How to Thrift: A Guide to Thrifting For Every Experience Level
If we had to describe a sustainable baddie to you, one of the first things we’d say is “they love to go thrifting.” The joy we get from spending a day looking through secondhand clothing is beyond description. Once we spot that diamond in the rough, some unbelievably priced vintage designer, or just the right basic we needed, the angels sing and suddenly we’re all warm inside. Add a little coffee at the end to celebrate… It's like an adventure arc!
Thrifting is arguably the most sustainable way to shop for clothing. By purchasing secondhand clothes, we are normalizing circular fashion, keeping clothing out of landfills, and reducing the demand for new clothing — a major contributor to pollution and carbon emissions. Thrifting also provides us with an opportunity to find one-of-a-kind pieces that we wouldn't be able to find in traditional retail stores. Not to mention, if you’re someone who loves high fashion, but not so much high fashion prices, thrifting can help you score vintage and designer pieces at a fraction of the cost.
We know thrifting can sometimes be an overwhelming experience if you’re not sure what you’re looking for, or if you’re trying it out for the first time. Sustainable Baddie wants to encourage our community to thrift whenever possible and take away some of that thrifting anxiety that may arise when surrounded by piles of single pieces of clothing. Whether you’re in the spring of your sustainability journey and are just starting to shop secondhand, or you’re a seasoned thrifter who has managed to avoid the flesh-eating bacteria in the bins, this guide is for all thrifters alike. No matter where you find yourself on the thrifting spectrum, there are tips in here for you!
A Reminder to Thrift Mindfully
As much as we love thrifting as a pastime, thrifting is also a necessary resource for many. The rising popularity of thrifting has led to the gentrification of a practice that was originally intended to benefit low-income communities. Social media, especially platforms like TikTok and Instagram, and influencer culture have assisted in turning thrifting into a trend, which comes with significant blowback on the target communities. It’s great that people are choosing to adopt more sustainable shopping habits, but actions like overconsuming, partaking in what's known as “thrift hauls,” buying affordable clothing to resell it at a heavily inflated price, or purchasing plus-sized clothing when you aren’t plus-sized all negatively impact a resource that is meant to ensure that everyone can access the basic necessity that is durable clothing.
Thrift gentrification looks like not being able to find clothing in your size because it's been bought for scrap fabric, finding a cute but common piece being resold on Depop for ten times the price (when it was probably under $10 at the thrift), or not being able to find affordable clothes you like because it's been bought by “thrift haulers” looking to go viral online. We want to be mindful and encourage conscious thrifting, as it is always possible to fall down unsustainable paths of overconsumption, taking pieces from those who may need them, and contributing to a culture of gentrification. Sustainable baddies don’t partake in thrift gentrification! So please, thrift with care <3
Thrifting is Different for Everyone!
Thrifting is going to be a different experience for each person who decides to shop secondhand and there are a number of intersecting factors that can affect the way that you thrift:
Location: Where you’re located will have a huge impact on the way that you thrift. If you’re in a city, you might see more vintage stores, curated selections, and higher prices. Whereas more rural areas may have more basic and practical items at lower prices (and some gems you’d never find for a good price in the city.)
Budget: Of course, the types of items you can afford to buy and the stores you can afford to shop at will depend on your personal budget. It might be worth it to research the average price point of different sellers before heading out.
Personal Style: Everyone has different fashion preferences that are unique to them. If you’re a minimal dresser, you will likely not be frequenting curated costume stores. And if you’re a whimsical maximalist, you might not find what you’re looking for at Goodwill.
Patience: If you’re someone who gets overwhelmed by having too many options or if you aren’t willing to really do some digging to find something you’ll like, stay away from the bins and opt for smaller locations. If you’ve got all the time and patience in the world, jump on into the warehouses!
Purpose: Depending on what your purpose is in thrifting, your thrift experience will change. If you’re going thrifting to find some work-appropriate clothes, clothes for your kids, or affordable home decor, you might be frequenting places like Savers or Unique. If you’re thrifting a look for fashion week, you might be looking for secondhand designer on eBay.
Keeping these factors in mind can also help you have a more successful and enjoyable thrifting experience.
Thrift 101: The Universal Rules of Thrifting
Preparing before you go thrifting will decrease thrift stress, make the search smoother and more efficient, and even make it more likely that you’ll take home the grand prize! No matter your experience level, keep these tips in your back pocket for your next thrifting trip:
Make a List: Before you head out the door (maybe even the day before you go), make a list of the items you are looking for. This will help you stay focused and not get overwhelmed by the infinite selection of clothing.
