Thrifting Tips

Online

First, I’ll focus on online thrifting via sites such as Poshmark, Mercari, ThredUp and others. Online thrifting is much easier to filter and sort through than in-person thrifting. I think the deals are sometimes slightly better in person since stores may be more desperate to get rid of inventory and thus price items lower. Also, you won’t have to pay for shipping, which helps.

Know What You’re Looking For

One thing that helps is having an idea of what you’re looking for before you start. It’s difficult to ‘browse’ since there are so many random products. It helps if you can search a specific term like ‘maroon satchel bag’ because the number of results will be manageable.

Filters are your best friend

You can filter products by brand, color, material, size, etc. Also- for anyone squeamish about buying used items, you can filter by ‘new with tags’ and ‘new without tags’ as well. I love this feature because you’re not limited to what’s currently in season. One of my favorite purchases is a cognac purse that’s no longer sold and it’s so nice to be able to buy whatever you have in mind regardless of the current trends that are being sold everywhere.

Ask questions

If you’re unsure whether something will fit, ask the seller to add specific measurements like the waist, length, pit to pit (chest), etc. and compare it to something that fits you well. You can also ask for more pictures of the fabric close up if you’re unsure of the condition. This will help you avoid a purchase that doesn’t work for you. Most sellers are pretty responsive and will add the extra information. Sites like Mercari and Poshmark also have great customer support. If the product you received was different than the description, you can return the product for a refund.

Be Discerning

Buying online where you’re not guaranteed a refund works best if you have an idea of the product already. For instance, there’s a classic Polo Ralph Lauren cable knit sweater I have in multiple colors. I know my size, and I have purchased new colors in that sweater on Poshmark and it has been great. I still ask for the measurements before purchasing to make sure the size is consistent, though. I also purchased a large Dagne Dover bag on Poshmark before COVID, but I made sure I saw it in person first, just to make sure I liked it. It wouldn’t be fair to the seller or to myself to buy online and then decide I don’t like the style.

In – Store

In store thrifting can be a little more time consuming, since obviously there aren’t filters in real life. That said, I think there are ways to find great deals and the major benefit is that you can see and touch the items before purchasing. Pre-COVID you could also try items on, though I’m not sure that’s still happening anymore.

Type of Shop

There are two major types of shops for buying re-sale- thrift shops and consignment shops. The major difference is that thrift shops sell clothing that has been donated (think Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc.), while consignment shops sell clothing that has been sold to them (think Buffalo Exchange, Crossroads, etc.). You can find a range of brands at both types of shops, but generally speaking, consignment shops carry higher retail value items. This makes total sense since people sell their expensive and designer items to the consignment store hoping to make back some money on those items they don’t wear. Thrift stores are also more likely to carry used clothing while consignment shops often carry new clothing with the tags still on. That said, thrift stores are, of course, much cheaper.

I personally find a lot of gems at consignment stores, but I don’t believe that thrift stores generally carry as many amazing finds and there’s so much more to sift through when people donate anything and everything. Consignment stores don’t buy just anything – they only carry trendy and in-season items, so it doesn’t feel like you have to dig to find nice things.

Location

I think a general rule of thumb is that consignment shops (and even thrift shops) in expensive neighborhoods carry nicer items. I feel like if you’re in the market for a fur coat or slightly vintage or classic pieces an older woman would wear, it also makes sense to go to those expensive neighborhoods where the demographics are a little older and wealthier. If you’re looking for trendier, younger style clothing, then it probably makes sense to go to the consignment stores in neighborhoods with a lot of younger people such as near universities. The thrift shop near my university was amazing (shoutout to Greene Street in Princeton) and the ones near NYU are also pretty great. My favorite thrift shop in NYC is Crossroads, though. They have so much stuff with tags still on and really high end brands also.

Brands

When I’m in store, I keep my eye out for certain brands which are generally good quality and age well. Think Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, Madewell, Banana Republic, and Ann Taylor – these brands wash well, hold their shape, etc. I would stay away from super fast fashion brands like Forever 21 or Shein because they are known for having lower quality items that don’t last as long.

Materials

I know this is kinda obvious, but I have to mention it. When I’m shopping at consignment stores, I tend to prioritize the material. I look at the label all the time and I typically stay away from synthetic materials, which pill easily and don’t look the same after washing. Cotton and wools tend to wash better, maintain their shape, and just age better than anything synthetic. Real silk is great, but synthetic satin-y materials don’t age as well, in my opinion.

Double check everything

Because you are buying re-sale, check the entire garment for stains. That means checking the collar for makeup marks, the pits and neck for sweat stains, the hem for stains, etc. Also check the seams for any rips. You don’t want to find out afterwards that the item doesn’t work for you, since most consignment shops don’t do refunds.

Thank you for reading, and feel free to drop any additional tips in the comments! I love hearing from you guys!