There’s something special about giving clothing a second life.
Shopping secondhand – whether through local thrift stores, vintage boutiques, or online resale platforms – isn’t simply about saving money. It’s about discovering pieces with character, craftsmanship, and stories woven into every seam.
When you choose to shop this way, you’re not only finding unique, high-quality clothing at affordable prices – you’re curating a wardrobe that feels personal, sustainable, and entirely your own.
I think my love for secondhand runs deep because of where I came from. I grew up without much, and when I finally could afford more, I swung to the other extreme … chasing all the trends and buying new, expensive, and too much.
But somewhere along the way, I realized that fulfillment doesn’t come from owning more; it comes from choosing better. Now, shopping secondhand feels like a coming of full circle – a reminder that enough has always been right here.
So, I went on a rediscovery mission… back to secondhand shops to look for the perfect items that would withstand the test of time. My days are now filled with questions on where I got something, experimenting with new combinations, and sieving through racks of people’s castaways.
If you’re interested in secondhand shopping but haven’t joined in, here are my 5 best tips for you to get started!
Know Your Measurements
Before heading out to thrift stores, make sure you know your measurements, including bust, waist, hip, and inseam. The easiest way to do this is to measure your favorite fitting garment flat.
Keep all these details as a note on your phone. Bring a measuring tape with you!
This knowledge helps you quickly assess whether items will fit you without having to try everything on AND (most times) there’s no fitting room. So… I’d recommend wearing a skirt, dress or tighter fitting clothing that can act as your base layer for trying things on.
If buying secondhand online, most Sellers post measurements of their items. If they don’t have anything listed… ask!
PSSSSS if shopping for pants or jeans and you’re a hippy lady (like yours truly), take a measurement of your thighs. Trust me on this one!
Look for Quality + Check Condition
OOF! An important one! You have to inspect for wear and tear. Look out for staining (cough, underarms), holes (especially around belt area), and snags that can’t be easily fixed.
I have a method for doing this. First, I do an initial sweep of the store grabbing anything that catches my eye. I try to focus in the areas for which I need to fill a hole in my wardrobe.
Second, I go through each item individually in my cart and look at the quality, construction, label, and fit. Hopefully putting a few items back…
Third, I try on if I’m able to and decide if it’s a keeper. I consider the price, the function in my wardrobe, if I have an immediate need for it, and if I’ll regret leaving it behind.
It’s best practice to look for superior fabric content (looking @ you: linen, cotton, wool, cashmere) and labels from brand that have high quality standards. My philosophy is longevity. I don’t want to buy something then it get ruined after a few wears. After a few rounds at a secondhand shop, you’ll be able to tell what’s quality and what’s not.
Remember, most thrifts are final sale, so always check out what you’re buying.
That brings me to the next point…
Be Open-Minded + Patient
Secondhand shopping requires patience and a willingness to **dig** through unorganized racks, bins, baskets, shelves. Roll up your sleeves – use your body to push overfilled racks apart – go item by item. The best things are often hidden deep within the stacks.
Keep an open mind and be ready to try on items you might not have considered. Sometimes, the best finds are hidden gems that require a bit of effort and a few trips to uncover. An open-minded approach increases your chances of discovering unique and unexpected pieces that fit your style.
HANDS DOWN.. the best thing you can do is to create an inspiration board. Take photos of things you like, save social media inspirations, pin those Pinterest finds. Keep all of those inspirations on your phone easily accessible and use as your guidance tool.
That way you’re buying: thoughtfully, intentionally, + with clarity.
For tips on how to find your authentic style, check out this previous post of mine → Rediscovering Your Personal Style
Focus on Versatility
Look for items that can be easily mixed and matched with your existing wardrobe. Classic pieces like denim jackets, neutral sweaters, and simple dresses are often great finds. Think about how each item will fit into your current wardrobe.
Paramount needs: items that can be worn in multiple facets (dressed up or down), great basics, and comfortable (non-trendy) personalized fashion.
If you want to take it a step further, hone your style and nail your color palatte down. Those are easy solutions to making your wardrobe authentically you.
Understand Pricing + Compare with Retail
Familiarize yourself with the retail prices of brands you’re interested in. This knowledge helps you decide whether the secondhand store’s pricing is a true bargain. Be cautious of items priced close to or above their retail value. Shop with intention and *know* when to walk away.
Nearly every store has color-coded percentage-off days. Sometimes, the employees know, but often times they don’t. Never hurts to ask what’s coming next! I rarely buy an item that’s not on the color day (or week). Almost always if I let something “go”, another one will show up that’s better. * Manifest that! *
And this is a good point to mention to be wary of fast fashion brands that are posing as vintage in secondhand stores (especially “antique” shops). I’ve been seeing more and more Amazon brands showing up there. When in doubt, google or google lens the brand if you’re unsure.
Shopping secondhand is and should be fun for you! Start by following these tips, you’ll be better equipped to find great deals and unique pieces while thrifting.
If you’re a seasoned secondhand shopper, do you have any tried + true tips you’ve learned the hard way? 🖤
You’ll find yourself going even further and finding Christmas and birthday gifts for your loved ones AND second-handing your entire Pinterest board (spoken from personal experience!). Happy secondhand + intentional shopping!
Simply Tamed 