Four Tips when Thrift Shopping
Shopping at a thrift store for the first time may be overwhelming and scary. It can involve being unsure of how to look for clothing that you will like. Considering that there is so many different options, styles and garment conditions mixed on the long racks, it can be daunting. In hopes of alleviating some hesitation from shopping in thrift stores, I have provided four tips to help you to start shopping preloved clothing.
1. Take Your Time
It is important to take your time when you go to any thrift store. You don’t know what you'll find and if you're looking for something specific it will require flipping through many different cuts and styles. You will most likely find interesting jackets and shirts you weren’t intentionally looking to buy that you won't resist to take home! Consider taking one hour out of your day to look and wander the racks. If this is your first time considering shopping a thrift store focus on just one section. Go to the shirt section and look at the options in your size. If you don’t find anything you like, consider going to the next size up along the rack. Be aware that garments with holes, stains and lent since perfect condition cannot be guaranteed.
2. Know Your Style
Looking through the clothing racks will become a little easier if you know what flatters your body. Try to remember whether you received a lot of compliments when you wore a certain color or pattern. If you know what flatters you, you will immediately recognize clothing that will flatter your skin tone and body tone. If you are unsure what works for your body and complexion, thrifting will help you explore next styles and outfits at a low cost. Feel free to reinvent yourself and try new things. Also, consider taking a friend with you to get feedback and positive reinforcement.
3. Have A Budget
Know your limit. This is important if you like shopping. You never know what you will find, and your shopping cart may get full very quickly. A great tip would be to only take cash with you to reinforce the idea of a limit. Thirty dollars is advised since garments are considerably cheap. Normally, a shirt can range from one dollar to ten dollars.
4. Find a Dressing Room
It will be hard to tell clothing will fit your body with all the different brands, styles and fabric materials. It is wise to reserve a couple of minutes to see whether the jeans, shirt, jacket, etc. fits your body. Be warned that even though the shirt may say it’s a size medium, it may fit slightly smaller or bigger. Also trying on the clothing may showcase any imperfections, such as stains and holes, that you otherwise wouldn’t have noticed.