone’s minds in the fashion industry, thrifting has become a sensation, not only among those economically conscious shoppers, but also those concerned with the negative effects of fashion waste. The growth of fast fashion, and the industry as a whole has become one of the biggest contributors to these negative effects. Thrifting is one of the best ways to help us work towards that circular fashion system we are striving to achieve. However rewarding thrifting can be, it also has its challenges when it comes to sifting through the less desirable pieces, to find the true gems that can be hidden within. It must be thought of as a treasure hunt- sometime’s grueling work, but if you know where to look, the treasure that is uncovered will be worth the trouble.
Fuel up!~
The first step to a successful thrift trip is your preparation. Fuel up with a good meal, and an energizing vanilla cream cold brew from your local coffee shop, and get ready to work. If you walk in with only a few minutes to look around, chances are you might fall short in your endeavors. Plan to go when you have plenty of time to browse and really filter through and investigate each rack. It's usually in between the cracks where the best pieces are hiding. It is also important to know that some days are better than others. Some days have more newly brought in merchandise that has not been picked over yet, while others can just feel like it missed the ball. No matter how badly you want a successful haul, it can not be forced, so not pushing it is key.
Know your brands!~
Walking into a thrift store with a good knowledge of the best brands and designers will help you to find those pieces that feel like a steal. Many people each day pass over a piece with high value, and not even know it. This tip is especially important when thrifting with the intent to resell on your depop or poshmark. Knowing when you find those luxury brands, makes it that much more exciting when you walk up to the register with all your treasures. While looking out for name brands is important, do not overlook the random unknowns that could surprise you by being perfectly stylish in their own quirky way. There is so much within a thrift store that is unique and special that will not easily be found anywhere else. Keeping a lookout for those pieces, and what you are attracted to is key to finding some fun new additions to your wardrobe!
The best racks to hit!~
There are certain areas of the thrift store that produce more trending pieces if you know where to look for them. First is the men’s section. This is where you will find all of the best crisp button downs that are everywhere right now. This section will also be full of comfortable, and trending name brand sweatshirts and sweatpants. Adidas, Nike, Champion, these should be abundant in the mens section of a thrift store. Next, as odd as it may seem, do not overlook the pajama section. Now this section is not to be visited with the intent to pick up a pair of fuzzy Hello Kitty pj pants ( although you can find these here too if that’s what you're into). This is the section but where all of the silky slip dresses will live. Silk and satin nightgowns and sleep tops are some of the hottest items to wear on a memorable night out, or with a pair of sneakers and a classic tee over top for a casual brunch date. These dresses can be found at all of the trending stores like Zara, Urban outfitters, and Princess Polly, but for triple the price. The PJ section is the thrift stores best kept secret and should never be overlooked. Lastly, the women’s denim section will be full of those vintage levi’s that everyone is searching high and low for. The struggle for a good pair of denim jeans is an endless fight. Luckily the thrift store is loaded with them, worn in, with the added benefit of feeling like you’ve had them forever.
If you wonder how some people have the magic touch when it comes to thrifting, it’s because they know and use tips and tricks like these. If you have been wanting to try thrifting, but are overwhelmed with the abundance, and don’t know where to start, there is an easy solution. Grab your coffee head out with this list of top secret inside information, and see for yourself what’s calling your name from the thrift store rack.
