https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thrifting-tips Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:56:13 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thrifting-tips#post-2398136 Sun, 02 Nov 2025 09:32:44 +0000 Jaime 2398136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry to post and run all - I am actually in NJ right now, we are on a family trip to see family, which means a lot of moving around the East Coast. Thank you for the interesting comments. I need to give some thought to whether thrifting with a list works for me. Given that I work at two thrifts stores I am in a sort of unusual position.</p> <p>Anyway, I will be doing some thrifting along the way so hope to have a cross-cultural update in a couple of weeks . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thrifting-tips#post-2398034 Fri, 31 Oct 2025 13:24:55 +0000 Irina 2398034@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t go often to thrift stores, mostly shop on Poshmark. I don’t have a list of things, I have a mental list of brands I’m willing to buy. I would not buy anything from unknown to me brand - I don’t know how it would hold up in a wash, how is a quality. It is a trust issue </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thrifting-tips#post-2398032 Fri, 31 Oct 2025 13:16:20 +0000 Star (Lise) 2398032@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>JENNI sometimes going with a list has worked for me. When I went looking for white jeans I had low expectations, expecting thin material or less than bright white. Imagine my shock when I immediately found three pairs that were fabulous in my size! So I took home the Hugo Boss pair and the Calvin Klein pair :). Excellent condition and bright white with no visible wear! They cost less than 5 Euro each. The Hugo pair is made in Morocco and sublime quality. Both are straight legs so are classic and won't date. You just never know. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thrifting-tips#post-2398025 Fri, 31 Oct 2025 11:52:40 +0000 Suntiger 2398025@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A nice thing about thrift is colors are easier to distinguish, because there are more different shades than retail. You can more readily see the warmest, coolest, most muted, brightest versions. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thrifting-tips#post-2398019 Fri, 31 Oct 2025 09:12:33 +0000 Jenni NZ 2398019@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That’s great Carla. I guess the list has only helped me sometimes. It did help me get a soft blazer after much unsuccessful searching of new jackets and even buying/returning one before that. But white pants that were my size and not jeans (as I already have white jeans, the only jeans I own) were a no-go so far. I don’t shop online resellers so it’s looking in physical thrift stores. I am still wearing my older white pants which are OK but getting a little worn. I always need at least one pair as an essential for my summer and I find some are of too thin a fabric which I worry will show the underwear through. Hopefully either new or thrifted I will find some eventually.<br /> You’ve got amazing stuff! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thrifting-tips#post-2398016 Fri, 31 Oct 2025 08:51:05 +0000 Carla 2398016@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>2025 has been a good thrifting year (see Finds below) with one gifted item. &nbsp;I did pass on one ‘gift’ from a fellow thrifter (Eileen Fisher puffer vest) because I could not get the scent out despite laundering and several days hanging outside. &nbsp;I knew the garment was clean - but could not abide the scent :-(</p> <p>Agree with Sal that thrifting and consignment are great places to pick up statement pieces, for exactly the reasons she cites. &nbsp;</p> <div><br />Though you want to keep an open mind when shopping second hand, I still firmly believe you should have a <b>list. &nbsp;</b>Black trousers, leopard print top, white button down, beige wool sweater, and leather skirt were&nbsp;<i>all&nbsp;</i>on my list. &nbsp;The dress was gifted, and the skirt was a serendipitous find. &nbsp;Total spent thrifting in 2025 - $155 CAD. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thrifting-tips#post-2397922 Thu, 30 Oct 2025 01:16:38 +0000 Jaime 2397922@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you all for your wise words! I wrote this summary of the article for those that missed the gift link before I read your latest comments and am gratified to see that you have already mentioned many of my points. Italics are direct quotes from the article and the rest are my summary and editorial comments.</p> <p><div>1. Smell things! Especially imho leather and fur (real or otherwise). <div>2. Touch things. I can pretty much tell fabric composition by touch by now. Key quote: <i>Put the fabric on your palm and quickly rub your finger back and forth across it. “If it’s silk, it’ll get hot very quickly,” </i></div><div>3. Bend the shoe. This is really important. Many shoes look ok, but are about to crumble. Soles can be replaced but shoes that have sat in the back of the closet unworn for years can look great but fall apart very quickly.</div><div>4. Check the tags. Tags have tons of information - and the style of tag can roughly indicate when the item was made. I do not buy anything without looking at the fabric tags.</div><div>5. Carry a tide pen. Well this tip is a bit dubious because I am not sure it is ok to tide pen items that don't belong to you, but use your discretion.