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Buying used clothing doesn’t come with the stigma it used to. With so many vintage thrift stores and gently-used clothing shops compared to a decade ago, you would be hard-pressed to miss the incredible selection and savings.
Explore your neighborhood thrift shops and discard any prejudices you may have against them. Some can be grubby, that’s true, but most aren’t. The two kinds of stores that sell used goods are for-charity stores such as Goodwill and the Salvation Army, and for-profit resale boutiques or consignments. Ideally, you want to frequent a shop that has a dressing room that allows you to try on the clothes. Keep in mind that modern sizes are not equal to vintage measurements, so trying on the clothing becomes even more important.
Remember, just because it’s old doesn’t mean it’s worthless. Most of the older clothing is high-quality than the clothes you can find brand new on the shelves today. The best bargains always go quickly, so find out when the shop restocks supplies and get there early. Don’t just buy something because it’s a bargain, however. Make sure the items you purchase will be put to good use; otherwise they may end up right back where they started from.
Keep in mind that bargain shopping takes more time than regular shopping. At new clothing stores, everything is laid out neatly, but thrift shops may have bulk bins. Some will organize clothing based on size and color, but that’s about it. Be patient and browse the racks meticulously. And don’t forget to have fun in the process!
