Trying on clothes next to a toilet—now that’s thrifting. The things I’ll do for a good vintage find. Thrifting is something I’ve been doing since I was a kid. My thrifting really hit its prime in middle school. I preferred to dress like a “really cool grandpa” (or at least that’s what I was calling it). I wore a neon flower print kimono-style vintage dress to my middle school graduation with black combat boots. It haunts me that I no longer own that beauty! I think my love of vintage comes from my need to feel unique. I never want to look just like everyone else, so vintage was a pretty surefire way to accomplish that. I’m also addicted to the hunt. There’s nothing as gratifying as finding that perfect vintage gem! Here are my tips for thrifting like a pro.
Vintage vs. Thrift
Let’s break down what these two things mean. When it comes to thrifting, it usually means price—as in saving money and shopping secondhand. This doesn’t mean that the items are vintage. This can mean you’re shopping for affordable items that are in used clothing shops that may even be fairly current. Vintage items aren’t always affordable and they tend to be 20 years and older. Most of my tips will be associated to searching for vintage items, but it can also be thrifting in general. I usually thrift for vintage specifically.
Set Expectations
When you head into a secondhand shop, make sure to set your expectations relatively low. I know that is a bummer, but the likelihood that you’ll find exactly what you hoped for is low. I like to think of it as an experience. I’m going to be inspired, look at cool curiosities and hopefully find something I want.
Plan Ahead
I like to make plans before I go thrifting. Usually I like to pick an area that has more than one shop. That way, I can maximize my time. I also like to bring a little list or moodboard of the items I’m specifically looking for. Maybe it’s one item, maybe it’s a look, maybe it’s a pattern. Having a focus can keep you from feeling overwhelmed. I also like to plan what areas I’m going to start in. I usually choose dresses, men’s T-shirts, and jackets and coats for my first pass.
I also like to create Etsy boards with my dream vintage finds on them and then save those to my phone. That way, I go into stores knowing some of my dream finds.
Go Slow
It takes time to find gems in a thrift shop. Make sure to carve out enough time for you to really look through the racks and try things on. I like to go around each area two or three times. I often start with just touching and feeling the fabrics as I go by, seeing what stands out to me. You can’t really just pop into a thrift store and expect great results.
Repair and Modify
After you have tried on some of your finds, consider how you can alter them if needed. Do they need to go in for a repair? Is it worth it? Can they be altered into something new? Maybe that dress can be transformed into a skirt? Maybe those men’s trousers can be tailored to perfection? That is what’s so fun about thrifting. It takes creativity and a sense of wonder.
Be Prepared
Because it’s essential to try these things on, you need to be prepared to try them on without a fitting room. Bring clothes that you can easily get in and out of while also feeling covered. I like to wear an oversized dress with a fitted tank and biker shorts under. That way you can try on so many different style things and have the appropriate undergarments. Also, slip-on shoes are helpful. If I am feeling really motivated, I will bring a pair of higher shoes in my tote bag that I can try on with things that need more height.
Bring a reusable water bottle with you. I tend to get really thirsty from the must of old clothes and from trying things on.