Do Your Research: Find out when new items are put out on the floor. Some stores have specific days when they restock, and you can increase your chances of finding good items if you go on those days. You might also want to check store hours, as thrift stores often have unusual timing. Wouldn’t want to take a cab in the middle of a tornado just to find out the shop is closed (this actually happened to us).
Always Try On/Know Your Size: Always try on clothes to make sure they fit well and to avoid buying something that you can’t return. If shopping online, know your measurements. Think twice before purchasing something with intent to make major size alterations (see the section below for the exception, upcycling!). You might be taking something away from a shopper with a different body type and increasing your overall personal cost.
Dress Comfortably: Wear comfy shoes (preferably with the socks you wear most frequently) and clothes that are easy to slip on and off (or try stuff on over). Don’t forget to bring a reusable bag to carry your finds!
Be Open-Minded: Don’t get us wrong, we love a list and a purpose, but it's always fun to be open to unexpected finds. Live a little! You never know what hidden gems you might come across 🫢
Do a Damage Check: Before making a purchase, check your items for stains, holes, or any other flaws that you might not be willing to repair or that are just downright irreparable.
Take Your Time: Thrift stores can be a little overwhelming and chaotic, so be prepared to take your time digging through the racks, and don’t be too disappointed if you don’t end up finding anything. It’s always better to leave empty-handed than to buy something you don’t really need.
Once you’re in the store and ready to start thrifting, remember the following:
Be Respectful: Always treat the store, the staff, and other shoppers with respect. Don't leave a mess behind and don’t try to haggle with workers who have no control over prices.
Check Store Policies: Each store has its own policies (especially online sellers). Some may have no refunds or exchange policies, so be sure to check before making a purchase.
Don’t Be a Gentrifier: Be mindful of how some thrifting practices can be harmful to low-income communities. Don’t overconsume!
Now that you know the basics, scroll down to find where you land in experience level, and check out the tips and tricks we’ve written down just for you!
The Newbie
So, this is your first time dipping your toes into the world of thrifting? We all have to be a newbie at something sometimes, so welcome to the club, baddie! This is a no-gatekeeping zone! Because we are thrifting-obsessed, we are here to help hold your hand on this journey. Want to be the most prepared newbie thrifter at your local shop? We got you, bestie.
Clean out the closet first
When planning a big trip to the thrift, it’s helpful to go through your closet first. It always feels better to bring home a thrift haul when you have the closet space ready. It can also help you mitigate overconsumption because you know that you will be adding new things to an emptier closet rather than just filling up on more things at risk of collecting dust.
Lists are your friend
When you do your closet cleanout, also take inventory of your wardrobe. What do you have too much of? What do you need more of? What are you getting rid of? Our pro tip is to keep a note on your phone or in your journal, that way when you think of (or see) a piece that you want in your wardrobe when you head to the thrift you won’t forget. Running through a thrift list will help you make the most of your visit to the shop. It can give you some direction if things feel overwhelming. When you walk into the store, you’ll know exactly where to go and exactly what you want to walk away with. No distractions!
Shop small or curated
Because this is your first time, make things easier on yourself and start small. There is no need to go to the biggest thrift store in your area. Do some research and find the smallerlocal options, or even the more curated ones. If you go somewhere with a smaller selection (or a more particular selection) you are doing yourself a favor. You can slowly make your way through all the racks without getting lost or losing sight of what you came for. Keep in mind that if you are going somewhere smaller or more curated, you may also face some higher prices. For your first time, you can weigh the cost vs. benefit of paying a little more for a breezier experience, but we will leave the decision-making up to you!
Slow it down, babe
When you step into the thrift store, it can feel like a buzzing environment, and there will undoubtedly be people there who know (or just look like they know) what they are doing. But don’t fret. Keep your cool. Take your time. You got this. The unavoidable truth of thrifting is that you are gonna have to go back. Some of the best thrifters we know have hit up the same thrift store multiple times a week and still walked away with nothing. The best way to thrift for a newbie is to accept initial defeat. You might not find anything every time you go, but the more you go, the better luck you have (it's probability, baby). If you emptied out your closet and you’re feeling like you have to refill it immediately, take a beat, and remind yourself that this is only one store or one day of thrifting. You have plenty of time to find the perfect pieces, and the last thing you want is to go home with clothes that don't fit and won't be worn. That misses the whole point! Remember, rule number one to being a sustainable baddie is slooooow fashion is the best fashion, and that includes thrifted clothes!
