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Thrifting 101

bridgie

Veteran

I have been thinking about doing this post for awhile now, so finally here it is. Roxanna's post on thrifting has brought it to mind again.

The title of my post kinda tells it all. I do not understand what thrifting is.

For example, exactly what places do you go for thrifting and how do you find them? Of course I am familiar with certain stores where clothes are donated (I have donated to some) and presumably they are resold for charitable purposes.

I have in the past gone into places that had clothes and sometimes other things for sale and proceeds were for charitable purposes. In thinking back, I went with a friend and she selected things for me (which I bought but never wore them much) then I would donate them sometimes same place, sometimes elsewhere.

Bottom line, I never see anything that looks any better than what I donate or have at home. I could go on and on with questions, but that is what I am coming to you all for. Just tell me anything you want to, no matter how simple.:) As a matter of fact, simple would be better. I doubt I could keep up with anything very complicated

I really enjoy your posts about the gorgeous things you find and especially when they are a good price point.

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34 replies

Latest reply was from bridgie

Katerina

Veteran

I live in Scandinavia, so this answer is based on the circumstances here. I shop in charity shops - usually fun accessories and occasionally clothing. My favorite charity shop has open three times a week. People donate various items, not only clothing. The profit from sales goes to charity for children. I think that second hand shopping is about the process, the fun of hunting for something unusual or special, without knowing what it will be, if anything. I have visited loads of different charity shops and also consignment shops, and there are big differences in terms of the merchandise, the order there is, how it is organized etc. The prices differ a lot as well. I usually visit my favorite charity shop on a Saturday. Many times, I don’t find anything interesting, and sometimes there will be several fun items at the same occasion. On the latest visit, I found a very large wool scarf by Sonia Rykiel in great condition. Cost corresponding to about 5 US dollars. I like the hunt and the search and it is a way for me to relax. The finds are a bonus

JAileen

Veteran

I’m a member of a non profit. We have about a dozen programs that benefit the elderly, children (including foster children), assault victims, veterans, etc. I can’t remember the others off the top of my head. I’m very familiar with the food pantry for low income seniors because I volunteered there for ten years. It is pretty expensive to run. We supply two bags of groceries every month to 350 to 400 seniors. The thrift store we run supplies the majority of the money we need for our programs, but we also have a committee that applies for grants. Everything in the store has been donated, and everyone working there is a volunteer. We do have to pay for electricity, and until recently we had a mortgage on the building. When we are working, we are not allowed to shop. We don’t want to endanger our nonprofit status. We sell clothes, kitchen goods, artwork, books, children’s toys, furniture, jewelry, and CDs and DVDs. I worked a three hour shift yesterday, and before I started I found a Christmas nutcracker and an Ina Garten cookbook.

Meredith

Veteran

I think thrifting is fun for those of of who like “treasure hunting,” and/or are interested in buying used for philosophical reasons. It probably would not be fun for everyone because one certainly leaves empty handed fairly regularly. I think thrifting can broadly be considered buying second-hand, although people usually mean they are literally shopping at a store like Goodwill, Salvation Army, Savers. I’ve had best luck in large cities (Dallas, Denver) where you can search for thrift stores or consignment shops. Quality items tend to be more readily available in shops near high income neighborhoods (in my experience) but they are also usually marked a higher price. Amazing finds at great prices are more likely in shops with high volume and churn where employees are not researching the value of items before marking them for sale. But you may frequently walk away empty handed. Thrifting is time consuming, so although I enjoy it I usually focus my second-hand buying online (EBay).

Adding a link to this interesting thread about the strategies for success when thrifting: https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....ift-stores

Meredith

Veteran

Coming back to add that I’ve never found anything staggering impressive, but thrifting can be a fun way to try trends or concepts at a low cost. I’ve tried a few Angie-inspired ensembles by thrifting pieces I didn’t have. I’d rather spend $5 on printed pants to see if I like the trend, for example.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Bridgie, you are sweet, funny, awfully modest, and make me laugh

I'm in thrift and consignment stores very frequently - which I bet surprises the forum! I'm not a thrifter for the simple reason that I can never find anything that I like in my size. Very occasionally when I do find something, it costs hundreds of dollars. In that case, I'd rather keep the economy going and get something firsthand for the same amount of money.

