Thrifting Do's and Don'ts!
As you already know, I love to thrift. I have been thrifting since high school and about 75% of my wardrobe is thrifted. People are always amazed and admire my thrifted goods. I think it comes with having a good fashion eye while thrifting and knowing the right place to shop. Over the years, I have developed some good practices while thrifting.
1. DO Find Good Thrift Stores
It is imperative to know the right places to shop. Half of the battle with thrifting is finding the stores with great merchandise. That is not to say that you can't find amazing pieces at the less than stores; however it may be a little difficult. You may also need to travel a little further to find great stores. For example, one of my favorite Goodwills is in Virginia about 25 minutes away from my house. It does require me to drive, but the goods are definitely worth it.
2. DON'T Buy Certain Items At The Thrift Store
Big thrift stores, such as Goodwill, Salvation Army and 2nd Ave Thrift sell everything from clothing to mattresses. I know that many people don't feel comfortable with purchasing clothing and shoes from thrift stores. Those items can be properly cleaned before wearing. One of my favorite consignment shops, Fia's Fabulous Finds, dry cleans her items before they are sold. However, I would not recommend buying personal items like underwear, bed sheets or bath towels from the thrift store. Even though I am a thrifter, I will still buy those items new with tags from a retail store. You figure with all the money you are saving from thrifting; you will have extra to spend on those items.
3. DO Wear Comfortable Clothing While Thrifting
Many thrift stores have fitting rooms for your convenience. You have a place to change quickly into your goods to see what works well for you. However, there are some stores that don't have fitting rooms or may always be occupied. If you know you are having a thrifting day, wear fitted clothing such as a leggings and a t-shirt if you have to slip clothes over them.
4. DON'T Only Shop In Your Size
Don't get discouraged if you can't find items in your "true size." The cool thing about thrifting is that you can find literally anything there. I used to get upset when I couldn't find clothing in my size. I have found items that are sized as smalls and mediums and fit me perfectly. Also many vintage items are cut small, because women were not as curvaceous as us modern women. You may have to search a little harder for vintage plus size fashion.
I believe that I will always be a thrifter because I have found some of the coolest items at thrift stores. It is the thrill of the search that makes it so dope for me. It also doesn't help that the items are at a discounted rate. Next time you venture to your favorite store, keep these tips in mind!
