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Discover how to thrift shop like a pro with these essential thrift store shopping tips for scoring amazing deals on a budget.

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If you asked me to describe my perfect Saturday in my 30s it would have been to get up early, get a quick run in and shower, grab a coffee and be in the parking lot of my favorite local thrift store before they’d open at 9. I loved the thrill of finding interesting and fun fashion for ridiculously low prices. Over the years, I’ve developed a few essential thrift store shopping tips to make the process easier.

Finding the Best Places to Thrift

If you’re thrift store curious then buckle up! I have been incredibly loyal to a  Salvation Army in Rogers Park I refer to as “The Magic Thrift Store,” which I found reading Yelp reviews. In the last few years I normally have my long run on Saturdays, I haven’t been able to go as often I would have liked. It’s still a favorite pastime.

I started to learn the ropes of thrifting in high school.  My friend, Jamie, and I would go and find really fun and unique clothes.  Spending hours sorting through secondhand clothes taught me these thrift store fashion tips. My inspiration and focus at the time was that I loved Gwen Stefani and I loved finding anything that would make me feel like a little Gwenabee (which was the name for her fans who dressed like her). It’s always been a way to find my own personal style.

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Thrift Store Shopping Perception

Thrift stores aren’t just for people with an offbeat style (you can also find fun ways to break fashion rules here).  It’s fun to be a trendy thrifter! I think any fashionista loves the idea of finding amazing second-hand clothes for dirt cheap. There are always the urban legends of ladies who have found authentic Chanel purses at local thrift stores or yard sales. While this is possible (I did once buy a Vera Wang evening gown for 69 cents), the odds are likely you’re going to find a good mix of everyday brands and an occasional high-end gem.

Thrift Tips for Fresh Looks

I love finding interesting clothing items that give me a unique sense of style without screaming “thrift store style.” I’m also looking for fresh looks for the office or with the change in seasons. With the exception of clothing that touches my lady parts (panties, bras, and bikinis), tights, and shoes, a good mix of my wardrobe is secondhand.

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How to Shop at Thrift Stores for Clothes

I’ve put together a list of things to make thrift store shopping a little less overwhelming.

How to Find the Best Thrift Stores

Here is a “How To” guide on how to find your very own “Magic Thrift Store.” Start by Googling “Thrift stores near me.” People are open to sharing good places to thrift by leaving a review. From there, take time to read the reviews.

Not every thrift store is magical. You can pick a random thrift store and spend hours sorting through its donations to discover if it is a prized store. Or you can let your community clue you in with details on their shopping experience, like how big the retail space is, the quality of the selection, how much foot traffic, etc. Also, does the thrift store business have a social media account? Based on your findings, head there in person.

I found my favorite thrift store simply by searching on Yelp and reading the reviews. Based on the feedback, I was lucky to find a store in my (then) neighborhood that other thrifters were excited about. It might not be the closest store to your house, but if it’s worth it, make the drive.

It’s also worth asking friends for recommendations to find out what are the best thrift stores are in your area.

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Thrift Store Advice: Plan Ahead

Not all thrift stores have dressing rooms, and most have a “no returns” policy. After purchasing too many pieces that “looked like they would fit” or I didn’t realize were too short/had a bad zipper/a hole, etc, I realized it’s always better to become familiar with a garment if you can try it on before you purchase it.  Keep in mind that sizes vary per brand (thank you, vanity sizing for confusing everyone), so you just never know if something is really going to fit.  I wear a pair of thin leggings and a tank top that feels like the closest thing to my naked body as possible. It allows me to try on items over my clothes to see if they’ll fit.

How Much Do Thrifted Clothes Cost?

Here are some basic tips for shopping at thrift stores.

Some thrift stores offer specials on certain colored tags every day. This is a great way to get great deals while turning over inventory at the thrift store. Some thrift stores offer sales on holidays. I’d try to purchase the selected color to save money. It can vary by store. When I would go consistently, I’d focus only on the sale color and never buy anything at full price. This is a great way to snag a good deal and also help with the store’s inventory management.

Given that most thrift stores are relatively inexpensive, full price for secondhand items can be worth it, too. If an item fits you properly or has potential, consider buying it. Only you can determine the value of a good thrift store find!

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How Do Thrift Stores Work?

Does the Thrift Store Buy Clothes?

No, most thrift stores do not buy clothes. Most of the items are donated in exchange for a receipt, which the consumer can use to apply for a tax write-off. The donated items end up in the donation bin when someone is purging a closet or having estate sales. Thrift store owners usually don’t review the items when they’re dropped off.

Thrift stores often get confused with consignment stores, like Plato’s Closet, that source inventory by buying clothes to resell at a higher price. Look for these resale stores online and read their policy on selling clothes before you visit to determine if your items are worth reviewing.

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How to Navigate a Secondhand Store

I remember the feeling on my first trip.  When I first walked in, my emotions were a mix of overwhelmed and excited. If you need a certain section of your wardrobe replaced, like jeans or jackets, start there and work your way through the inventory. After an hour or two, I’m usually pretty tired. Make sure you understand you’re going to find a lot of weird or gross items.

There’s a reason the clothes were donated in the first place. I want to believe it’s because the previous owner doesn’t fit into them anymore, but it’s also possible the item is damaged. Check garments for stains and holes before you purchase them. Most thrift stores have an “All Sales are Final” policy so inspect carefully.

Online Thrift Store Shopping

Also, you may have good luck finding items with online thrift stores, and you can buy great secondhand pieces without leaving your house. Usually, these websites feature specific items as part of their business plan, like vintage clothing stores, since these pieces are specific and harder to find. Ensure the listing has close-up pictures so you can inspect them closely. If you have questions about a piece, try contacting the site.

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Do Thrift Stores Wash Clothes?

No, thrift stores don’t wash clothes before you buy them. These clothes are sold as-is, but ideally, they should be donated clean. The store operations should sort and select the items for sale based on overall quality and toss items that aren’t proper to sell in the retail store.

Cleaning Your Thrifted Garments

First step is to remove the tags.  I usually use the little knife on a wine bottle opened to bend back the staples to pry the price tag off, but some stores use actual tags (lucky you if your store does).  Considering more thrift stores smell weird and like mothballs (I believe that’s the smell), take the time to wash your treasures before you wear them.  Even the best Goodwill finds can have a dusty smell. I recommend investing in a Dryel kit for caring for the more delicate pieces or taking them to the dry cleaner to get rid of the thrift store smell.

What Did You Get at the Thrift Store?

What thrift store gems have you found?  What are the best thrift store shopping tips you have to offer?  Please share in the comments below!

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