A Girl's Guide to Thrifting: My Best Tips

By Olivia Liu

There’s nothing quite like the rush of scoring a hidden gem at the thrift store, and I’ve been asked time and time again: how do you manage to come across the best finds? As cliché as it may sound, by luck. Similar to gambling, thrifting is purely a game of chase. But, with that being said, there are several things you can do to ensure an amazing thrift trip. If you're an avid thrifter or you’ve never gone around to make your first trip, I’ve compiled a list of 5 tips that will undoubtedly improve your odds at more success.

Tip #1: Go on a WEEKDAY 

Trust me, this one’s a game changer. Weekdays are by far the BEST days to go thrifting. Most people hit the thrift on weekends, meaning the racks are already picked through by Saturday morning. If you can sneak in a trip on a random Tuesday or Wednesday, you’ll have first dibs on all the new arrivals before anyone else gets to them. The stores are also quieter, giving you more time and space to dig deep without feeling rushed. I will say, going on a weekday while working or being in school is extremely difficult, but if you have an hour or two in between your schedule, it’s definitely better to go!

Tip #2: Have a Gameplan 

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you walk into a thrift store and see rows upon rows of clothes; I feel like this all of the time. But, before you go, make a list of what you’re hunting for: whether it’s a good pair of jeans, a statement jacket, or vintage accessories. Having a rough idea of what you want helps you stay focused and keeps you from walking out with a pile of random items you’ll never actually wear.

Tip #3: Check Every Section (Yes, Even the Men’s) 

Some of my best finds have come from the Kids or Mens section of the store, so don’t ever be afraid to browse outside your section. Men’s sweaters, oversized blazers, and even kids’ graphic tees can make for seriously the best outfits. The home goods and accessories aisles are also worth checking out; you never know when you’ll stumble on the perfect vintage belt or a piece of pottery you didn’t know you needed.

Tip #4: Inspect Before You Buy 

When thrifting, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of finding unique pieces, but always take a moment to look things over carefully. Check for stains, missing buttons, holes, or odors that might not come out with Oxycleen. Try zippers, seams, and make sure everything feels intact (no dry-rot around here!). Some flaws are easy to fix, but others might not be worth the effort so just leave them behind. A quick inspection can save you money, time, and the disappointment of realizing your “perfect” find isn’t wearable after all.

Tip #5: Headphones 

And with that, I leave you with the best tip: bring headphones. Personally, I like to thrift for hours on end, so I need something to keep me from getting distracted or feeling drained while digging through racks. Whether I’m listening to my favorite playlist or a podcast, it makes the long trip way more enjoyable.