12 Ways To Thrift Like A Pro

Thrifting is one of the best ways to shop the hottest styles on a low budget. However, if you have never been thrift shopping before it may be a bit overwhelming. Here’s the breakdown on how to thrift like a pro!

1. Dedicate a lot of Time

The best time to go thrift shopping is when you have a clear schedule set aside for finding the best pieces. Thrifting takes a lot of patience so take your time and really look! I’ve come to learn that the best pieces are hidden and if you look to quickly you just might miss them.

2. Don’t Be Afraid to check ALL Sections

Whether you are a girl or guy shopping, don’t be afraid to check all sections. You’ll never know what you’re limiting yourself to by only sticking to one section. Thrift stores are often divided up by gender but the more you thrift you’ll start to realize that many items are actually unisex.

The best part about this technique is that it gives you even more to choose from!

3. Be Open-Minded

Thrift shopping is the best way to experiment with your style because there are so many different styles to chose from. With that in mind, its best to be open with new styles. I would even encourage you to buy one piece that’s a little bit out of your comfort zone every time you thrift.

You never know what you may end up linking. Even if you don’t like it, at least you only spent a few dollars on it.

4. Be Creative

Not everything you buy from the thrift store is going to be considered “ready to wear”. However, if you see some potential an item, I would highly encourage you to get it because you can find creative ways to make it your own. This may include some extra edits such as sewing, cutting, or distressing.

So don’t be afraid to throw in your own creative edits to make pieces more suited to your style.

5. Have fun

Now I know if you have never been thrift shopping before it may be a bit overwhelming. There’s so much to chose from, it’s not as organized as a regular store, and it takes a lot of time. However, don’t be discouraged. Thrifting is not meant to be a stressful experience. Just have fun with it and know that there is no right or wrong way to thrift.

6. Shop at Thrift Stores that Charge by Weight

One of the main reasons that thrift shopping is so popular is because of how cost-effective it is. If you are trying to save even more, I’d recommend shopping at thrift stores that charge you by the weight of the clothing as compared to individual pieces.

You may even find some high end brands, without having to pay high end price.

7. Thrift Online

If you don’t always feel like thrift shopping in stores, you can always thrift online. Some ThredUp and Schoola are examples of great and affordable resources to thrift online.

One of the best advantages to thrifting online is that it gives you the control to search for specific items more easily.

8. Sell some Clothing Before you Thrift

Some thrift stores such as Buffalo Exchange allow you to sell some of your old clothing in exchange for cash or store credit. This is an effective technique because we all have old clothes we need to get rid of anyways, so why not get some money for it to buy new ones!

9. Research the Brands Your Buying

When shopping at a thrift store, you become exposed to hundreds of brands. With that in mind, it only makes sense that you’re not going to know every brand you come across. It is important to do a quick look-up on your phone for an unfamiliar brand before you buy it. This allows you to know just how good or how bad of a deal you are getting.

In addition to that, I like to know what I’m wearing!

10. Budget

It’s very easy to catch yourself spending more than anticipated at a thrift store because everything’s so cheap. However, all those cheap items can add up if you are not careful enough. To prevent that happening, set a budget for yourself before shopping.

11. Don’t Limit Yourself to One Store

If you are able to shop at more than one thrift store at a time, I would really recommend doing so. This will open up your options even more. This allows you to bounce around between stores if you are not finding much in one store.

12. Inspect the Clothing Before Buying It

Because you are buying second hand clothing, it’s not always going to be in the best condition. It’s important that you carefully check each item for any stains or small holes.