</div><div>6. use a lead swab test. This is beyond my ken but this is what the article says: Not everything will conveniently radiate danger. But you can carry instant lead swab tests (they look like Q-tips) while antiquing to help you figure out on the spot if the cool set of painted plates you found might leech lead into your dinner.</div><div>7. Examine the rim of glassware. </div><div>8. Freeze your knitwear for 48 hours to kill any moth issues. </div><div>9. Put your items in the sun. <i>Be prepared to be patient. “It can take a year or more to thoroughly get odor” out, Ramey says. And resist the temptation to try to speed up the process by sending stinky finds to the dry cleaner. That “bakes that smell in,” she says. “You have to do a lot of your own leg work before you can actually take it to the dry cleaner.” </i>I personally would not have this kind of patience and avoid smelly items.</div><div>10. Look at accessories that are one size fits all like bags, scarves and belts. I would add sunglasses and jewelry. Also it might pay to ask what is behind the counter - many thrift stores do not leave their jewelry and other small items out (too easy to shoplift).</div><div>10. Be realistic about what repairs you will actually do. Ouch, but so true.</div></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thrifting-tips#post-2397909 Wed, 29 Oct 2025 23:29:24 +0000 Ginger 2397909@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hold wools up to the light to see moth holes. If small, they can be almost invisible on dark colors. It's not necessarily a deal-breaker, but is an important factor. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thrifting-tips#post-2397900 Wed, 29 Oct 2025 17:38:06 +0000 Marlene1 2397900@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't thrift so much now - I was bringing home too much stuff, and I'm happier with a less crowded closet.&nbsp; But I have good results removing stains with something called "La's Totally Awesome All Purpose Cleaner."&nbsp; I live in the southern US, and it's for sale at Dollar Store or Dollar Tree (also Amazon, of course.)<br />This product was recommended to me by an electrician, who said that he uses it to de-grease wires.&nbsp; If this won't get the spot out, it's permanent!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thrifting-tips#post-2397896 Wed, 29 Oct 2025 16:48:41 +0000 Ket 2397896@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh this is really good! Thank you for sharing. The last couple of years thrifting has been limited. I’ve only thrifted my vintage fur and some jewelry. I buy a fair amount from resellers but to me, it’s not quite the same as thrifting. I don’t get to touch it, try it on, etc. in real time. Anyway, I think I want to thrift some more… </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thrifting-tips#post-2397890 Wed, 29 Oct 2025 13:25:28 +0000 Style Fan 2397890@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't read the article.&nbsp; I have watched a few YouTube videos on thrifting.&nbsp; My biggest problem with Poshmark is the strong smell of something scented.&nbsp; I have tried washing the article of clothing in vinegar and hanging it outside for several days.&nbsp; Sometimes that helps.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>My success rate with thrifting is about 60%.&nbsp; I did find some winners that made up for the ones I donated. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thrifting-tips#post-2397887 Wed, 29 Oct 2025 11:12:44 +0000 Brooklyn 2397887@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was able to read it. Thanks for the tips Jaime.</p> <p>I’ve had a lot of success with accessories at thrift shops, especially necklaces, brooches (which can be converted into necklaces) and scarves.</p> <p>I’ve also bought dresses a couple of times and converted them into skirts. Dresses at thrift stores tend to be mid length (too short for me) but if you put a waist band in the dress at bust height you get a longer (midaxi) skirt. </p> <p>Also, if you like to experiment with home dyeing, the thrift store can be a good place to pick up an inexpensive Guinea pig </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thrifting-tips#post-2397882 Wed, 29 Oct 2025 05:28:38 +0000 Star (Lise) 2397882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Jaime.  I have had a lot of success with thrifting and only a few  booboos.  Taking your time to check out items is really key.  Once when I was in a hurry I ended up with two booboos in one purchase.  One was a Mango top with a stain which would not come out and an Esprit cardi that smelled like sour milk no matter how many times I washed it.  I think it was baby milk sick or something.  Gosh you wonder why someone would donate an item like that.  </p> <p>This summer I broke my No Viscose rule and got burned.  Usually I only purchase viscose blends because I know 100% viscose does not hold up well.  Anyway the items were on major discount so I thought what have I got to lose.  However it was annoying when I laundered the shell top and hung it on the wash line in the sunlight only to see the holes in it!  </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thrifting-tips#post-2397881 Wed, 29 Oct 2025 05:22:41 +0000 Sal 2397881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting article. I think fabric feel is important to me. For me statement pieces are mostly better second hand because they are donated before worn out whereas essentials are more often worn more. </p> <p>I have had more success thrifting or second hand shopping this year with four great additions. