How to Shop at Thrift Stores Without Getting Overwhelmed
There are so many reasons to shop at thrift stores. The clothes are cheaper, yes, but they're also typically from past seasons or past years (or bygone decades, even), which means the stuff you pick out will be unique — not the same mass-market looks that everyone else picked up at the mall that week.
Plus, going to Goodwill, or a thrift store or consignment shop, is a sustainable way to shop: You're recycling old pieces, which saves the planet a little of the often-toxic chemicals released in the manufacturing process.
And hey, it can also be really fun! Racks upon racks of discount merchandise greet you at the door of any thrift store, begging you to peruse and find some special gem that's just your size, style, and price point. That said, those racks can be just a little bit intimidating. How do you get to the treasure? Here are a few ideas.
Be patient.
The variety at thrift stores can be overwhelming. On your first visit, pick one section and search it systematically to find a piece that works for you.
Inspect well.
Many thrifts stores have a no-return policy, and are essentially "buyer beware." So once you track down a cool item, look it over thoroughly for pilling, holes, stains, or missing buttons before buying.
Try it on.
Dressing rooms are often scarce in thrift stores, so be prepared to wait in line for awhile or to slip goods on over your clothes. And don't forget: Sizing has changed over the decades! You can't take the number on the label too personally or seriously.
Recognize quality.
If an item is made from cotton, wool, or other natural fibers, it's likely of higher quality. Of course, that knocks out a lot of the fun garb from the 1970s, when rayon reigned supreme, so you don't have to forgo that stuff completely. Just know what you're purchasing, and enjoy.
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