Fashion’s biggest buzzword as of late, thrift shopping has certainly made it to every fashionista’s to-do list, and we don’t blame you for it. With fast fashion consumption becoming an increasingly large environmental problem, and sustainable brands like Everlane being priced at unrealistic prices for students despite its quality and transparency, it’s no wonder that many students turn to thrifting to be trendy without breaking the bank or the environment (further).
That being said, scoring new finds at low prices are fun, but going into a store without aim may result in overspending or ill-fitting clothes. Instead, try these five tricks to help you assess if it’s really worth a spot in your closet.
- Keep an open mind
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More often than not, going into a thrift store with a specific piece in mind will leave you disappointed. On the other hand, wandering about without an idea of what you want may result in overspending. Instead, try having a style, cut, or colour in mind, and find a variation that you like the best from there!
- Don’t be afraid to DIY
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Many clothes at thrift stores likely show signs of wear, such at thinning fabric around certain areas such as the underarms, which we should try to avoid. However, don’t let a missing button, broken zip, or a loose waist daunt you: it can be fixed easily with a needle and thread and look brand new once again.
- Wear form-fitting clothes
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Some stores (such as Refash outlets) don’t have fitting rooms for shoppers to try on their newfound loot, so remember to wear a simple and more tight-fitting outfit that day so you can slip the clothes over the ones you’re already wearing without much issue.
- Factor in fabric quality
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Fast fashion companies often use cheaper fabrics such as polyester to cater to the lower budgets their consumer bases have, and these often wear out or lose colour easily, making it a poor choice especially for second hand purchase. Look out for the labels on the inside that show the materials used in the article of clothing. For denim, search for one with a high cotton content (90% and above), rather than one with elastane or other fabrics, as this will “memorise” your body shape and fit you better over time rather than sagging as the elastane stretches out over time. For tops, try ones that are made from natural fabrics such as linen or cotton instead of polyester and nylon.
- Consider fabric care
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Certain clothes require special attention, such as hand wash or dry clean only, especially when it involves delicate cloth such as satin, or embellishments. In this case, think about the amount of effort you’re willing to put in for the piece, and how much use you’ll get out of it, despite the lower price point.
Here are some of our favourite shops to hit up for thrift finds:
Brick-and-mortar shops
New2U
A classic among avid thrifters, this place is run entirely by volunteers and sells not only clothes and accessories, but unique ornaments and books too!
Location:
96 Waterloo St, Singapore 187967 (Mondays to Fridays, 10.30 am to 2.30 pm, Last Sunday of every month, 11 am to 2 pm)
Refash
Your (wallet) friendly neighbourhood thrift shop that sells a variety of clothes that are in good condition, ranging from office-ready shirts and pencil skirts, casual shorts, and even evening gowns.
Locations:
Anchorpoint (11am-9pm)
East Point Mall (10.30am-9.30pm)
Hillion Mall (10.30am-10pm)
KINEX (11am- 9pm)
Seletar Mall (11am-9.30pm)
Northpoint City (12pm-9pm)
Orchard Gateway (11.30am-9pm)
Westgate (12pm-9.30pm)
West Coast Plaza (12pm-9pm)
Lucky Plaza thrift shops
Another favourite stop on the map are the multiple thrift shops on the sixth level of Lucky Plaza, the huge variety of clothes (we’re talking thousands) and unbelievable prices are sure to stun you.
Online stores
The Kint Story
Why leave the comfort of your home when you can thrift online? Started by two university students, this store gathers the coolest picks from around the island, washes, and models them on their site for easy shopping. If you’re lucky, you may even snag yourself clothes from brands such as COS, Bimba Y Lola, or Dorothy Perkins at less than half of its retail price! Visit them here.
The Salvation Army x Lazada
Shop with a peace of mind with the collaboration of these two reputed brands. Their items range from sought-after literature and Kindles to jewellery and cutlery sets to get your shopping done in one shot. Visit them here.