Your Guide to the Do’s and Don’ts of Thrifting

There’s something magical about thrifting – you never know what you’ll find on the racks, maybe it’s a Zara denim jacket, a vintage top, or that one piece you didn’t know you needed until you saw it. Every rack holds a little mystery, and every find has a story.

But behind every great thrift haul is a smart shopper who knows what to look out for and what to avoid. Whether you’re new to the world of preloved fashion or already a seasoned thrifter, here are some do’s and don’ts to help you thrift smarter, shop consciously, and score pieces you’ll love for years to come.

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐎’𝐒

𝟏. 𝐃𝐎 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 ✅

Thrifting can definitely feel overwhelming with so many racks packed with amazing finds. That’s why it helps to prepare before you even step inside. Make a list of what you actually need or want – this could be a mental note or something jotted down on your phone or notepad. Are you on the hunt for basics, bold statement pieces, or something quirky? Being clear about your priorities makes it easier to focus and saves you from getting distracted by everything that catches your eye.

Source: Shutterstock

 

Going in with a plan helps you shop more intentionally. This way, you’ll be less likely to make impulse purchases or end up with pieces that don’t really fit your style or your body. It can be tempting to pick up something amazing that isn’t your usual size or your style – I’ve fallen for that before too. But shopping sustainably means choosing items you’ll genuinely wear, rather than what just looks good in the moment. If a piece doesn’t check all your boxes, don’t stress. The right finds always turn up when you’re patient, and that’s part of the thrifting magic. 

Here's a little extra tip: Having a Pinterest board filled with outfit inspiration or pieces you love can make a world of difference. It helps you visualise your style and gives you a clear sense of what you’re looking for, so when you’re thrifting, you can easily spot pieces that match your vision.

𝟐. 𝐃𝐎 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 👕

Some thrift stores don’t have dressing rooms, so it’s smart to wear simple, snug-fitting clothes like a fitted top, leggings, and slip-on shoes. These make it easier to try items on over your outfit, reducing hassle and giving you a better sense of how the pieces will fit your body. Trust me, wearing leggings has saved me so much time and stress – it makes the whole thrifting experience ten times easier and way more enjoyable.

It’s always a good idea to try items on as sizes can be tricky! For example, vintage pieces in particular don’t match modern sizing – a vintage size 12 could actually be much smaller than a current size 12. So, even if you think you’ll fit perfectly, try them on first. 

Another important factor to consider is the material of the clothing. Some fabrics stretch and move with you, such as jersey knits, spandex blends, or cotton with elastane. These offer more flexibility and can fit a wider range of shapes comfortably. On the other hand, materials like linen, 100% cotton, woven fabrics, or denim have little to no stretch, which means you need to be more precise with the fit since these won’t give much once on your body! When trying on, pay attention to how the fabric feels and check if it has any give – this helps you avoid purchasing items that might feel restrictive later.

If dressing for quick try-ons isn’t possible, don’t worry! Knowing your measurements is the next best thing. Bring a measuring tape and jot down your key measurements or save them on your phone. This way, you can check garment tags or measure items in-store to avoid surprises and wasted buys. 

Source: Hunarcourses

 

𝙆𝙚𝙮 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙚:

• Bust: Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, straight across your back.
• Waist: Measure at your natural waist—usually just above the belly button, where your torso creases when you bend to the side.
• Hips: Find the widest part of your hips and buttocks with the tape parallel to the floor.
• Inseam: Measure from your inner thigh to the bottom of your ankle (useful for pants and jeans).
• Shoulders: Measure from one shoulder’s edge to the other for a great jacket fit.

If you keep all this in mind, you’re already halfway to thrifting smarter and finding pieces that truly work for you✨

𝟑. 𝐃𝐎 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 🔍

One of the best parts of in-person thrifting is that you can really get your hands on what you’re interested in. Take your time to observe the item and look closely to see if everything is secure. Loose threads, missing buttons, or broken zippers can give you clues about how much life an item has left. Check the texture of the fabric and look for signs of wear such as pilling or fading. Sure, small flaws can be fixed, but taking a closer look before buying saves you from any unpleasant surprises later. When you do come across a well-crafted piece in great condition, it truly feels like uncovering a treasure in the world of thrifting.  

Source: Shopgoodwill

 

Sometimes I like to think that a small stain or a little wear and tear on a piece of clothing makes it more special. These quirks tell me that the item has been loved and has character. With a little creativity or repair, such details can turn into unique signatures that make your thrifted piece one-of-a-kind – or you can simply accept and embrace a little defect as part of its charm! If something needs a lot of fixing or doesn't feel right after trying it on, it’s totally okay to pass and keep looking. Remember, BE PATIENT! 

 

𝟒. 𝐃𝐎 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲 💭

You’ve got your checklist, which is awesome for staying focused, but here’s a tip: don’t be afraid to peek into other sections like Men’s, Kids’, or Accessories. Some of the coolest finds come from these places! For example, kids’ shirts can make the best baby tees – FYI, one of my favorite thrift finds is a tie-dye tee made for a 5-year-old and I’ve rocked it for over five years now. It just goes to show that style has no limits. Men’s oversized shirts are always a win, and the accessories section is full of cute trinkets that can even become bag charms! You don’t need to go vintage shopping to find trendy pieces like Jorts, Baby Tees, or Cargo Pants. These styles have all made a comeback, so chances are you’ll spot them at a thrift store just waiting for their second round of love 💚

Source: Pinterest

 

Even items that might seem “aunty” or outdated? Don’t write them off. Many hidden Y2K treasures come disguised as “old-fashioned” pieces. If you’re open to imagining their potential, you might find a vintage graphic tee, blouse or a funky jacket that becomes your next statement piece or thrift flip. Too many people hesitate to step into thrift stores like REFASH because they think the styles are outdated. But trust me, if you come prepared and know how to thrift smart, the perfect piece almost always finds its way to you – often at an unbeatable price. In my opinion, clothes never go out of style when you know how to style them right!

So, hold on to your checklist, but allow room for surprises. It’s those unexpected gems that often become your favorite pieces, turning thrifting into a creative and downright thrilling experience.

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐎𝐍’𝐓𝐒

Honestly, the only “don’t” that I have for you is -

𝐃𝐎𝐍’𝐓 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞! 🥳

Embrace the thrill of the hunt, the joy of discovering hidden gems, and the satisfaction of making mindful choices that benefit not only your wardrobe but also the planet. Every time you discover a preloved piece, you’re giving it new life, cutting down on waste, saving valuable resources, and lowering carbon emissions. When you enjoy the process, every thrift trip becomes an opportunity to express your creativity, connect with sustainable values, and have fun along the way ♻️

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