How do you feel about buying thrift store clothes? Do you wear used clothes? I’ve never had a problem with wearing used clothes, other than the few things I mentioned in “10+ Things You Should NEVER Buy at Thrift Stores.” And I guess I taught my daughters well. They both are avid thrift store shoppers now. Jordann is becoming a thrift store clothes EXPERT so I asked her to share ten of her tips with you today. She actually follows these tips to buy most of her clothes. Thanks for reading and welcome Jordann to the blog today!
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Ten Tips for Buying Thrift Store Clothes
Location
What retail stores are near the thrift shop? Nicer neighborhoods with more money and high-end stores tend to have better and more unique stock. If your town only has a Walmart or Kmart, then that’s probably all you’re going to find at your thrift store too. Richer neighborhoods tend to donate nicer stuff more often because they’re able to financially update their wardrobe at a whim.
Have a List
Know what you need before you head in. It really helps save time to focus on what you need first, before browsing other sections. I also follow capsule wardrobe guidelines for myself so I have a limited palette and pattern list. That helps me skip entire sections of clothes that aren’t in my palette as I walk down aisles.
Only Buy Quality
I don’t usually buy clothes from department stores such as Forever 21, H & M, or Target. When I shop at thrift stores I can get high-end name brands and designer items for about the same price.
Higher quality clothes will also last much longer.
I look for well-known or expensive brands for longer lasting pieces like shoes, purses, and coats — something worth the higher price tag thrift stores usually tack on these items. For example, I recently bought a peacoat for $65 (which was a lot for me). But it was a Pendleton that would’ve cost $350 brand new. So the price was worth it for a lifelong coat.
Only Buy What You Really Need
I enjoy thrifting because it helps me live a less materialistic life and have a lower environmental impact. (The fashion industry ranks 3rd after oil and agriculture for the most damage done to the environment.) That means I’m not going to take anything home unless I actually need it, it’s good quality, and I feel great in it. Don’t buy something just because it seems like a good deal.
Bring a Buddy
Not only is thrifting with friends fun but you can also work together to cover the store faster, especially if you know what the other is looking for and what size they wear. It also helps hold you accountable to the list that you made ahead of time. They’ll also let you know what looks good (or doesn’t look good) or isn’t a good deal.
Check Your Phone
Use your smart phone to look up brands you don’t recognize to see if they’re well-known or sketchy. Compare similar items to see if you’re really getting a deal.
Read the Labels
Okay, I’m lazy when it comes to laundry. I will absolutely not buy something that is dry clean only. I also usually avoid anything that needs to be ironed or bleached. Which means I need to read all labels before I get too invested in an item to decide if it’s worth the effort.
Read the Labels, Part 2
More important than the brand is the material the clothes are made out of. I will only buy real leather items because I’ve had many faux leather bags and shoes that just didn’t last long or didn’t look great after a few uses. I love the look and feel of well-respected and aging leather. I also stick to products that are mostly cotton or merino wool. Props if you find silk or cashmere!
Sizing
Because different brands aren’t always the same size, it helps to keep track of your favorites in a notebook or phone. This helps save time and I have fewer things to try on if I know what sizes fit me well. Especially those European sizes!
Consistency
I like to shop at thrift stores that have regular sales, discounted colors of the week, and coupons. I find better items if I’m regularly checking the store. I might not buy anything one week, but the next time I come in I might immediately buy a bag full of great items!
{{{ Top 10 Thrift Store Tips }}}
If you want to learn more about thrift store clothes, check out these books I found online:
- New Dress a Day – Love this idea! The author shows how to makeover lots of thrift store castoffs.
- Thrift Store Hustle – How to make $1000 a month buying and selling thrift store items.
- Clothing Poverty – The hidden story of fast fashion and second hand clothes.
Here are a few other articles on our website about thrifting and thrift store clothes:
I’d love to know if you buy thrift store clothes. Now let’s hear your tips. Leave them in the comments. Thanks for reading! Originally published March 20, 2017.
‘Til the next project,
Ann @ Duct Tape and Denim
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Sandy Surface says
I haven’t been to a “real” store to buy clothes in more years than I can count! I always look like I’ve spent a fortune on clothes, because I know what I love and know what to look for! Some people think it’s gross, but I DO have a washer and dryer! Also, shoes look brand new after I’m done cleaning and disinfecting them. I can find things that just aren’t found in our local department stores and malls without paying a small fortune! I LOVE thrift shopping!
Laine says
How do you disinfect shoes when bought at a thrift store?
S. Ollis says
You can put in a zip lock bag and place in the freezer for a day or two. Kills any bacteria, also can spray with anti fungal spray if you are still not sure they are clean. I haven’t had any problems, and have been doing this for 20 years.