I’ve Done This Before, Bestie
You crave the thrill of hunting through the thrift and are always on the lookout for the next hidden gem. You’ve probably found Miu Miu ballet flats for like five dollars. You already know that the key to a successful thrifting experience is patience, an open mind, and an eye for potential. You know the best finds are often buried deep in the thrift store, hidden behind racks of shoes, or tucked away in a back corner somewhere. You know that the most valuable pieces are not always the most obvious. They’re the ones that are unique, vintage, one-of-a-kind items that tell a story and hold a history. But be patient, young thrifter, you’ve still got much to learn.
Be Selective
No one becomes an expert thrifter without making a few mistake purchases. And that’s okay! As a seasoned thrifter, you've likely accumulated a lot of items over time. Now is the time to be selective about what you buy and consider whether or not it’s something you really need or will use. Always think back to your wardrobe and home decor, think of what you already have before you buy something new. This is the part of your thrift career where you take all those lessons you’ve learned and use them to continue a mindful thrift practice. You know that thrifting is not just about finding great deals on clothing, it's about being aware of the impact your shopping habits have on the environment and the community. Being extra mindful can look like going home without anything because you knew the pieces you did find were very iffy. It might also look like investing in quality, timeless pieces and turning thrifting into a practice that helps you build a sustainable wardrobe that will last for years into the future.
Establish Your Routine
Turning your thrift trips into a routine will help you keep your eye on the prize and avoid stress and overconsumption. Stick to the intentions you’ve set for yourself. Set a budget and make sure not to go over. Make your list the day before and enter the store with determination to find those pieces! Set your thrift days for either a day when they restock (so you always have first pick of the crop) or for a discount day (many thrift stores will often offer discounts for students or have sales on certain days of the week). Make sure you’re actually up for it that day. You know how much energy goes into thrifting so if your tank is low, save the thrifting for next week to avoid walking in and walking right out. And always make sure to clean your purchases right when you get home!
Go Back to Your Roots
Nothing is more restorative and illuminating than going back to your roots and remembering where you came from. You may have veered away from shopping at the classic stores like Goodwill, Salvation Army, or Savers. We get it. The ambience isn’t the same as the indie shops you frequent or maybe have just moved away from your homet(hrift)own. But it’s important to remember that the best thrift finds don’t always have to be curated or on the higher price end. It may be more challenging to find the piece of a lifetime, but that’s part of the fun! And it’s sure to be more affordable. Take a moment to remember why you started thrifting in the first place.
Get Creative With It
You’ve mastered the basics, so now you can start to get a little experimental with thrifting! A unique piece of clothing or home decor can be transformed with a little creativity and some basic DIY skills. Try dedicating one thrift trip to finding a piece to upcycle. This could mean turning an old pair of jeans into a skirt, repurposing an old dresser into a bookshelf, adding embroidery to a thrifted t-shirt, or turning an old pair of pants into a set! The ideas are endless! Maybe you’ve yet to dabble in thrifted accessories. Head into the accessories section or an antique store for the first time and look for some proper vintage pieces to elevate your thrifted ’fits.
The Virtual Thrifter
If you prefer to shop secondhand from the comfort of your own home, we’re right there with ya! There’s something very satisfying about getting to thrift without having to suffer through the damp scents of the thrift shop. Thrifting online also widens up the areas available to you to basically the rest of the world (if you’re willing to pay for the shipping). It’s easier to find specific brands and styles you might be looking for and you can really curate a presence on secondhand marketplaces that will make your searches more successful (let the algorithm work for you!). Welcome to the world of cyber thrifting! Make sure to check out our How to Shop on Depop and How to Shop The RealReal guides for some platform-specific guidance.
Know Which Online Marketplaces You Like
There are so many amazing secondhand marketplaces online that it might be hard to choose from! If you’re a beginner, you may like platforms like Depop or Poshmark. If you’re into secondhand designer clothing, The RealReal or Vestiaire are likely the places for you. If you’re a more seasoned virtual thrifter you might frequent the more sporadic places like eBay, Etsy, or even small online vintage shops that you’ve come across over the years. We recommend creating a folder on your phone where you store the apps for these marketplaces or a saved folder on TikTok/Instagram for the smaller curators you meet along the way (we love Poorly Curated, Transplant Vintage, and Shop Journal, to name a few).
