It’s a new year, and most of us want to build better habits for our health, lifestyle, and wallet. I’m no exception, which is why I participated in Veganuary a few years ago, and this year, I decided to try something ambitious: I want to only buy second-hand clothing for at least the rest of the year.
Thrift shopping isn’t a new concept to me. When I was in college, my friends and I would also hang out at the giant thrift store in our town and see who could find the craziest, most bonkers piece of clothing—then try it on. It was a riot. But since then, shopping second-hand has become second-nature (pun intended) to me, and there are quite a few reasons why.
Visiting a thrift shop feels like going to a stationary garage sale full of lost treasure. It’s the thrill of the hunt, the idea that something incredible could be arriving any moment is why I visit at least three times a week. It opens my mind up to things I wouldn’t have looked for before, but actually liked when I gave them a chance.
I understand that for many people, thrift shopping isn’t natural to them. I’m sure lots of people admire the trophies their friends and family score while thrifting, and wish they could find the same—but just don’t know where to even start. Indeed, if you don’t thrift much, going to a busy store and trying to acclimatize to the environment can be intimidating. But I’m here with some solid thrifting 101 for you!
Credit: Becca McHaffie (Unsplash)
To go through all that, just to toss out your thrifted clothing?
Seems ridiculous. Here’s how to thrift shop for clothes.
What if I told you that finding thrifting treasure you’ll keep in your closet for years just takes a few small tips to employ? Check out my list of tips for how to thrift shop like a pro:
Know your size and shop within it.
We all know the sizes of different brands vary wildly, and that one brand’s size may be way bigger or way smaller on you. In general, you should shop within your clothing size, but be open to giving something a try if it’s in a bigger or smaller size, depending on how that brand fits on you.
I only recommend buying clothes that don’t fit quite right if you have some experience altering your clothing, and can take on the challenge.
Prepare to take it off and try it on.
Yes, the idea of wearing someone else’s clothes irks some people, but it’s the only way to be sure you actually like what you found. After all, something that looks one way on the rack might be a far cry from that when you wear it. Plus, it’s the only way to know for sure the clothing’s material and stitching are comfortable. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve bought something that looked good, but ending up giving away because it was too itchy, stiff, or just too plain uncomfortable to actually wear.
With that said, wear clothing that you can easily take on and off. As you would shopping for clothes anywhere else, wear clothes that are easily for changing in and out of. Thrifting is not the time to wear your lace-up boots, button-up shirts, or layers upon layers. If you can, dress simple and with convenience in mind.
Be honest with yourself about bargains.
So let’s say you’re scouring the racks at your thrift store, and you just found a seriously nice athletic sweater from an expensive activewear brand—and it’s only $20! Score!
This happens all the time, and depending on many circumstances, you might have just found the deal of a lifetime. But hold on before you take our your wallet. Even if it fits nicely, face the truth: do you actually need this item? Or are you buying it solely because it’s a good deal? While we all love a thrift bargain, bargains mean nothing if you’re spending money for the sake of spending money. Unless you actually needed an item like this and know it’s going to be a wardrobe staple, put it back on the rack.
Credit: Lauren Fleischmann (Unsplash)
A whole year of second-hand clothing?
Yes, you heard that right: For the entire year of 2020, I’m only buying second-hand clothing, to give donated clothing a new life and show how easy it is to find new clothes for a lower price. I’ll be posting my hauls here each month—catch my January update here in a bit!