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thrifting-tips#post-2397877 Wed, 29 Oct 2025 03:16:54 +0000 Jenni NZ 2397877@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was able to read it before it ran out, and enjoyed it Jaime, thank you. We have quite a few reasonable thrift stores near me, and I do look in them. One of my problems might be looking for something too specific, like white pants. I don’t always find there is much in a specific category like that, and I could look for just anything that catches my eye (which is how I got some of my small number of thrifted items), but because I feel I already have plenty and seem to not need to get rid of items for wear all that much, it just sort of makes me despair about the number of clothing items in the world (which going into stores of new clothing also does). So I go away without anything, feeling dissatisfied. And that cures me of going either thrifting or new clothes shopping for the next couple of months usually.<br /> I have looked at clothing here in Vietnam which is a country of over 100 million people, but those feelings of not wanting to add more stuff have persisted. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thrifting-tips#post-2397875 Wed, 29 Oct 2025 01:38:44 +0000 Suz 2397875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You did use a gift link, Jaime, but it ran out, which seems really unfair of them!&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thrifting-tips#post-2397874 Wed, 29 Oct 2025 01:12:49 +0000 Jaime 2397874@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Lisa</b> that is annoying - I thought I used a gift link. I will write a summary later today when I have more time.<br />Interesting that many of you are interested in the homeware category!&nbsp;<br />I do agree that odor detection is one of the main advantages of in person thrifting . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thrifting-tips#post-2397868 Tue, 28 Oct 2025 17:01:30 +0000 JAileen 2397868@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cookie, lead can leach into food even with intact glaze. &nbsp;And there is no safe level of lead. &nbsp;Lead exposure by children can be devastating. &nbsp;It’s just not worth taking a chance. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thrifting-tips#post-2397865 Tue, 28 Oct 2025 16:54:51 +0000 Cookie 2397865@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I personally think the lead risk is way overblown unless the glaze is actively chipping off and mixing into your food. I wouldn’t put that stuff in the dishwasher, though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thrifting-tips#post-2397864 Tue, 28 Oct 2025 16:42:50 +0000 karen23 2397864@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I do some thrifting but not much these days.&nbsp; I have not looked online.&nbsp; My real finds have been furniture and dishes.&nbsp; And once I got a really good winter coat at a yard sale, with the tags still on.&nbsp; I have also gotten an occasional men's long-sleeved shirt to wear while doing things like painting walls or adding insulation to the attic.</div><div>I don't seriously expect to find nice clothing to fit me, but dressy shoes are sometimes worth looking at.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thrifting-tips#post-2397863 Tue, 28 Oct 2025 14:19:51 +0000 Angie 2397863@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great tips, thank you! </p> <p>I particularly enjoyed the swab test, tide pen, 48 hr freezer suggestion, and sunlight odor-fixer ;)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thrifting-tips#post-2397861 Tue, 28 Oct 2025 13:10:26 +0000 RobinF 2397861@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great tips. I have a sensitive sense of smell so these definitely apply. I have bought items from Poshmark that are so heavily perfumed-smelling that I think they are unwearable but after being outside for a while that usually goes away. I am also one who feels fabrics when shopping - one of the benefits of in person shopping.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thrifting-tips#post-2397860 Tue, 28 Oct 2025 13:07:43 +0000 LJP 2397860@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The article is behind a paywall ..... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thrifting-tips#post-2397854 Tue, 28 Oct 2025 09:59:43 +0000 Sisi 2397854@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for the interesting article. I do not usually thrift but the lead test suggestion made a lightbulb go off in my head - I should check my Grandma's china, that I often use.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thrifting-tips#post-2397849 Tue, 28 Oct 2025 00:32:35 +0000 Jaime 2397849@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I saw this article recently and think it has some useful thrifting tips, especially for relative newbies:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://wapo.st/3J2mLmu">https://wapo.st/3J2mLmu</a><div><br />I will add the most important places to check for wear: the collar of shirts and the crotch of jeans and pants. Always hold knits up to the light. I am always amazed to see how much pilling there can be even on new with tag knitwear. Always happy to answer your second hand shopping questions and please share your own tips!</div> </p>