Walking into a thrift store and being surrounded by hundreds of products of varying degrees of quality can be overwhelming. It can be hard to know where to start. This guide breaks down how to get the best thrift shopping experience for yourself.
1. Take a friend
Thrift shopping with a like-minded friend will make your time in the shop more efficient. You can divide and conquer, choose pieces for each other, and share opinions on pieces you’re not 100% sure about.
2. Get in the headspace
Only go on a day when you’re in the mood for it. Prepare to spend an hour or two sorting through racks and piles. If you’re not in the right headspace it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
3. Take your time
As mentioned above, be prepared to spend a good hour or two in the store. It takes time to comb through racks– you never know where you’ll find a hidden gem.
4. Check out Both Men’s and Women’s Sections
Some of the best-oversized sweaters and coats you will ever find will be tucked away in the men’s section. Be sure to explore men’s and women’s sections of the store to make sure you’re covering as much ground as possible. Some of my favourite finds are from the men’s section including the blazer pictured above.
Thrifting is a great way to achieve a more sustainable wardrobe. Giving pieces a second life saves them from ending up in landfills where they can sit for hundreds of years. There is no shortage of second-hand clothing, so kudos to you for being part of the solution by thrift shopping.