Sharon Butcher says
I am always on look-out for items to support animal rescue efforts, as well as for myself. In a small inconspicuous and not too exciting $0.69 bag in my favorite thrift shop was a like-new checkbook cover, an eyeglass case, and, in my favorite color, pink, a like-new Penhaligon Spanish kid leather lady’s wallet. I have browsed this up-scale London shop, it’s prices beyond my budget. A slightly different style Penhaligon wallet, same color and elegant kid, was available for about $180.00 on their website. My lucky day!
ducttapeanddenim says
Wow, that’s a great buy!
Taylor Bishop says
Thanks for going over some tips for shopping at a thrift clothing store. I’m glad that you mentioned that you should look for well-known brands. It sounds like it could be beneficial to do some prior research about it so that you understand the quality that the brand offers.
Eileen says
I have been downsizing my wardrobe so am becoming pickier about what I buy. I definitely shop thrift shops, but live in a rural area so know what you mean about thrift shops nearer richer neighborhoods being better choices. Good ideas. Thanks.
Rachel Burch says
It is ok to purchase “dry-clean only” items if the price is right and you love it. Many times they are washable, either in a bag on a gentle cycle or by hand. With a little practice, you learn what works and what doesn’t.
Rachel Burch says
It is often ok to purchase “dry-clean only” items if the price is right and you love it. Many times they are washable, either in a bag on a gentle cycle or by hand. With a little practice, you learn what works and what doesn’t.
Jan says
Thrifting is my stress reliever! I will buy and wear clothes from my favorite thrift stores! Many bargains on brands I could never afford otherwise! 😊 I live near Boerne/Comfort, TX and there are several great thrifts here if you are ever in this area.
Kathy A says
Your tips were right on. I grew up with hand me downs and rummage sale makeovers. I was grateful for hand me downs for my kids. I wear all kinds of thrifted clothes, esp silk blouses! I now also shop for clothes for grandkids, craft projects, and our church’s “Cold Kids” box at church ($1 tags at GW). I avoid “intimate apparel” and haven’t seen many shoes I’d want. As a retiree, I need to stretch my budget as far as I can. BUT I do find that I can shop Kohl’s clearance racks and dress more cheaply that I can at GW and Wal-Mart most times. So, it pays to check!
ducttapeanddenim says
You’re right! Prices at our Goodwill have gone up a lot over the last few years.
eva @ CostumeTakeOut.com says
Goodwill is hurting themselves by raising their prices–i would buy a ton more and spend more if their prices were lower…i’ve been thrifting since i was 16 and now i am 48!
Miriam Schoenig says
I recently bought an Erin Snow coat for $18 at a thrift store near Vail, CO. I knew it must be a good brand because all the seams were beautifully finished. When I got home, I looked it up and found similar jackets new for $699-$999! I have many designer clothes for pennies on the dollar from shops near Vail. Location definitely matters.
ducttapeanddenim says
Wow! That’s a great find!
Pamela Jones says
I just lost 56 pounds and plan to lose more. It is not practical to go buy new clothes at the department stores if you are not going to wear them after 6 months or so. I bought my summer wardrobe in local thrift shops. Several pairs of capris and t-shirts. I usually wear skirts or pants to church so I got some nicer things too. I shop in thrift stores often so when the new things come out I am there to look it over. I also gave three large garbage bags of clothing to my local non profit thrift store.
ducttapeanddenim says
Love that! We also “trade off” our clothes at thrift stores.
Molly Wiese says
I have been watching my diet since January 2019. A promise I made to myself. I do shop at thrift stores in nicer areas because I can find the brand names I love. This is a great way to get nice clothes for a fraction of the cost! I shop for myself and my son and love the fact that he is fine with wearing second hand clothes as well. I check out the whole outfit or article that I am looking to purchase. Some of the things I have bought had stains on them but I was able to get the stain out! Win Win on my part. I wash everything when I get home from my shopping spree. Recently I went to my GoodWill store and was able to find 5 pairs of khacki shorts for my son and only spent $12. I was thrilled and so was he. He was in desperate need of some “new” shorts. My goodwill store offers specials on a daily basis and on this day they had a special on anything w/a blue tag was 50% off. I was able to find 3 blue tagged items so instead of spending $3 for a pair of shorts I spent $1.50!
ducttapeanddenim says
Wow! That’s a great day at the thrift store!
Linda says
Ann Taylor, Loft, Michael Kors, Forever 21, Calvin Klein are just a few of the name brands I have scooped up at my Goodwill. When I match a chic name brand outfit with nice shoes and great purse, people think I have paid a fortune for my outfit. I have always been an upscale dresser, now I know how do it smartly. I am so proud of myself. Never thrift in a hurry. Set aside a morning so you can look for the best stuff.
