Thrifting for Clothes

Why Thrift?

Thrifting, also known as secondhand shopping, has been gaining popularity in recent years as more people are becoming conscious of the environmental impact of fast fashion— not to mention the obvious benefit of saving money! Shopping at thrift stores is a great way to build a unique and fashionable wardrobe and reduce waste without being too hard on your wallet. Thrifting offers a host of benefits including saving money, helping the environment, and so much more! 

• Affordable Prices: Thrifting is often much cheaper than buying new clothes from mainstream retailers. If you’ve had your eye on name-brand denim or a designer dress, you can find these same items lightly used for a fraction of the retail price! This allows you to build a stylish wardrobe on a budget without sacrificing quality or style.
• Unique Finds: Thrifting provides access to a wide range of unique and one-of-a-kind items that you won't find at mainstream stores. You can discover vintage pieces as well as items from local designers. You’ll stand out among the crowds of people wearing fast-fashion clothing.
• Sustainable: Thrifting clothes benefits our environment by reducing the demand for new clothing production, which significantly impacts the environment. The fashion industry is one of the largest polluters in the world.  Thrifting helps to reduce the amount of clothing waste that ends up in landfills. 
• High-Quality Items: When you shop second-hand, you gain access to high-quality clothing items that have been gently used and well-maintained, often at a fraction of the cost. You can find items made from long-lasting natural fibers like cotton, silk, and wool, giving your wardrobe fashionable flair and longevity.
• Supporting the Community: Thrifting supports communities by stimulating the local economy and providing jobs to those that live in the area. Many thrift stores are connected to charities, which means that your purchases can help support important causes.
• Personal Style: Thrifting allows you to create a unique style that reflects your tastes and preferences. You can mix and match items from different eras and styles, creating a look that is truly your own. Clothes Mentor offers a personal shopper service for free if you need help discovering your personal style. 

Overall, thrifting clothes is a great way to save money, find unique items, and positively impact the environment. It's a win-win situation that benefits both you and the community. However, it can sometimes be overwhelming for beginners to navigate the vast selection of pre-loved items. Read on for our comprehensive guide about how to shop at thrift stores to save money and build a fashionable wardrobe. 

What To Know Before You Go Thrifting

Before linking up with your bestie for a trip to the thrift store, it would be helpful to do some footwork to get your closet prepped and primed for some new additions!

Purge Your Wardrobe

Deciding what items to get rid of can be challenging, but it's an important step in decluttering your closet and creating a wardrobe that reflects your style. First, assess your wardrobe by taking a close look at each item. Consider whether each item still fits well, is in good condition, and aligns with your style. Then, be honest with yourself about which items you actually wear and which ones are just taking up space. Ask yourself if you would wear each item today if you had the opportunity. 

Second, consider the last time you wore it. If you haven't worn an item in over a year, it's probably safe to say that you don't need it. Consider selling your items to a store like Clothes Mentor that will give you credits or cash in exchange for your unwanted items. Next, ask yourself whether each item aligns with your current lifestyle. If you've started a new job, for example, you may need to get rid of some casual items that are no longer appropriate for your workplace.  Lastly, be mindful of sentimental items. If you have sentimental items like your great grandma's old dress or your lucky t-shirt that you don't wear but can't bear to part with, store them in a separate box or closet rather than in your main wardrobe. 

If you're struggling to decide whether to keep an item or not, ask a friend or family member for their opinion. Sometimes an outside perspective can help you make a decision. The goal of paring down your wardrobe is to help you cultivate your personal style and determine what you already have and need. This process will help inform how you approach the thrift store.

Start a Donate Pile

Donating your clothes is a great way to pare down your closet to make room for new items. When you clear out space in your closet, it becomes easier to organize and find the items you want to wear. You’ll find you have reduced stress that was caused by a cluttered living space! When you donate your used clothes, you have the opportunity to make a positive impact on your local community by providing clothing to those in need. Many thrift stores are connected to charities or non-profit organizations such as homeless shelters, disaster relief organizations, and community outreach programs. Finally, when you donate your clothes, you are helping to reduce the environmental impact of clothing production by keeping your clothes out of a landfill and giving them a second life. You can easily sell your pre-loved pieces at Clothes Mentor near you, and receive in-store credit or cash at the same time. It’s a win-win!

Identify the Gaps

Now that you’ve determined what you’re keeping, you can take a good look at what’s left of your wardrobe and decide what items you need. Do you need a new pair of jeans, a winter coat, or a dress for a wedding? Make a list of the items you are looking for to avoid getting distracted by other items that catch your eye once you’re at the store. 

Find Your Personal Style

Start identifying your style and build your wardrobe around it. Look for inspiration in magazines, on social media, and in your own closet. Consider your lifestyle, your preferences, and your body type. Choose a color palette that works well with your skin tone, hair color, and personal style. Stick to a few key colors you love that work well together. 