Ask Before You Buy
If you’re able to message the seller, do it! Especially on platforms like Depop, eBay, or Poshmark, sellers are all independent and there are sure to be scammers lurking around. You’ll want to make sure sellers are still active, possibly check to ask for measurements (considering sizing is widely different across eras and brands), and maybe even try to get a discount or check to see if they offer bundles. Taking these steps will help prevent scams or purchasing something that doesn’t fit.
Interact Like It’s Your FYP
The key to tailoring any platform to your wants and needs is to interact with it like hell! Think of it like your TikTok For Your Page (😭). The algorithm is in your favor and wants to know exactly what you’re into so that it can suggest things you might like. Some sites will allow you to save searches or designate the kinds of styles, brands, and sizes you prefer. Tailoring each site to exactly your preferences will make the virtual thrifting experience unique to you and will make it a lot easier to find pieces you love.
Sell & Swap
Partake in some selling and swapping to keep the size of your wardrobe from growing to uncontrollable heights. Choosing a “one in, one out” thrifting method is great to maintain the size of your wardrobe. If you opt for this method, consider selling your pieces on online marketplaces (we love some extra money) or messaging others to see if they’d be interested in swapping. Swapping can be a little tricky because you do run the risk that the other party might end up scamming you, so just be cautious (add them on socials or request to buy each other’s shipping labels).
I’m Ready for the Bins, Honey
You inspire us, queen. The bins are next level and they are not for the faint-hearted. If you are ready for the bins, you are not only a pro thrifter but a pro styler too. The bins are the spot to find the deals on some of the craziest, most funkiest, and most unique pieces out there. If you have mastered the curated thrift, and the general thrift, and are looking for a challenge, then we salute you — it's time for the bins.
Plan Ahead
Unlike the newbie section, planning ahead as a bins girlie is more about having a game plan than going in with a list. It is helpful to do your research on the bin locations near you to find one that is easily accessible (especially if you plan to go home with BAGS), make sure it's open, and maybe even go when you have a random day off (less traffic). Knowing where you’re going and what to expect when you get there might take some of the pressure off the process. That being said, be open to options. You are definitely going to find a wide variety of randomness, so let yourself be inspired. Maybe do a visioning exercise beforehand. Take some time to manifest. You won’t have much control once you arrive, so best to have done the divination ahead of time.
Be prepared
Make sure that you have what you need for a day at the bins. Wear clothes that you are comfortable moving in; the bins have the potential of being a literal workout even on a good day. Because it is such a mix of some of the best and worst goodwill leftovers, it is important to take cleanliness into account. We recommend bringing gloves, hand sanitizer, and Clorox wipes with you to comfortably sift through whatever bins you want and examine to your heart's content. It is also often that the bins don’t have dressing rooms for trying things on, so consider bringing tools for measuring as well. And don’t forget to bring your reusable bags. Those big huge IKEA ones? Yeah, you’re gonna want those.
Take your time
We recommend going early in the day before too many people arrive and making a plan for how long you plan to stay. You don’t want to feel rushed or under a time crunch. This isn’t a casual affair. If you’re going with friends, make sure you have decided on the amount of time you're willing to spend. Don’t forget that the staff will rotate the bins throughout the day, so the longer you spend, the more variety you may find. That being said, make sure you take care of yourself too! Take breaks, eat your meals, and drink your water.
Godspeed, babe
Just go for it! You might walk away with absolutely nothing or absolutely everything. But if there is one thing we have learned, the Bins™ are anyone's game, so the best thing to do is just dive right in. Have an open mind, an empty schedule, and lots of energy. We can’t wait to see what you find!
Rework Kween
Re-working or upcycling thrifted clothes has popped off on social media, especially on TikTok. If you are one of those self-proclaimed upcycling baddies or are striving to become one, your thrifting experience might look a little different than others. As a rework kween, you are likely less concerned with how well a piece fits and more concerned with what it's made of or what it looks like. You aren’t afraid of stains or holes like the rest of us. Instead, when you walk into the thrift store the whole room is your oyster – there are very few limits to what you’re capable of.
Have An Idea in Mind
Okay, we spoke too soon. The entire thrift store might not be your oyster if you aren’t at least somewhat prepared. Being a rework kween or an upcycling baddie is a little bit more than just taking a men's t-shirt and cropping it, or turning a pair of old jeans into shorts. The real rework kweens are likely exploring some more challenging projects. We recommend going in with a few tutorials or patterns in the back of your mind. Want to turn a maxi dress into a halter top sundress? Looking to dye a pair of white jeans? Add some patches to a distressed jacket. Have your ideas top of mind so you not only know what you're looking for, but know that your purchases aren't going to waste too.