Joy

Veteran

My DSIL got me started thrifting. There are times when you may leave with lots of treasures, others when you don’t find anything. Pay no attention to sizing marked. The piece could have been altered. Feel for good fabric.
I usually look for certain colors and stick to it. Trying on can be icky but necessary, so wear easy neutral layers that will preserve modesty, like leggings or tights and a tank top. Thrift stores have lots of black items and lots of jeans. Right now they are probably mostly low to midrise. Occasionally you will find things we with tags.
Be picky and do not settle.

bridgie

Veteran

Hey, had to run out for awhile, but am pleasantly surprised at your quick and varied responses.

Katerina, surprised to hear that any of the beautiful, impeccable clothes you wear are thrifted. Just proves there are nice items to be found.

JAileen, thanks for responding. Volunteer work is so rewarding, isn't it?

I have done some volunteer work, almost always involving food services and still once in a while do some.

I am glad you are able to shop for yourself at the non profit. I am going to google Ina Garten cookbook. Thanks for mentioning it.

Meredith, thanks for your very thoughtful post. I think you nailed it when you wrote that thrifting might not be good for some of us who would leave empty handed often. All my life I have shopped til I found something to purchase. So, I know I would be disappointed and irritable if I did not find something immediately, which is what happened in the past at thrift shops.

Angie, thank you. You know what, by the time I finished my post I was laughing at me! I am thinking that I may go to a few places in the next day or so to see if anything has changed.

I was wondering if you ever go to thrifting shops. I assumed not, but guess you have your reasons for doing so. Good luck.

Joy, it is not so bad to go to "those places" if you have someone else who truly enjoys it. And I love the way you explain your requirements and that is the way it should be.

bridgie

Veteran

JAileen, had to come right back and say that of course I know who The Barefoot Contessa is. I love her shows and cooking skills. One of my very favorite. I had a sneaky feeling that I should recognize Ina Garten, but I did not.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Everyone has given excellent information - including Angie. I had no idea Angie frequented second hand shops! Perhaps we need to have a YLF tour . Anyway, I am a dedicated thrifter and one of the most important points has been made above - it takes patience and you must be willing to leave empty handed. Patience because if you aren't willing to go through the racks item by item you aren't likely to find the one or two things in the whole shop you might want. And sometimes it there will be nothing and you have to be ok with that.
I love what Jaileen wrote because not everyone realizes that charity shops are supporting their charities with the money they make and depend on sales to survive. The shops that I know and have worked in welcome resellers for this reason.
Finally if you are less interested in the hunt and more into the bargain finds and sustainable shopping aspects, there are tons of great on-line options these days where you can search specifically for what you want.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Great to hear from you Bridgie! I am not much of a thrifter. It has been quite interesting from the other side this year with my first ever efforts at consigning my 1980s clothes in the rather high-end vintage shop. The owner wanted to know where the clothes were from so she could tell any prospective buyers, but she totally decided what price she would put on them, and put $129 on several of my items. It seems a lot to me, perhaps it keeps the perception of high end in her shop. They have not sold! They were good quality but not “designer” as such.
My occasional thrifting successes, eg the beautiful silk top for $8 in just my colours from a couple of years back ( inspired by J’Aileen at the time) seemed really serendipitous and I am probably not prepared to put the time in to go as often as Katerina, Meredith, Joy and Shevia say. Partly because I am lucky enough to have access to a few actual proper outlet stores for excellent quality NZ made clothes- not made for outlet, the actual factory sites. Just lucky to live in our biggest city and in a nice part of it where some brands are based. So sometimes I can score the most amazing prices- not always of course, and the best priced things will not be current season but I am less worried about being on trend.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I made a decision in spring of this year to buy clothes either second hand or produced by local makers. My reasons were to reduce my use of resources (including shipping) and to keep money circulating in local economies, rather than contribute to the record high levels of profit-taking in corporations.

I’m not doing so well. So far, my biggest contribution to the local clothing industry is through the online retailer Zalando, with corporate offices in my neighborhood and their warehouse a 20 min walk away. (I’m being ironic there; they do hire local employees, obviously, but beyond that I doubt the rest of money I spend there stays any more local than it would at any other online retailer. The dress I’m smitten with right now is from New Zealand, yikes.) To keep my commitment, I am probably going to wind up buying from local makers, not the second-hand stores.