At the thrift store, you’ll want to try to invest in high-quality basics that can be dressed up or down and that will last for years. Look for items like a well-fitting pair of jeans, a classic white button-down shirt, and a versatile blazer. You can then build on that outfit by adding statement pieces that show off your personality and make your outfits more interesting. Look for pieces like bold accessories, colorful shoes, and unique jackets. With these staples, you have all that you need to mix and match to create different outfits. 

Keep in mind that while it's fun to incorporate trends into your wardrobe, investing too much in trendy pieces that may not last long can crowd your closet. Instead, choose just a few key trends each season and mix them in with pieces that you already own. By considering these factors, you'll be able to create a collection of clothes you love wearing that make you feel confident and stylish.

Set a Budget

Before heading to the thrift store, set a budget for yourself. With so many cute accessories and fun pieces at low prices, it can be easy to get carried away. Having a budget will help you make smart decisions and prevent impulse purchases.

Research the Thrift Stores

Not all thrift stores are created equal. Some stores specialize in vintage items, while others have a more modern selection. Research the thrift stores in your area to find the ones that best fit your style and budget. 

Plan Your Shopping Trip

Thrift stores can be overwhelming, especially if you're unsure where to start. Plan your shopping trip by making a list of the stores you want to visit and the items you're looking for. A list will help you stay focused and make the most of your time. 

What To Know While You're Thrifting

Now that you’re out and about, it’s time to go shopping! = It’s important to keep the following tips in mind while you shop:

Take Your Time

Thrifting requires patience and time. It's not uncommon to spend several hours at a thrift store, so make sure you have enough time to browse the aisles without feeling rushed.

Check the Labels

Check the labels of the clothing items you're interested in to check the brand and materials. Look for brands you trust and recognize, as they're more likely to have a longer lifespan. Natural fabrics will give the clothing a timeless feel and longevity.

Try On Everything

Unlike traditional stores, thrift stores don't always have a wide range of sizes. It's important to try on everything you're interested in to ensure it fits well and is comfortable to wear. Don't be afraid to try on items that are a size up or down from your usual size, as sizes can vary between brands.

Look for What’s Trending

Stores such as Clothes Mentor can be a great place to find items that are currently trending. You can easily experiment with different styles and brands that you may not typically wear since designer items are available at affordable prices.

Inspect for Damages

Inspect the items for any damages or stains before purchasing them. Some thrift stores have a strict no-return policy, so it's important to check for damages before making a purchase.

Tips and Tricks for Finding the Best Deals 

Unsure where to go thrifting? Need an idea of what to look for at thrift stores? Or simply looking for thrifting tips? We got you covered! Below you’ll find some of our favorite tips and tricks for weeding out the best deals and steals:

• Shop any season: Thrift stores receive new inventory all year round, which means you can find a deal on the perfect winter coat in the heat of the summer. So at any given time of the year, you can find exactly what you're looking for at a fraction of the cost when you shop at stores like Clothes Mentor that keep inventory updated year-round.
• Shop during sale days: Many thrift stores have sale days where certain items are discounted. Check with your local thrift store to find out when their sale days are and take advantage of the discounts.
• Check for discounts and rewards: Some thrift stores offer discounts or rewards for frequent shoppers. Ask the store if they have any programs or discounts you can take advantage of.
• Look for high-end items: Thrift stores are a great place to find high-end items at a fraction of the retail price. Look for items like designer handbags, shoes, and coats that would typically be outside of your budget.
• Check online thrift stores: Online thrift stores often have a vast selection of secondhand items at discounted prices. These stores allow you to filter your search by size, brand, and style, making it easier to find what you're looking for. 

If you have something more specific in mind, hunting for designer items is one of the most exciting parts of thrifting. Designer clothing and accessories are hard to come by but well worth the hunt. However, finding designer items can be challenging as they are often mixed in with other clothing. Check out how to find designer clothing at thrift stores:

• Look for unique prints and fabrics: Designer clothing often has unique prints and fabrics that are not commonly found on other clothing. Look for items with brand logos, prints, and colors.
• Check the labels: Check the labels on clothing items to see if they are designer. Clothing labels have changed over time, so if you see a label from a brand you recognize that looks different from modern labels, it may just be vintage.
• Look at the details: Designer clothing often has unique details like luxurious fabric, quality zippers, and vibrant coloring. Look for items with interesting details that you don't often see on other pieces.
• Browse the accessories: Designer accessories like jewelry, hats, and bags are often easier to spot.
• Don't be afraid to ask: If you're unsure if an item is a designer, ask the store employees. They may be able to tell you more about the item.

