I’m a huge thrifty but I value quality too. After thrifting for over a decade, here is how I pick quality clothes at thrift stores. Thrifting is all part of the sustainable fashion lifestyle, though people are calling it a trend.
When choosing to donate clothes and buy secondhand clothes, you are now part of sustainable fashion… Welcome!
Now I know, I know. Most people are grossed out by secondhand clothes. They can’t get past the thought of wearing something that previously belonged to someone else, or the smell of thrifted clothes.
While the smell is never horrible, I get the ick behind it. But since I’ve been doing this for a very long time, I’m used to the authenticity of thrift stores, and I get instant happiness when I’m there. It’s like going on a treasure hunt and you know you’ll find something fun, unique, trendy, and most times vintage.
So if you want to add some cool clothes to your closet that no one else will have, go check out the secondhand stores. Here is how to find quality clothes that are in good to great condition.
Finding Quality Clothes At Thrift Stores
If this is your first time or in a long time since you’ve been thrift shopping, just remember to breathe. Because walking into the stores and seeing a bunch of clothes together can be overwhelming. So you must have a plan if you are looking for something specific.
Start in a section at a time. Depending on the store, they will have sections divided into short-sleeved shirts, long-sleeve shirts, dresses, skirts, shorts, casual bottoms, jeans, and more.
Some may have the clothes sectioned by sizes and colors, which is always helpful. This will help you stay organized mentally.
See What Catches Your Eye
If you don’t know what to look for, just browse until you see what catches your eye. This is what I do because I don’t know what to expect, so I let the vibes on the racks guide me.
Most things that catch my eye are color. I know what colors look good against my skin tone so I look for warm toned colors.
Another thing that catches my eye is design. If I find something I haven’t seen before, I immediately take it off the rack. I like funky, unique designs, cool hardware, and brand names.
I find a lot of brand name clothes like Nike, Old Navy, BeBe, SHEIN, Calvin Klein, Levi’s, Express, H&M, and many many more. As I said, the secondhand store is like a treasure chest of hidden gems on the racks. You just have to look.
Inspect The Garment
When you find something, you need to inspect the garment for many things. Remember, these clothes are gently or overly used so you have to do a quality check on each piece. While it doesn’t take long to do, don’t rush the process. Here is what I do to check the quality of clothes at thrift stores.
Look for
Look at the garment. Check for stains from front to back. See if there are any stains in the underarm area, neckline, and at the bottom of shirts. For bottoms, check for stains in the waistline, crotch area, and at the bottom.
Next, check for any discoloration, fading, or bleach stains. Lint balls are a no-go. And while animal hair is fine, though if you’re allergic, put the garment back on the rack. Because sometimes, the animal hair won’t come out if stuck in the garment’s fabric.
Now, check the structure of the garments. See if it has its original shape, without being stretched out or pulled.
Also, check for snags and holes in the fabric. And lastly, look for broken or missing hardware like zippers, buttons, snaps, clasps, and decorative metals.
Feel for
After looking at the garment, now feel the fabric. Feel the texture of the fabric. If it feels too rough, put it back on the rack. You want to see if it’s soft and smooth. Check the weight of it and see how it feels against your skin.
If it’s a leather fabric, feel for any scratches, tears, or sharp edges. For sweaters, feel for any roughness, itchiness, or bumps. When it comes to bottoms and jeans, always check the crotch area. Check to see if there are any limp ball bumps or rough-feeling texture there.
The same goes for the underarm area on shirts. Any rough, tough-feeling, bumpiness is a no-go. That means it’s too worn out and won’t last in your possession.
Smell for
Now for the part no one likes, but it’s very necessary. Smell the garment. It may be yucky, but you want to smell certain parts of the garment, especially the armpit and crotch area.
I know, I know, I know, I know. Those are the places you don’t want to smell. But if you like the garment, and it’s checked all the boxes, you must check for any unwanted lingering smells.
Hopefully, the butt area doesn’t smell like butt. But the most common smelly area is the armpit. If it smells like leftover must and deodorant, put it back on the rack.
Other things to check to see if it smells like mold, mildew, staleness, or dirt. The good thing is, you can get these smells out with good old white vinegar and baking soda soak.
Check The Price Tag
Now that you’ve done a full inspection of the quality of the garment, check the price tag. Most likely the price won’t break the bank, but it’s good to know it’s in your price range. It may shock you to know that you’re getting name brand clothes for 60-70% off the retail price.
Or, you may look at the price and put it back on the rack because you think it’s not worth the price. If so, depending on the store, you COULD negotiate a price. Heavy on the could because places like Goodwill won’t allow this.
So if the quality is good, and the price is great, now it’s time to see how it fits you.
Check The Fit
Try on everything in your hand or cart to see how it fits you. Never skip this step! Although a lot of people do skip this, I don’t. Because I want to ensure that the garment fits my body the way I want it to before making the purchase.
When checking the fit, make sure it’s not too loose or too tight on you. Does it flatter your body type or highlight all the areas you want to hide?
Is it lightweight or heavy? Does the fabric feel itchy and uncomfortable? Can you move freely in the garment? Lift your arms to see if you feel tightness or if the shirt comes up.
With bottoms, bend over and touch your toes to see if you see your bum or if it feels really tight. Does the pants or dress drag on the floor? Are the bottoms too loose in the waistline?
Just a few things to consider when trying on garments.
Here are the things I do to make sure I find quality clothes at thrift stores. Because I want all my investments in clothes to last, extending the lifespan of each clothing item.
Remember to have fun, be open-minded, and have fun. ❤️
Leave a Reply