One of the best feelings to have as a fashion girlie is when you find that one special leather jacket at your favorite thrift store. It’s all yours; you won’t find another person wearing the same thing—at least not in your town. But as easy as it sounds to go to the store and get cheap finds, there’s an art to thrifting successfully. And just like the Tonybet premier league prediction, we can guess that if you’re new to thrifting, there are a few things to remember before making your first purchase.
Thrifting Back Then Vs. Thrifting Now
In the past, going to thrift stores got some judgment because people thought it showed how much money you had. Back then, thrifting was seen as something you did because you had to, not because you wanted to.
But things have changed a lot. Now, thrifting is cool and good for the planet. Social media and a growing interest in eco-friendly fashion made thrift shopping popular again. Platforms like Instagram showed off famous people finding amazing secondhand clothes, making them trendy and okay.
Now, though, there’s a problem. Thrift stores used to be for people who needed cheaper clothes, but today, it’s a bit different. People who can easily buy expensive things are also shopping at thrift stores, making it harder for those who depend on them for affordable clothing. Thrifting now is no longer for the poor; fashionistas are taking the opportunity to snatch statement pieces. The issue is that most can afford their original price, leaving nothing for the poor.
So, while thrifting is popular again, we need to make sure it stays fair. It should be a fun and affordable way to shop for everyone. Balancing the cool and eco-friendly parts with making sure thrift stores stay open to everyone is the challenge now.
Thrifting Vs. Fast Fashion: The Price Predicament
Choosing thrifted finds over fast fashion has become a popular and eco-friendly choice. But, a new challenge has emerged. As fast fashion items find their way into thrift stores, the pricing game becomes perplexing. A shirt that originally cost $2 to produce for a fast fashion brand like Shein may be sold for $15 when new. And, the same used shirt could end up tagged at $20 in a thrift store.
This pricing dilemma points to a concerning trend. Thrifting is meant to provide affordable alternatives and contribute to sustainability. But the presence of fast fashion items being resold at higher prices threatens the essence of this practice. The cycle of overpricing used fast fashion items is worsening. As a result, we have a situation where the original affordability of thrift stores is compromised. This issue raises questions about the true sustainability of the thrifting movement. How sustainable is sustainable?
How to Go Thrifting Successfully
When you go thrifting, it’s all about picking and choosing what to buy. As opposed to buying unused pieces, you need to look at quality and value. What is worth buying and what isn’t worth your buck?
Thrifting invites a keen eye for unique and well-preserved pieces that carry character and history. You want to evaluate the craftsmanship, durability, and overall appeal. These three become crucial in distinguishing findings from those that may not align with your preferences.
A lot of the times when people go thrifting, they gloss over the selection one, maybe twice. We’re here to tell you that is not the way to do it. To put it into perspective, most gems are hidden, hence the name hidden gems.
First, you want to go with someone, even if their style doesn’t match yours. They can help you identify pieces you never thought would wear. Now, obviously, this can end in a disaster if your companion doesn’t enjoy shopping, so make sure that this is an activity they like.
Now, for your first round, check out items and pieces that would immediately draw your attention and try them on. Once you weed out the ones you don’t like, go for a second round. At this point, your friend probably has their opinion on what looks good on you and what doesn’t. And, they have also probably figured out what exactly it is you’re looking for.
So, while you’re trying on some clothes, let them look for clothing that would look good on you in their opinion. Being open to their suggestions can help you look for things outside the box. It’s like when you open your closet and say you have nothing to wear, but when your friend looks, they see all sorts of outfit combos.
You want to check out the thrift store’s selection at least 3-4 times. The more often you look, the more hidden gems you may find. If you’re confident you’re going to find what you’re looking for, by all means, go thrifting alone. But when you’re not sure and you just want to have new pieces, it’s always a good idea to have a second person with you. After all, don’t we all need a second brain?
Picking and Choosing What to Thrift
Ready for a thrift adventure? There’s one item of clothing everyone needs in their closet—the timeless leather jacket. Good thrift spots with high standards usually have a bunch. Now, leather jackets are known for being a bit pricey brand new, right? But here’s the magic of thrifting: you get a killer deal both on your wallet and your style game.
Imagine finding a leather jacket for $100. It may either sound like a treat for you if you’re a fashion girlie. Or, it may sound like it’s too much for a used jacket. Well, guess what? That jacket might’ve strutted its stuff with a $500 or more price tag when it first hit the scene. Thrift stores are like fashion magic places where you snag top-notch stuff at a fraction of the original cost.
Owning a leather jacket with a bit of history—some wear and tear, a touch of character. It’s like your jacket has a story to tell. And of course, you can always Google to see how much value you’re getting in return. If you want to be sure you’re getting a good deal, search the jacket online and discover its OG price. This way, you know the discount you’re scoring is the real deal.
In the thrifting world of leather jackets, it’s a simple rule: make a style statement without breaking the bank. With a little online exploration, your fashion pick can be both chic and wallet-friendly.
Now, it doesn’t really matter the kind of leather jacket you’re looking for. Black, brown, beige, pink, red—as long as you have a staple in your closet, you’re already the cool girl in town. But if you are looking for colorful ones that look outside of the box, head over to the nearest thrift store.
Let’s talk blazers in the thrilling world of thrifting. When you walk into a thrift store, a bunch of blazers will most definitely catch your eye. Now, blazers have a wild history, especially when it comes to what’s trendy.
Back in 2012–2016, folks rocked blazers at the club, giving corporate vibes a nightlife twist. Fun, right? But here’s the tip for thrifting blazers: go a bit further back in time, specifically to the cool vibes of the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s.
Why these decades? They were all about the power suit game, unleashing the most unique and statement-making blazers ever. Think bold patterns, killer shoulder pads, and colors that pop. Thrifting blazers from these eras can turn your closet into a vintage treasure trove.
When you’re on the hunt for blazers, channel your inner time traveler and explore those retro decades. Grab iconic pieces that make your style truly pop. With blazers from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, your wardrobe becomes a canvas for vintage chicness. You’ll be the proud owner of fashion moments that stand the test of time.
What Not to Thrift
While thrifting is an awesome way to score unique finds, there are a few things better left to new purchases if you have the means. It’s a fortunate reality that some of us can buy things brand new. There are some items you might want to skip when going thrifting.
Thrifting is like a treasure hunt, but there’s one aisle you should skip: undergarments. Why? They’re personal items that touch your skin. And no matter how clean a thrift store is, undergarments might carry bacteria from previous wearers. That’s not comfy or hygienic.
Besides, undergarments need to fit just right for comfort and support. Thrifted ones might have stretched and molded to someone else’s body, messing up their original shape. Buying new ensures they fit you perfectly. New undergarments often have cool features for extra comfort and durability. So, when you’re at the store, go wild finding treasures, but for undergarments, treat yourself to fresh, new ones.
Just like undergarments, swimwear is in the “best to buy new” category when it comes to thrift shopping. Fit matters here too. Swimwear needs to hug your body just right for those cannonballs and poolside lounging. Thrifted swimsuits may have molded to someone else’s shape, and buying new ensures a snug fit designed for you.
When it comes to makeup and skincare, it’s a good call to go for new ones. These products have expiration dates, and buying them fresh ensures you get the full shelf life and effectiveness. It’s like giving your skin a little treat with products that are at their best!
Now, for the little ones, like babies, it’s better not to thrift certain items that might be too old. Things like car seats, cribs, and pacifiers may have safety standards that have changed over time. Buying new for these essentials ensures they meet the latest safety guidelines, giving you peace of mind when it comes to your little bundle of joy.
