1) Check the men’s section! The men’s section is probably my favorite section to shop at in thrift stores, which may sound weird, but you’ll understand if you shop there. You can always find cute oversized sweaters, sweatshirts, and tee-shirts there. I have these two sweatshirts that zipper up half-way, one’s black and one’s blue and I wear them all the time. I think the men’s section is great if you want to dress more gender-neutral, which I like to do sometimes.
2) Pin some outfit ideas on Pinterest before you get to the thrift store. This is important if it’s your first-time thrifting. When I went to Savers for the first time, I felt super overwhelmed because there are so many different sections and I wasn’t sure where to begin. It took me forever just to go through the aisles. If you pin some outfits you like on Pinterest, you can go into the store knowing what you want and try to recreate the look. This makes it less stressful and you can pick up some pieces you’re actually going to wear.
3) Checking brand names on tags. Some brands tend to last longer than others, so it’s always good to check where your second-hand clothes are coming from. Pieces that come from Zara, Forever 21, and H&M tend to be lower quality which is why they are so cheap when you buy them new. Not only will some of these pieces not last, clothes from those stores tend to go out of style quickly. Fast fashion relies on trends, and since trends are always changing, a lot of clothes from fast fashion companies go out of style quickly because the trend dies away. However, brands like Madewell, Free People, and Urban Outfitters have a lot of classic styles that don’t change as frequently and stay popular for a long time. You can still purchase clothes from H&M, Forever 21, and other brands if you want of course, but just remember to check the quality before buying.
4) Going with a friend is always way more fun than going to a thrift store alone. There is so much merchandise in these stores that it’s less overwhelming when you’re with one or more people. When you go with a friend, they may notice cute pieces that you didn’t find yourself. You can divide and conquer; with your friend looking in one section and you looking in the other, it’s way easier to find good pieces.
5) This one may seem obvious, but please get a carriage! The first time I went thrifting, I made the mistake of not getting a carriage and my arms were aching by the end of my trip. My boyfriend at the time had to start carrying everything for me just so I could keep looking through the aisles. Even if you think you don’t need one, just get one.
I love thrifting because you can always find something there. Thrift stores are so great for discovering your style, because there are so many unique pieces. It’s affordable, especially when you’re a struggling college student, and better for the environment than shopping at fast fashion stores. It’s so much fun, just keep these tips in mind. Happy Thrifiting!