Take Risks
If you’re reworking pieces, there isn’t a lot that can go wrong in the initial purchasing process. Picking unique pieces or pieces with interesting patterns or graphics might help you re-create something truly original. You are already doing something out of the box, so you might as well take it to the next level and challenge yourself with selecting more eccentric pieces that may otherwise go overlooked.
Stock up on Secondhand Fabric
If you are reworking thrift clothes, having additional fabric handy in case of sewing emergencies can help you avoid any failed garments. Found a great pair of pants but accidentally made a hole in the rework process? No fear, cover it with a cute handmade patch. You can get secondhand fabric often from your own thrift stores or from sewing and crafting shops in your area. There are also organizations like FabScrap, based in Brooklyn and Philadelphia, where you can buy secondhand fabric donated by brands. Don’t forget to keep those scraps from your own projects too! You never know when you might want to make use of them in new projects. If you start to rack up too many scraps, you can donate them back to Fabscrap and other similar organizations.
Be Considerate
We love the reworking era and are huge supporters of all things upcycled. That being said, what we don’t love is reworking clothes just because they are too big for you. Sourcing plus-sized clothes or finding quality pieces in higher sizes at the thrift store is way more difficult than you might think. If you are a person with a smaller-sized body who is purchasing plus-sized pieces just to make them your size, you might be taking quality pieces away from folks who can’t always find them. Baddies stay supporting baddies, so make sure to be considerate in your reworking efforts.
Home Thrifting 4 Everybody
Thrift stores are far too often a forgotten resource for kitchenware, interior furnishings, household necessities, and furniture. We are here to remind you that anyone can be a home thrifter from grandmas to uncles to little sisters, and everyone in between. There are always tons of unique (and necessary) finds in the home goods section of your local thrift. Like all things thrifty, with a bit of cleaning, home items are usually good as new. If you are overwhelmed or unsure how to thrift for homeware – we got you!
Thrift Your Apt!
Many of us in our early adulthood are moving into new apartments and homes all over the world. This means that we are often in desperate need of furniture. Now, more than ever before, furnishing our spaces with thrift finds is easier than ever. With resources like Facebook marketplace orInstagram pages like Stooping or Facebook ones like Buy Nothing, there is abundant access to great apartment finds. The best way to thrift furniture for your apartment is to keep tabs on accounts like these and check them frequently. We like turning on post notifications for accounts like Stooping to make sure that we see what’s available before they get scooped up. It’s also helpful to know what you’re looking for. If you have a list of what you need to feel like your space is complete, then you won’t get sucked into buying too many of one thing and not enough of another. You may only need one rug, but you definitely need more than one chair! The best piece of advice we can give you for thrifting your apartment is to stay alert, stay curious, and be ready at a moment's notice!
Get your necessities!
Did you know that some department stores will donate their unpurchased home goods to places like Goodwill? If you are looking for basic essentials like kitchen gadgets, pots, pans, or other small appliances, then definitely check out thrift stores in your area. Even if they don’t have a stock of new items from places like Target, there is often a plethora of lightly-used kitchen and home essentials. This is a great way to avoid buying new, especially for items that you may have to purchase more than once in your life! Items such as cast iron skillets and other kitchenware can be more durable when buying them secondhand, as you can find higher-end and small batch pieces in your price range.
Time to Decorate!
Another thrifting hack is to thrift unique and funky decor. Curated vintage shops have some of the best accessories for your kitchen, your living room, your bedroom, and even your bathroom. If you are attempting to curate a styled home, you can also find more particular accessories online at places like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Noihsaf Bazaar. But if you are going for a more eclectic vibe, hit up your thrift store's home goods section to find pieces that you can use to bring your personality to your space. We love getting things like plant pots, vases, dinnerware, and even funky secondhand artwork too.
To all our thrifty baddies, go forth and partake in the wonder that is secondhand shopping. Make a date with your friends, bring your cameras, and live out the early 2000s shopping montage we’ve all dreamed of starring in. Remember that thrifting isn’t just a fun and affordable way to shop for clothing and accessories, but it’s a way for us to further normalize a culture where we keep our clothes in circulation for ever and ever. We really don’t need to be producing more clothing! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced thrifter, these tips and tricks are great tools to keep in mind to make the most of your thrifting experience. We promise you'll be able to find the diamonds in the rough, one-of-a-kind pieces, and build the sustainable wardrobe of your dreams. Happy thrifting!