10 Thrift Shopping Hacks from a Pro

Thrift shopping is a fun way to find your style. For the best results, follow these 10 thrift shopping hacks to help you thrift like an absolute pro!

Thrift shopping is a fun way to find your style whilst also saving money. Recycled clothing is the way of the future—not only does it ensure that you won’t be a “sheep” with your style, but it also saves the environment at the same time! Thrift shopping offers so many benefits, what’s not to love?! The tricky thing about thrift shopping is finding good quality stuff. Sometimes you’ll walk away with 10 perfect outfits, and other times you’ll walk away with none. However, in order to ensure the best result every time you go thrift shopping, follow these 10 thrift shopping hacks to help you thrift like an absolute pro.

1) Look at everything!

Really have a look at the items of clothing in front of you. Sometimes on first appearance something looks terrible on the rack, but if you pick it up and have a good look at it, you may find it has some real potential.

2) Take the time.

Thrift shopping is not a quick 10-minute activity. Thrift shops have a lot of clothes, so you’ll probably need a lot of time. Try to allow yourself at least an hour to have a good look around; this is the most essential and least followed of the thrift shopping hacks!

3) Consider your options.

When you have a look at a certain item of clothing, think about what you have at home that you could match with it. Sometimes the weirdest top could look incredible with those baggy blue mom jeans you have lying in around at home.

4) Be open minded.

This one is really important because it’ll affect your shop completely. If you are open-minded about items of clothing, anything is possible. You may pick up something and dismiss it straight away without even trying it on—however, take it to a change room and try it on to really think about the full potential of the piece of clothing.

5) Don’t look for specific things.

Don’t walk in to a thrift shop with an exact idea of what you want, because unlike department stores, thrift shops aren’t guaranteed to have anything specific. Avoid looking for a specific grey and yellow jumper with blue spots, because you’ll walk away feeling disappointed when you don’t find that exact thing. Thrift shops have all kinds of weird and wonderful clothing, but the chances of you finding the exact thing you have in mind is highly unlikely. When it comes to thrift shopping hacks, being open to the possibilities is essential!

6) Try things on.

I’ve mentioned it in previous points, but it is really important to try things on! Something might not look the best on a plain old hanger, but you’ll be surprised at what it can look like on! Also, wear clothes which are easy to change out of—e.g. jeans and a top (it’ll save you time in the dressing room and give you more time looking at the clothes).

7) Make it work.

You can reinvent clothing when you get home—sometimes all it requires is a pair of scissors and a sewing needle. If something is too big but is super cute, you can alter it! Always keep this tip in mind when remembering your thrift shopping hacks!

8) Step outside your comfort zone—get wildly creative!

Thrift shopping is a perfect excuse to get creative. Clothes are cheap, and therefore you can probably afford to grab a few more things than you would if you were shopping at a department store. This means you can get a bit wild and creative with your clothing choices. It’s always a great idea to step out of your comfort zone and try out new styles. You may as well do it when it’s relatively cheap to do so! Who knows, you may find yourself a brand new look.

9) Try different stores.

Different stores have different things, and that’s one of the beauties of thrift shopping! Venture to other stores you haven’t been to before and have a look around. Don’t limit yourself to your local thrift store—there are plenty around and you may as well utilise them!

10) Listen to some tunes and get in the zone.

Sometimes I find it can be easier to concentrate if you have a pair of headphones in and an awesome playlist on your side. This tip isn’t for everyone, but it can be really helpful to get in the zone for some!