Tips for thrifting?

[vettorre]

Next week my partner and I are going to the Philly AIDS Thrift to stock up on warm weather clothing. I know thrift stores are a grab bag, and so I cannot guarantee that I'll find any particular brand or anything (I also know to try on things even if the tags say they're not the right size). What I'm wondering is if anyone who thrifts in the

Comments

[icegirl99]

You probably already know this, but anything that looks new will probably last longer than something that has visible wear on it.

[lunagirl35]

Don't overlook the guys section, depending on how you're shaped, you might find some great cargos.
Also I tend to look at general wear of an item, and try to avoid knits that look like they may have been washed too hot.
Good luck!

[bunnybutt]

I would need to have a size range before I could make brand recommendations. Mostly you just want to look carefully at the construction. If you pick up (for example) a button down shirt from brooks brothers and one from sears, you can easily see the difference in quality of construction as well as fabric. It doesn't take long to figure out what you're looking for

[doctorjill]

Yard sales and church bazaars on the mainline, the thrifting is actually disappointing.

[ms_hissyfit]

Church bazaars in wealthy neighbourhoods are the best! While I am not in the U.S., I have made the best thrift finds at church bazaars when it comes to quality. And the season for christmas bazaars is starting soon, so keep a look out for these kind of announcements

[mi_nion]

This! I stopped thrifting in Philly because it's just not that great clothes wise, but take a drive to the 'burbs or mainline on the weekends and you can occasionally luck out.

[doctorjill]

Number 1 most important thrift tip of all time:

Ignore size tags, try everything on if it looks like there is a prayer it might fit.

I am from Philly but I've never been to the AIDS thrift, I would be really interested to know how you do.

As far as durability, look at construction and fabric content, things that are well made have very neat and orderly details. Look at the stitching in difficult places, a crotch, an arm pit; a well made garment will have orderly seams that align well.

[kethlenda]

I can't second this #1 tip enough.

I have stuff in my closet with every imaginable number on the tag that all fits. Sizing is all over the place. Eyeball it and try it on. I have snagged some great stuff that way in sizes I wouldn't have thought would fit, in both directions.

[elialshadowpine]

My top recommendation would be to look at the thickness/sturdiness of the fabric, and also the seams. I find that Walmart brand clothes often have issues with cheap seaming, and you can tell this pretty easily. Granted, a seam rip is usually easy to fix, at least.