I wanted a summer dress or two. It seems to me that I’ve seen quite a few of them fluttering in the breeze on sidewalk racks. But now that I’m looking for them, I don’t see them. I don’t know if they’re sold out or if they’ve been moved into shops to display other wares outside. The forum gave me such good advice! I feel I should use it, but I’m shirking. The few times I’ve decided to just step in and take a look around, see if I happen to see nice dresses I like, with no burden to buy, I’ve scarcely made it over the threshold, honestly. I step up, let my eyes adjust to the light, and look for a rack of dresses. There is just too much variety! If there is a rack of dresses, it is absolutely every kind. More often, there are many racks that have dresses, sorted by principles that are not apparent to me. I think the process of weeding through them all to find the ones that are the style, fabric, colors, and size you need is what some people enjoy. To me it’s a rote process. If I’d go through with it, I’d probably end up with a sweet little selection of dresses from which to choose. That’s a task that requires more time than I care to invest.

I haven’t given up on responsible consumption—I will keep collecting cards from market sellers who produce their own wares, looking for local designers online, and saving my pennies. But for now I’m cooling my shopping jets and directing energy elsewhere.

Tell us about your adventures, and if I get in there, I’ll tell you mine.

Koche CHERISH STRIPE - Freizeitkleid

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Anonymous

I agree with you completely Bridgie. One problem might be the availability of thrift stores in proximity to you and the clientele they attract.

For example, if I go to my local thrift store, I am shopping the cast offs of solid working class individuals (i.e., not the type that buys or donates Smythe jackets). It is just a fact of life. I could turn that store up side down and I am not going to find Smythe jackets or cashmere sweaters. I suppose if I researched the thrift stores in upper scale areas of my community, I could make it a point to stalk those stores and I might get lucky. Right now, my time is worth more to me.

kkards

Veteran

i'm not much of a thrifter but i enjoy looking and once in a while find something interesting.....for example after the 2016 election, i popped into a local resell shop and saw a fabulous bright orange coat, it made me smile and i needed a smile. it was $75, i know that it could be a "sometime" purchase, and would never have paid full retail for anything that color...bougth it, wore it probably half a dozen times, and sold it back to the same shop 2 years later.....

ChristelJ

Veteran

I'm a huge thrifter, but can't add much to all the thoughtful comments above. I will just echo the observation that it's a treasure hunt, and you are less likely to be dissatisfied if it's undertaken for fun. I enjoy scanning the racks just for the stimulation of seeing the colors and touching the fabrics and finding crazy or beautiful or ugly items from all sorts of fashion eras. To me it's relaxing and entertaining. Actually scoring items, either needed or unexpected, is the frosting on the cake.

Also, my finds are often experiments that don't work out. But the ones that do have many times been workhorses or favorites. I found a gorgeous orange Vince sweater for $1.00 that was my fave for about 5 years until I wore it out. I found the sweater in summer, and was not looking for a sweater, particularly.

cjh

(website)

Veteran

My experience at thrifting goes back to jr.high, when mom took me and my sisters when she was looking for costume pieces for community theater. I always found cute, current pieces that matched my quirky, arty fashion sense. I also altered or embellished things I purchased at thrift, such as adding colorful buttons, or embroidering denim jackets.

Now I enjoy looking at thrift shops, but not so much consignment shops. To me the difference is mostly price. Consignment in my area seems to offer at more than I want to pay, more of the stuff I had passed by at retail for reason of poor construction, looking too “ordinary” or not my style. Whereas at thrift, I occasionally get good basic items for $3-4 because maybe they were the wrong size or color for the original owner and barely worn, such as Loft knit tops, and items for my grand kids (though they are getting bigger and less is available.)

I also shop thrift stores for old books for collage making, picture frames, and small vases or dish type items to hold art and sewing supplies.

As others have said, success really does depend on what size town and/or what is offered in various shops around you, as well as what you like to shop for.

Roxanna

Veteran

Sorry I am late to this thread ad I'm glad I inspired you, Bridgie!

The one thing I would say is that thrifting is NOT for everyone - I think it suits a certain personality type and if it doesn't work for you, I think it's fine to just set it aside and shop the way that works for you. As Meredith said, it really is more of a treasure hunt - I glory in the racks and racks of possibility, and I truly enjoy going through it all to find the right treasure.

By contrast, my best friend, who is more planned, likes to go with an item in mind and keep her shopping efficient, finding the item that meets her criteria. Thrifting does not work for her, and she is much happier at B & M stores.

