10 Tips & Tricks On How To Thrift Like A Pro

J Crew Blazer Thrifted

So… I’ve been thrifting a few times over the past few months and now I’m a PRO, LOL…

Well, not exactly, but after visiting a few stores, I feel like I got the hang of it and can definitely give a few pointers out to those that are interested and also those that have went thrifting with no luck. I’ve been thrifting in Arizona (years ago) and most recently, in New York City. I went to Angel’s Street Thrift Shop (where I scored my Burberry Trench Coat for $200) and 3 locations of Beacon’s Closet (where I bought this Blazer I’m wearing)! I was able to get some great pieces from both places, and here’s why…

(1) Go with a list! Yes, thrifting is super random… you may walk in for pants and walk out with a Burberry Trench Coat for $200 (I’m so excited about that coat). However, it’s still super important to go in with a list to at least guide you on sections to look. The first time I walked into the Beacon’s Closet in Williamsburg, Brooklyn I was completely overwhelmed. I had no list and didn’t know where to start. People were excusing me to my left and my right and I was just clueless. Not only do you need a list, but in some places (like Beacon’s Closet) you need the list to include colors (for example black pants, green shirt, blue sweater, etc.) because some stores sort their pieces by colors. If my list said pants, sweaters, and coats… then I was still a bit lost trying to figure things out. Before going thrifting, definitely go through your closet to determine what you need and write a detailed list. You can also make a Pinterest board for inspiration too!

(2) While you’re going through your closet to make your list, see if there’s anything you can sell to the thrift store, since you’re going anyway. Hey… why not kill two birds with one stone. Most stores will give you a discount/credit on purchases when you sell merchandise, so definitely look into this. While rummaging through coats, I said to myself… I could have bought a couple of old coats here to thrift.

(3) Walk light and dress for what you’re buying… Right now we’re pretty much waiting in line to get into any store due to capacity limits with respect to COVID 19.. so leave your heavy pocketbook at home. I would even suggest calling ahead to see if they’re fitting room is open. I like to try on everything before purchasing, so knowing the fitting room was open beforehand definitely played a role in what I wore that day. If I’m looking for dress pants, I wore a nice dress shirt to help make my decision. If I’m looking for dresses, I was sure to carry or wear a pair of shoes too!

(4) Stop being strict with sizing! Within the past few years I have really learned that sizing doesn’t matter when you have a good tailor. Something also to note: Vintage Sizing Runs Small. Back in the day, if a piece didn’t fit perfectly in the store - I didn’t buy it. NOW, I laugh at that… because my normal size is a small in tops, 4 in dresses, 6 ish in blazers, coats, etc.. BUT, I own size medium & large in tops, 8 in dresses, 10 in blazers, coats, etc. First, the oversize look is definitely IN and second, a tailor can alter your pieces to fit. That said, would you really leave a designer piece for a fraction of the cost because it was just one/two sizes too big?? Don’t limit yourself and miss out on some good finds!

Vest Thrifted

(5) Don’t shop on Saturday! Go mid-week instead. EVERYBODY goes on the weekend. The stores are super crowded and a lot of the good merchandise is gone. I walked into a Beacon’s closet in Park Slope on a Wednesday and (1) the store had less people and fitting rooms were a breeze, (2) I got some amazing finds and (3) I was able to really chat with the store associates on good finds. Don’t hesitate to ask them what day of the week they normally put out their new finds too!

(6) Give yourself a time limit per store. Don’t feel pressured to buy something. If you don’t see anything within an hour, leave and go to another store.

(7) Don’t try and haggle prices. Ugh.. this is annoying to overhear in a thrift shop. Unless there’s damage to the item, trying to negotiate at the register is usually worthless. Prices should be marked 80-90% off from original cost. If you feel the item is too high, definitely put it back. There is no negotiation or price matching when it comes to thrifting.

(8) Try to visit two stores in one day. This was great for me and helped me to avoid spending hours in the first store. When visiting two stores you know you have options and you aren’t as obligated to buy in the first store.

J Crew Shirt Thrifted

(9) Immediately drop the pieces off to the dry cleaners or tailor for alterations and cleaning when finished. I’ve thrifted, brought items home and still have them “waiting to go to the cleaners”… it’s best to bring them right away!

(10) Check clothes carefully! Check them for holes, missing buttons, stains that will not come out, etc. Check every single inch of the clothing before purchasing.

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed my quick tips! Please check out my Thrifting Haul on YouTube too! If you have any tips to add OR had some mishaps while thrifting definitely let us know in the comment section below!