Thrifting is a fun, inexpensive, and eco-friendly way to expand your wardrobe and improve your personal style. It’s also a fun summer activity you can do with your friends. Planning your thrift trips ahead of time will help you make the most of them and find the unique pieces you’re looking for. Here are nine tips to help you have an amazing thrifting adventure this season.
1. Decide What You’re Looking For
The thrift store can be overwhelming, especially if you’re visiting for the first time. Planning ahead makes for a more fun and rewarding shopping experience. Start by going through your closet to determine what items you need. For example, you might need new dresses, pants, or accessories.
Once you’ve gone through your closet, make a list of items you want to focus on. The more specific you can be, the better. For example, instead of just looking for shoes in general, you might specify that you want vintage cowboy boots or strappy red sandals. If you’re still not sure exactly what to look for, social media platforms like Pinterest, TikTok, and YouTube are great places to gather inspiration.
2. Find The Right Time to Go
The next step is to schedule a time to go to the thrift store with your friends. You can use calendar apps like Calendar.com or Google Calendar to share your schedules and coordinate a thrifting day together. Try to avoid thrifting on days when you have other commitments. Thrift shopping can take time, and you won’t want to feel rushed.
If you can, try going to the thrift stores in the morning, as this is often when the stores have the best selection. It’s also often best to avoid going on busy weekend days, as you’ll compete with other shoppers for the most exciting pieces. Going on a weekday usually means you’ll have more space to shop.
3. Choose Your Stores
The next step is to choose which stores you want to visit. Do some in-depth research about the thrift and vintage stores in your area. Read reviews from other shoppers to learn what to expect. Consider what you’re looking for in a store — for example, are you looking for the lowest possible prices, or are you willing to pay a little more for stores with designer items? Consider the size selection available as well. Some stores are known for having more plus-size or petite items than others.
Once you’ve decided which stores you want to hit, plan a shopping route for the day. This will prevent any confusion or indecision among your group as you shop. Plan how you will get from store to store, whether that’s driving, taking public transit, or walking. If you’re driving, check ahead of time to make sure there are places to park. And make sure you have room in your car for all your thrifting finds!
4. Set a Budget
Thrifting your clothes is generally cheaper than buying them new. However, it’s still important to keep your finances in mind. Take a realistic look at what you can afford to spend on this thrift trip before you go to help prevent any unpleasant surprises.
Setting a budget ahead of time can help with decision-making while you’re at the thrift store. Consider the cost per wear of each item while shopping. Sometimes, it’s worthwhile to spend more on items you know you’ll wear frequently. Use your phone to keep track of how much you’ve spent throughout the day so you don’t go over budget.
5. Wear a Comfortable Outfit
Expect your thrifting days to be very active — after all, you’re sorting through huge amounts of clothing and other items. Wear a comfortable and weather-appropriate outfit that’s easy to get in and out of. Now’s probably not the time to wear your tightest pair of pants or a shirt with detailed ties and buttons.
Wearing a comfortable outfit will make it much easier to try clothes on. Keep in mind that many thrift stores don’t have dressing rooms. Consider wearing clothes you can try on over the top, such as leggings and a tank top.
6. Bring a Measuring Tape
Since not all thrift stores have dressing rooms, it can be tricky to determine whether an item will fit you. One way around this problem is to bring a flexible measuring tape with you to the store. This will help you take your measurements on the go to determine whether a piece will work for you.
Then, you can compare your measurements to the measurements of the clothes. Consider fabric when doing this, as some fabrics have more stretch than others. Bringing a measuring tape can help you avoid regret at the thrift store, particularly when purchasing jeans or other form-fitting items.
7. Take Breaks Throughout the Day
Since thrifting can be tiring, taking breaks throughout the day is very important. When planning your thrifting route, look for places where you and your friends can relax, recharge, and get some food. Make your food experience part of the trip and the fun. This is the perfect opportunity to check out nearby restaurants, coffee shops, and parks and enjoy connecting with your friends.
Be sure to wear supportive shoes to make a long day of thrifting more comfortable. You should also bring a water bottle and snacks to tide you over between breaks and keep your energy up. This will help you keep your stamina up for the entire day.
8. Be Discerning
There are so many amazing items at the thrift store, many of which are available at very affordable prices. This can make it tempting to buy everything that catches your eye. You’ll need to resist the temptation to do this, as it can lead to thrifting regret.
You’ll need to be very discerning to find the best items for your closet. Consider factors like fit, material, and style. Well-constructed items made from durable materials are your best bet since they tend to last longer. Additionally, consider how the item will fit into your wardrobe in the long term. Can you style it in multiple ways for different occasions? Is it a trendy piece that will fall out of style quickly, or will it last for years? These questions can help you decide if a piece is right for you.
9. Clean Your Items
Be sure to leave some time at the end of the day to clean the items you purchased. This way, you can start wearing them right away! Although most thrift stores do wash their clothes, chances are that many people will have touched them before they get to you.
Read the tag on each item before you wash it to avoid damaging the clothes. Items made from delicate materials may need to be hand-washed. Wipe down accessories like shoes, jewelry, and bags. Although these items can’t usually be washed in a machine, this will help disinfect them. If you’re unsure how to clean an item, take it to your local dry cleaner for assistance.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried thrifting, this summer is the perfect time to go. Planning your thrift trips ahead of time will help you make the most of each shopping day and leave you feeling satisfied. Thrifting can be a fun part of developing your own personal style and finding unique pieces that no one else has.
Featured Image Credit: Cottonbro Studios; Pexels
Angela Ruth
My name is Angela Ruth. I aim to help you learn how Calendar can help you manage your time, boost your productivity, and spend your days working on things that matter, both personally and professionally. Here's to improving all your calendars and becoming the person you are destined to become!