A Sterling said, it also does depend on your area - I live in a very diverse, large city. But as cindysmith pointed out, don't discount smaller towns - I sometimes find that the 'little old ladies' in smaller towns donate beautfiul heirloom things too. So it really does depend on how much you love the hunt and where you are.

Angie - I had no idea you thrifted!

Vildy

Veteran

I thrift most of my wardrobe. Vastly prefer thrift, especially church thrift stores, over consignment. The reason personal to me is that I find consignment goods often too staid and stuffy or else very trend focused - like Buffalo Exchange. What I'm looking for is something that would give a nod to a trend, whether style or color, but be more individual. What is often serendipitous for me is that just when a trend is introduced or on the horizon, seems to be when people finally give up the original version it is referencing and empty their closets of it. One good thrifting tip I came across and works for the way I dress: instead of going through the merchandise piece by piece, scan the rack or pile for what immediately catches your eye. Because that's also the type of item that is going to inspire you to pull it from your own rail and wear it.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I don't thrift! At least, I've had zero luck thrifting. But I don't leave a retail stone unturned....

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Angie, I assume your earlier post was saying that you go to thrift shops with clients to look for things for them. Is that correct?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

FashIntern, I seldom thrift with clients. I live in the city, where there are many thrift and consignment stores. HUGE Goodwills too. I always walk in and look around - for me and clients. That's part of my job! Have been doing that for years and years. I have to this day brought home one thrifted item. An Alexander McQueen pullover that was brand new. It was very expensive for a thrifted item.

I'm back to why I don't thrift for my own style: nothing in my size at the best of times, and when there IS something in my size - it's nothing that I want, or it's far too pricey for my thrifting expectations.

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Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Bridgie, because you are always so sweet about my son, here is a picture of him in second grade, wearing the only clothing item I've ever bought second hand--a nice petite-sized blazer. I felt somewhat guilty taking it from a future shopper who needed it for professional reasons, but intended to return it when he was done with the costume.

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Cardiff girl

Veteran

Interesting thread!I have thrifted much more successfully since I ve been able to go during the week.l have my favourite shop and know the best day to go.As others have said you have to enjoy the process as much as the result because you quite often won’t find anything but it’s the thrill of the possibilities.
In the Uk charity shops are run by volunteers usually and the profits go to the charity that runs the shop.l do also donate to the shop that I shop in but another branch otherwise Iwould be in danger of buying back stuff that I had donated!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

As others have said, there are many ways to shop second-hand: thrifting, consignment shops, vintage shops. Each type of shop is a little different. And shops vary between different cities and countries.

I bought a fair bit from consignment shops when I first joined YLF, and a little bit from thrift stores. Most of the items were experiments as I tried to work out my style. I still have one or two things from that time.

I stopped thrifting for quite a while because the options in my city were not great. Now that I live in a larger city I have begun to pop into consignment stores again. There are quite a few good ones around. I look for "wild cards" -- fun pieces that I might not ever purchase if I were paying full price. Some of them end up becoming wardrobe workhorses!

You do have to be prepared to leave empty-handed. It is not good to go into a thrift store for needed items. Best to visit when you are just feeling curious or in the mood to look at what's there.

Sal

Veteran

I do some thrifting. I used to do more when I had preschoolers and would pop in with them.

I am now more likely to pop in to a thrift or consignment store if I am in the area. This year I have added five items from such stores - last year two pieces. The attached finds were all thrifted over the last five years and cost me from $11 (leopard cardigan) to $60 (black jacket and faux fur). Two of these pieces are NZ designers, one high end sportswear, and the rest chain stores or an unknown brand.

I tend to look at jackets, blouses and skirts - mostly because I find trying on pants and jeans quite frustrating. I tend to scan the fabrics and colours and prefer it if the store is arranged in colours.

I have had good success with glasswear, kitchen wear and table linen as well.

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DonnaF

Veteran

I occasionally browse thrift (charity) shops and consignment stores. In my area, consignment is relatively expensive and thrift not too much better. I really have to check my sales blinders and not be entranced by nice fabric in a terribly dated style.

A couple years ago, I decided I wanted raw edge kick flares so decided to check out my local Goodwill which had gone to a policy of marking all jeans as $10. It's generally not a good idea to go in with a particular agenda as mentioned above, but I was able to score. This, of course, was before bootcuts had become a thing, so I was able to find a couple of pairs. Actually, I ended up finding a black pair that I hacked and switching out a blue pair I already owned to hack and keeping the new to me pair to wear full length. I also bought a fancy brand pair of trouser jeans that I never wore and that now I can't zip up -- so $10 wasted.

