How to thrift like a boss

Growing up working-class, I’ve been thrifting for my clothes for as long as I can remember. If I ever wanted something, I always had to check Value Village before asking my mom to buy it new.

Back in high school, I remember sitting in my math class eavesdropping on the popular kids giggle about how “gross it was to be wearing someone’s old clothes.” I felt so ashamed and lesser than. I desperately wanted to fit in, so I would save up my babysitting money and beg my mom to take me to Brandy Melville.

It’s funny looking back now that thrifting is the “cool” way to shop. All the Aritzia girls who I was scared of, are now filming #thrifthaul Tik Tok’s.

https://www.tiktok.com/@toriknollmeyer/video/7053114699268853038?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1&lang=en&q=thrift%20haul&t=1642967034162

As much as I wanted to be a Brandy Melville Aritzia Lululemon Queen, my mom was not about that, and nor was her bank account. So instead I learnt how to thrift like a boss.

I would say 95% of my closet is thrifted. At first, when I started thrifting, I’d be trying to find trendy name brands or dupes. Eventually, I started picking up pieces I genuinely liked and I fell in love with fashion.

My friends often ask me to thrift for them when they see the goodies I find. I’ve developed a process and routine that I love, and I think for the sake of the environment and your wallet, I should share my tips and tricks.

Step 1: Become a member (Super Savers Club)

So many of my friends forget to sign up for memberships at Value Village. I know it’s an annoying process at checkout to be giving your name, email, and whatever, but trust me it’s worth it.

The actual points you collect shopping can give you a 20% deal once in a blue moon. But what actually makes a Value Village rewards membership worth it is the sales emails. Fun fact, most sales are only available to members. A 40% denim sale won’t be advertised in-store. Members get exclusive emails for deals, for different dates to avoid crowds and shortages. So for example, my mom will get a 30% off footwear deal from February 2nd-10th, and I’ll get the same email for February 8th-16th.

30-40% off is a huge sale, and you simply won’t get those deals if you don’t sign up for a rewards membership at Value Village.

Step 2: Create a list

It’s easy to get overwhelmed in a thrift store, that’s why in my notes app, I have a list of things I want to thrift.

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Instead of aimlessly wandering down the aisles, I hit certain sections first and keep an eye out for specific patterns and fabrics that are on my thrift list.

This is not only more efficient, but it saves money. Often when I enter a thrift store with no objective I end up buying things I don’t need. My general rule is, to check for the items on my list first, then after if I’m still feeling it, look through other sections of the store.

Now you’re off to the races!

Size doesn’t matter

A common mistake I used to make was solely sticking to my size. I would only look in size small and limit myself to tight-fitting generic sizing. One of the beauties of thrifting is that you can experiment, in this case with sizing.

Sizing is really inconsistent, especially in women’s clothing. This is why you should never limit yourself to a number, letter or section.

I also find vintage sizing is often smaller, so don’t be discouraged if some gorgeous vintage Levi’s won’t zip up. It’s not you, it’s them.

@campycrystal

Sizing is stupid #realwomen #fashion #fashioninspo #sizing #sizingproblems #foryoupage #beauty #modellife

♬ original sound – Crystal Mathis

 

Experimenting with different sizes has helped me figure out what I like and dislike in pants. For example, as a taller woman, I often have to size up and sacrifice a form-fitting waist for a full-length pant. I’ve found the men’s section is awesome for finding quality jeans that fit my body type. But, for shorter girls, I know that the little boy’s section can be great for baggier denim with a short inseam.

Navigating the store

I don’t want to say there are certain sections you should steer clear from because gold can be found anywhere in the thrift, however, I will say there are definitely aisles I’ve scored more in than others.

If it’s your first time, I do recommend checking out every section, if you’re a guy check out the women’s, if you’re a lady check out the men’s, so on and so forth. If we’ve learned anything in 2021, fashion has no gender.

Now that you understand the layout you’re working with, you can decide where you can focus on.

For me lately, that’s been,

  • Men’s Jeans/Athletic Pants
  • Women’s Long Sleeves
  • Coats and Light Jackets
  • Men’s Sweaters
  • Shoes

Vintage > Fast Fashion

In the past few years, the fashion industry has been undergoing vicious trend cycles. Things can go in and out of style within a month, and we’re seeing this in the thrift stores. Lots of cheaply made trendy pieces are ending up on the racks.

When thrifting, I’d avoid brands like Shein, H&M, Forever 21, etc. They may look trendy and fun but it’s super poorly made clothing that will be considered “tacky” in a month or two. It just won’t have a long life span in your closet. Vintage brands, on the other hand, are timeless. If they’re in the thrift store, they’ve lasted 10, 20, maybe even 50 years, that’s quality Urban Outfitters can’t compete with.

As we are seeing right now with the resurgence of 90s to early 2000s fashion, we are on a repeat cycle of trends. Whether it be 60s mod or 90s grunge, quality vintage pieces stick around.

Personal Style

If you want to make thrifting worthwhile, explore your personal style. Fashion is only fun when you’re expressing yourself. As I mentioned, thrifting is a great way to experiment with different shapes, fabrics and styles.

You are wasting your time if you’re trying to impress others with how you dress, trust me, I’ve been there. Fashion is just one of many ways to express yourself and I was so desperate for approval that I lost myself out of fear of judgement.

All of my favourite pieces in my wardrobe are thrifted, and yes, it takes time and effort but if you like saving money and looking fresh, the payout is so worth it.

I told myself I wouldn’t do it but…

Queue Thrift Shop by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

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