Online Reporter
Fashion 263 Correspondent
Thrift shopping has become a popular way to shop for clothes, whether you are looking for a bargain, a vintage piece or something you simply won’t see everyone else wearing.
For anyone drawn to the fashion of earlier decades, thrift shops can be particularly rewarding.
You can find everything from old-school jackets and dresses to handbags and accessories that bring a different character to your wardrobe.
Buying second-hand also gives existing clothing a longer life, making it a more considered way to shop.
But the excitement of finding a bargain can sometimes lead to poor choices. Before you start filling your basket, there are a few things worth checking.
Do inspect everything carefully
Don’t buy something based on a quick glance.
Check the seams, zips, buttons, hems and lining.
Look for stains, holes, excessive pilling, fading and other signs of wear.
A missing button may be an easy fix. A damaged zip or large stain may not be.
Don’t buy something just because it’s cheap
A $5 bargain isn’t a bargain if it ends up sitting unworn in your cupboard.
Before buying, ask yourself whether you actually like the item and whether you can see yourself wearing it.
If you are only interested because of the price, leave it behind.
Do try things on
Clothing sizes can vary considerably, particularly when you are buying older pieces.
If the shop has fitting rooms, use them.
Check that the item is comfortable and that you like how it fits before paying for it.
Don’t assume you can make something work simply because you love the fabric or style.
Don’t ignore the fabric
Look at the care label if there is one.
A beautiful vintage piece that needs expensive specialist cleaning may not be such a bargain.
Also check areas that experience the most wear, including collars, cuffs, underarms and trouser seams.
Do think about repairs
Thrifting can be a good place to find clothes that need a little attention, but know your limits.
Replacing a button or making a small alteration is one thing.
Paying for extensive repairs can quickly wipe out the savings you made.
Don’t forget hygiene
Second-hand clothing should be cleaned appropriately before you wear it.
Be more cautious with items that are difficult to clean properly.
Underwear is best bought new, while heavily worn shoes may not be worth purchasing.
Do look beyond current trends
One of the best things about thrift shopping is that you aren’t limited to what is currently hanging in mainstream stores.
If you love the style of a particular decade, look for pieces that can work with clothes you already own.
You don’t need a completely vintage wardrobe. One distinctive jacket, shirt or handbag can be enough to change an outfit.
Don’t get caught up in the thrill
There is a certain excitement to finding something unusual, particularly when you know another shopper could buy it.
But don’t let that pressure you into buying something you don’t really want.
Take a moment to inspect it, think about how you will wear it and decide whether it deserves the space in your wardrobe.
The best thrift finds aren’t necessarily the cheapest ones. They are the pieces you are genuinely excited to take home and actually use. – IOL Lifestyle