Now that you know how to thrift designer items, here are some common designer finds to keep your eyes peeled for:

• Levi's jeans: Levi's jeans are a popular find in thrift stores. They are durable, classic, and can be styled in a variety of ways.
• Shoes: Designer shoes are a great way to add some edge to your wardrobe. Looking for a designer pair of tennis shoes to achieve a casual look? Maybe you’re searching for the perfect red pair for special occasions. Either way, thrifting designer shoes are the way to go.
• Leather jackets: Leather jackets are a timeless wardrobe staple and are often found throughout various designer brands. Look for jackets with unique details like studs, zippers, and fringe.
• Jewelry: Designer costume jewelry can add a touch of glamor to any outfit for a low price. Look for statement pieces like chandelier earrings, cocktail rings, brooches, and of course anything in a Tiffany blue bag!
• Handbags: Designer handbags are often made from high-quality materials like leather and suede. Look for styles like box bags, clutch purses, and beaded evening bags.

These are just a few examples of the many designers finds you may come across while thrifting. Remember to take your time and enjoy the process of searching for unique and special pieces.

Thrifting Online

Thrifting in-store can sometimes be overwhelming. This is one of the many reasons why thrifting online has become increasingly popular in recent years. Not only does it offer a convenient way to shop secondhand, but it also provides access to a wider range of products worldwide. Here are some of the benefits and ease of thrifting online:

Convenience

Online thrifting allows you to shop from the comfort of your home. You can browse items at any time of day without the crowds and hassle of in-person shopping. Additionally, you can search for the exact brand of the item you’re looking for, and you can filter that search by size and color.

Access to a Wider Range of Products

Online thrift stores often have a much larger selection of products than physical stores. You can find items from all over the world and have access to unique items that may not be available in your local area.

Lower Prices

Online thrift stores often have lower prices than physical stores, as they have lower overhead costs. Affordable pricing means you can find great deals on high-quality, designer items.

Sustainable

Thrifting online is a sustainable way to shop, as it gives new life to pre-loved items that might otherwise end up in a landfill. By buying secondhand, you are reducing your carbon footprint and helping to reduce the amount of waste produced by the fashion industry. Clothes Mentor is leading the charge on encouraging sustainable fashion by reducing our environmental impact. 

Some popular online thrift stores include Clothes Mentor, ThredUP, Depop, Poshmark, and The RealReal. Each site has its own unique features such as the ability to negotiate prices with the seller or browse curated collections. Before shopping online, read the seller's descriptions carefully, check their ratings and reviews, and ask any questions you may have about the item.

In addition to online thrift stores, many sustainable fashion brands sell secondhand clothing online. These brands take pre-loved clothing and upcycle it into new, unique pieces. Some popular sustainable fashion brands include The Renewal Workshop, For Days, and Eileen Fisher's Renew program.

Thrifting online offers a convenient and sustainable way to shop for fashion. By buying secondhand, you can save money, reduce your environmental impact, and discover unique items that add character and style to your wardrobe.

Get Cash Back or Upcycle

Donating your unwanted items to a thrift store gives them a new life and reduces waste. Stores like Clothes Mentor will even give you cash or store credits when you sell your used clothes. If your items are “too far gone,” instead of throwing away items that are stained or damaged, consider upcycling them into something new. Turn an old shirt into a tote bag or a pair of jeans into a crop top. Thrift shopping is a sustainable way to shop, but it's important to shop sustainably in other areas of your life as well. Buy from sustainable and ethical brands when possible and reduce your overall consumption so that when it comes time to donate your clothes you can keep the cycle going! 

What To Know After You're Done Thrifting

Now for the easy part. It’s time to gather your thrifted items and ensure they are clean and properly sanitized before adding them to your wardrobe. Wash clothing items or use a disinfectant spray and wipes to clean shoes and accessories that wouldn't survive a full wash. You’re all done and ready to welcome your pieces to their new home. 

You don’t have to stop there. If you're feeling especially creative, consider DIY and upcycling projects with your thrifted finds. Transform an oversized shirt into a trendy dress, or turn a pair of jeans into shorts. The possibilities are endless when paired with your imagination!

Why Shop at Clothes Mentor?

Clothes Mentor is a great option for those looking to shop sustainably and save money. We offer a wide selection of pre-loved items at discounted prices, including high-end designer items. Clothes Mentor also has a strict quality control process, ensuring that only items in good condition make it to the sales floor. Browse our favorite seasonal trends.

Additionally, when you visit a Clothes Mentor location near you sell your unwanted items for cash or store credit. Selling your clothes is a great way to declutter your wardrobe while earning extra money to spend on new items. Clothes Mentor also has an online store, making it easy to shop from the comfort of your home. Our online store has a vast selection of items and allows you to filter your search by size, brand, and style.

Overall, thrifting is a great way to save money, build a unique and fashionable wardrobe, and reduce waste. When you follow the tips and tricks in this guide, you can make the most of your thrifting experience and start shopping sustainably. 

Consider shopping at Clothes Mentor for a great selection of pre-loved items at discounted prices.

Happy thrifting!