Since so many folks on YLF talk about donating their unworn button front shirts, I would think those would be good things to pick up.

I'm a Petite 4 with short arms. That size tends to be tough to find. . .BUT it just take one person with fab taste and similar coloring for me to score! I recently walked into a ThredUp store; didn't even know they did bricks'n'mortar. Most stuff was way too expensive IMHO, but I found a $10 P4 Loft blazer. As a rule, I don't wear blazers because I feel they are too formal for me. But for $10, I am willing to give it another whirl -- and the price tag will *allow* me to wear it with jeans.

Chris987

Veteran

Lots of great info has already been posted. For this type of shopping you need to research the stores you visit, have low expectations and be open to finding something or nothing. If you do not enjoy the hunt and go in with expectations you'll probably have an unsatisfactory outcome.

The biggest difference I see in "thrift" vs "consignment" stores is that thrift stores generally sell things that been donated, with no strings attached to the donor, and sometimes you'll see a lot of low quality or very worn stuff. The thrift store does what they like with it once it is donated, and there is a lot of variety in how they operate. Ones attached to churches may be contributing all proceeds to a charity they support or their own outreach projects, while others may be looking to be able to pay employees, pay for rent on the space, and give some income to the owner. Prices are usually low compared to consignment. You might find the occasional treasure where someone happened to donate something very valuable (didn't cindysmith find a Celene bag at a thrift store?)

Consignment stores contain goods where the seller and the store will split the proceeds, the quality is better, and the stores are usually quite picky about what the take. So if someone wants to sell a Burberry trench they paid $1000 for and it's in good condition you might find it for $300, with the seller and the store splitting that $300.

And if you are REALLY lucky like a friend of mine, you'll find a nearby consignment store where a donor in exactly your size and style regularly donates good quality things. My friend has a deal with the store owner to call her whenever this anonymous donor brings in new stuff.

I've visited two consignment stores in the past few weeks. Not my first visit to either but it had been a few years. One has a lot of stuff just right for me, I'll go back. The other was way too high end for my lifestyle (think wealthy charity board member or top level corporate exec in a creative field) so I don't expect to go back but I did get to get a close look at some real Chanel items which was a wonderful experience. A friend of mine got her MOB and MOG dresses there a few years ago and they were perfect.

Anonymous

Ditto Chris987! We have many of both sorts in my area, the charity version and the consignment version. The consignment shops tend to have the nicer, more current things. The charity shops ( in my area) rarely have anything current and in good condition. For the most part, I have more luck with accessories and housewares. The main thing is to look over things very carefully, and not lower standards because of the cost.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

I don't thrift much, my biggest find was a Lafayette tweed jacket which unfortunately doesn't fit right now. I also found a useful J.Jill turtleneck tunic, which was made of nice thick cotton. I thought I could duplicate it, but their more recent items are not so nice and thick.
I purchased a mismatch of wine glasses and a set of ceramic mixing bowls.

bridgie

Veteran

Thank you for the great responses to my post.

This post and your replies may be my all time favorite that I have started. And I have sincerely learned a lot. And had several good laughs.

Several of you have mentioned that you need a lot of patience for thrifting. Well, if you knew me, you would probably say or think I have a lot of patience. I have been told that by a lot of people. I am patient and easy going by nature, but that is not the way I feel. Anyway, very difficult to explain, so I choose my battles. I will probably do some thrifting, check out the places available here. If I find something exceptional, I will be hooked and go back. Seriously doubt I will find anything, so I doubt I will return regularly. LOL. Sounds like I am going into this with a bad attitude, saying I don't expect to find anything, but I think most of you know I am just kidding. On the other hand, if I can find a scarf or sweater (Alexander McQueen, that is, I might feel differently. Anyway, it would not be within my budget. Thanks again to all of you!!!

Sal, you, among others have really impressed me with your clothes. And to think some of them are thrifted. I would never have thought so. Thanks for sharing with us.

Fashintern, A special, sincere thank you for your comments and the pic of your son when he was in second grade. He was adorable in the outfit. And while you should not feel guilty about keeping someone else from getting the jacket, I have to say that is the exact attitude I have most of the time.

I hope all is going well for both you and your son!

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