JW says
One way to look at thrifted clothing is would you accept an item from a friend or relative? Just think of these clothes as ones from a friend you have not met yet.
Lynn says
My mom and sister introduced me to thrift store clothes shopping 20 years ago, and it has become a lifestyle for me. I have no hangups about the clothes being pre-owned; in fact I feel downright smug wearing Ann Taylor, Coldwater Creek and other upscale brands that originally cost ten times more than what I pay for them. My favorite score was a classically styled Coldwater Creek top for $3 that never wrinkles, dries in a flash when I travel, and because it has never faded even after 15 years of repeated washings, still looks brand new!
ducttapeanddenim says
I love finding things like that!
Jean Mazur says
I’m usually wear at least 50% resale. And if you need out of season out of the current season clothes is a perfect way to find them. You wonder why some clothes are getting higher price than others, especially leather jackets. I found a couple of real fur coats for dirt cheap, even. I even found a full length, what I think was real beaver fur, a coat! I let the staff know because it should sell for more! It was quickly repriced. Although if it was for Monday’s dollar sale at Goodwill, I would rethink that decision but no luck!
Thanks for all the tips!
ducttapeanddenim says
Thanks for commenting. I’ve never found a real fur coat. But I do live in a warm climate so there aren’t many around.
Mary O'Donnell says
I moved back to Fort Worth a few years ago. While driving around the neighborhood I noticed a thrift shop not far from me.
When I went in I found out that they are sponsored by the YMCA and benefit women in transition. Later I learned that the local University Women group donated to this store.
I buy clothes, art work pet crates, antique kitchen utensils, all kinds of odds and ends and really cheap books.
Sometimes I find things that I can contribute to other support groups. I got a dark green winter full length coat, really my style, direct from a local store, brand new for $1, am loving it.
I frequent the store and buy what I like on their sale days.
ducttapeanddenim says
Is that the one on Camp Bowie? I haven’t been there yet but it’s on my list! Let me know if you know other good thrift stores in Fort Worth. We live just south of FW… moved back in January.
eva @ CostumeTakeOut.com says
Hello! I’ve been subscribed to you for a while now! I built an entire business based on thrifted textiles…I started a local costume rental business….100% of my costumes are upcycled!…so i get you entirely : ) I’ve been doing the costume business for 5 years now and finally have enough inventory so i can also launch into the blog-o-sphere my personal upcycles from thrifted clothes! would love to link with you one day when i have more refashions! i have a ton of costume upcycles too!
ducttapeanddenim says
That’s exciting! I’m going over now to check out your website. Thanks for sharing.
Erika says
I found a vintage all leather Abercrombie & Fitch handbag at goodwill. This same collector’s item purse is valued at anywhere from $125-200 and it was beautiful and unique. You can find amazing high quality and rare items if you know what you are looking for. Look for brands you love but don’t want to pay a fortune for and be picky. Make sure what you are buying is good quality and is something you love – otherwise it’s not a deal no matter the price.
ducttapeanddenim says
Wow! That was a great find!
Dori says
I was taught to thrift and recycle from my grandma and great grandma whom had lived through the great depression; so you could say it’s in my blood. Even my licences plates states I am a resaler. My best purchase was a brand new leather purse that I found in a GW in the Michigan Upper Peninsula. i paid $5 for it. When i researched it I found it was imported and sold for $350 from a boutique in CA. It even had a real fur tail that attached and that was $35 for it alone! SCORE!!!!
ducttapeanddenim says
Wow! That’s a great buy!
Lisa says
I love to shop, but I’ve recently retired so my income and wardrobe needs have changed. I have upped my thrift shopping game and found it to be fun and rewarding. By looking for brand names, I have found lots of athletic wear, golf clothes and jeans among other finds. Dressing rooms are often closed during the pandemic, so I wear leggings and try on in the aisles. My go to location is a store near a high end retirement community where I have found so many classic pieces for myself as well as my husband (especially nice golf shirts from famous courses). Love all of your tips as well as those from other shoppers. Thanks!
ducttapeanddenim says
Those are great tips, too. Good luck hunting!
Chris Waite says
Ann here..having problems finding old school Denim jeans….dont like the new ones with elastine in them or skinny ones that are in fashion…any thoughts…oh were are in New Zealand
ducttapeanddenim says
I’m sorry to hear that. We have LOTS of denim in almost every thrift store I go to around here. Maybe go to a larger thrift store or one in a larger city?
Marie says
I worked in nice dept. stores in high school. I was raised with family garage sales Best score: brand new pair of Cole Haan loafers for under $10.