5 Good Tips on Thrift Shopping
Housing Works, Soho / NYC
Thrifting is one of the best ways to find affordable, stylish, unique pieces for your wardrobe. Whether you’re in your local thrift store or on an app like Depop, you’re likely to find your new favorite pieces if you keep an open mind. Also, buying pre loved clothing helps reduce your waste footprint by avoiding the fashion industry’s excess use of pollutants and water to manufacture clothing. Here’s five tips to make your thrifting experience more efficient, enjoyable, and successful.
illustration by Mike Lowery
FIND YOUR INSPIRATION
Fashion is often cyclical and draws inspiration from earlier decades. Before you head into a thrift store, or go on your thrifting app, have an idea of what you’re looking for, or else you’ll want to get everything. Whether you’re shopping for an event or some staple pieces, create a mood board to help you find what you’re looking for.
KNOW YOUR MEASUREMENTS
Thrifting can be tricky, especially with sizing. Sizes run differently on different brands, and vintage clothing is especially difficult. Don’t write off clothing just because it’s not the size that you normally wear. You can even bring a measuring tape to the store.
LOVE IT
The beauty of thrifting is that you’ll find the pieces you’ll love the most. Many pieces will catch your attention, but don’t get wrapped up trying to buy everything you like in one trip. Keep an eye out for a select few pieces at a time, you can always go thrifting more often.
Housing Works, West Village / NYC
BE PATIENT
Thrift stores can be overwhelming because of the sheer amount of clothing they have. The gems won’t be right in front of you, it’ll take time to sort through racks and train your eye to thrift strategically. It might take you a long time to find your pieces.
HAVE FUN
Thrifting gives you so much freedom to create your own unique style for much cheaper all while shopping eco-consciously. Bring your friends and explore styles from all decades and pieces from everywhere. You never know what you could find!
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