Fashion is one of the many things we use to express ourselves. It is an extension of your personality and style. Fashion is an art created from human creativity and vision.
While the media may love to impose on you what is “on trend” and what is a fashion “faux pas,” you can wear anything that makes you feel comfortable and makes a statement. Besides, all these fashion trends seem to last no more than a few months at a time.
Not only can we not financially sustain buying new clothing every time something starts trending (like satin green dresses after Bad Bunny’s encounter with a fan), but it is also not a sustainable practice.
Enter thrift shops.
Thrift shops are stores that sell secondhand items such as clothing, furniture, home decor, and even books. You never really know what you’ll find at a thrift store.
You may still be hesitant to start using second-hand clothing, as this has historically been stigmatized and filled with negative connotations. However, we are here to tell you that with the proper research and preparation, you can definitely become the master of thrift shops.
Sell before you buy, save money, and help with the cycle
Before entering the thrift shop of your choice, think about selling those items of clothing that you no longer use, which could be someone else’s treasure. Not only will you save a buck, but you’ll also contribute to the cycle of reuse and sustainability.
Plus, you’ll have room in your closet for your new favorites!
Choose the store that has the specialty you’re looking for
The risk of not knowing exactly what you want and need to buy is that you spend more than you can afford. Do your research online or ask your friends and choose the store that offers exactly what you need.
After all, that lamp from the 1960s doesn’t fit in the apartment, does it?
Buy Off-season And Go on a Weekday
Like any mall, thrift stores are typically full of people on the weekends. To ease yourself into thrifting, try going during a weekday so you can avoid crowds of people and take your time/shop calmly.
By going on a weekday, you are not only avoiding feeling overwhelmed by all your options but also truly contemplating what items of clothing will actually add value to your closet and not just get shoved in a box filled with other impulse buys.
But most importantly, buy jackets and boots in summer, and look for summer dresses and sandals in winter. Remember that, just like in the stores, the best time to buy seasonal clothing is when demand is low.
Buy Unique Clothing
Fast fashion from stores such as SHEIN and Fashion Nova has taken over much of the thrifting market. These stores offer mass-produced clothing meant to keep up with constantly changing trends. As a result of these trends, consumers quickly become bored with clothing they bought not so long ago.
This shows how these shopping habits are not sustainable for the environment and are not made with good-quality items.
While your thrift store may be filled with items for these stores, don’t purchase these items. After all, buying a $5 shirt from Primark while thrifting rather than at the original store is not much of a steal.
Instead, focus on buying unique, good-quality pieces from sustainable brands such as Levi’s. This way, you reduce your carbon footprint while also purchasing something that will stand the test of time.
Dress as comfortably as possible
Most thrift shops don’t have a dressing room, so some light clothing or a pair of easy-to-remove shoes are ideal for trying on clothes.
Remember that if you don’t get your size, a tailor or a DIY expert friend can always help you.
Try Thrift Shopping Online
Look; we get it. You may not want to venture out to various shops and feel disappointed when you couldn’t find something that “wowed” you. We understand how frustrating it is to go to the store and come back empty-handed — all the wasted gas, mileage, and not to mention time.
Luckily for you, a great way to start delving into the world of thrifting is by shopping for second-hand clothing online. Websites such as Thredup and Poshmark were created for people to sell their used goods. These websites are very detailed — describing item conditions, showing photos, and even allowing shoppers to write reviews, therefore creating a trustworthy experience.