Thrifty Tips & Tricks!

It's easy to get overwhelmed when starting your thrifting journey, with so many different shops to explore and so many racks of clothing to sift through. Finding unique pieces of clothing that you like is difficult but not to fear, for there is a solution. 👏

This post is dedicated to help you easily find your most desired items by following a few easy steps.

1) Visit Often: Since charity shops are based upon donations, the stock of the shop is ever-changing. One day it could be filled with bags, another day it might be stacks of shoes, or there'll even be days that you just find clothing that isn't quite your style. So, it’s important not to be put off by a charity shop based upon one visit, as later down the line it might have a completely different selection of fashion items! Having a look around charity shops on a more regular basis opens the opportunity for catching new items as they are arriving. This'll also allow yourself to find items that are more your style to broaden your wardrobe. 📅

2) Check All Sections: Much like a commercial shop, a charity shop has items moved to the wrong areas at times. This is most likely the result of customers who have forgotten where they found an item and just placing it on the nearest rack! So, remember, by checking all sections, you have a higher chance of finding something you're looking for👀

3) Learn About Brands: When looking for quality pieces that will last, it's essential to know what brands to look out for. You can learn more by familiarising yourself with brands online, or simply typing brand labels into Google. This step will give you an idea of the quality of materials, stitching, and overall durability of the fashion item. 👛👠

5) Inspect Items Carefully: When you find something you love while thrifting, sometimes there is an urge to buy it then and there! However, it is very important to check the items that you are purchasing as some might contain; rips, loose threads, stains and in some more drastic cases dry rot. Therefore, looking closely at your item before purchase is a good way to ensure the item as at the standard you are willing to pay for.🔍

6) Ignore Sizes: As with any shop, clothing sizes are a bit ambiguous. You may be a particular size in one store and a completely different size in another! So, when looking for clothes, don't be put off by the size on the label or the rack, try the clothes on and decide for yourself if they are a perfect fit. By following this rule, you may be able to get pieces you would otherwise avoid simply due to the number on the rack or tag. 👕👖

8) Bring a Friend: When going thrifting alone, you'll have heaps of clothing, bags, and other items to sift through. This makes hidden gems easier to miss 💎 - and we can't have that! From my own experience, friends have been able to find exactly what I was looking for in a rack of clothes I had already looked through. Bringing a friend can offer another set of eyes, another perspective, and also it's more fun to go shopping with friends and catch up while the thrifting is happening. By going together you can style each other and contribute even more to local charities. This tip is one of the most important as bringing friends can turn a simple thrifting trip into a great day out. 👥

Hopefully by following these tips and tricks your next thrifting trip will be more successful!

Is there any tips I missed? Do you have any helpful tricks of your own? Leave a comment and share your thoughts.

Make sure to stay tuned for further posts and happy thrifting! 😎