Thrifting is more mainstream than ever, according to a new reportfrom ThredUp, the resale retail site for buying and selling used clothing. The data shows 40% of 18 to 24-year-olds shopped at second hand stores last year and the resale market is growing 24-times faster than conventional clothing retail.
The report shows 35% of millennials are more likely to switch to shopping secondhand because they’re worried about waste. And with celebs like Elle Fanning and Lily-Rose Depp leading the way and snagging all the good finds at popular vintage shops like Golden Age in Los Angeles, you’ve got to have some secondhand shopping skills to get the goods. These tips will help you get the bargains on your next thrift store shopping spree.
- Buy jeans with raw hems - IF they fit at the waist, don’t worry so much about the bottom hem. If you find a dated pair of boot cut jeans, cut the bottom off and wear them cropped with a raw hem and you’re instantly in style.
- Check the hardware - Make sure the zippers and buckles work on the jeans, jacket, belt and purse you like before you buy it and have to replace a defective part. Or if you discover something won’t close properly and you still want it, ask for a discount.
- Raid the jewelry section - Go through the brooches, pins, and buttons to find any unique, sparkly pieces to personalize a jacket or T-shirt.
- Buy it and try it - If you like something, like a faux fur jacket, but don’t know how it’ll look with your dress at home, buy it and try it out. Don’t wait and try to come back in a week to buy it, it’ll probably be gone. So make sure the store will take returns and get it now, so you don’t have buyer’s remorse later.
- Bring new sole to old shoes - Some people get grossed out by the thought of wearing someone else’s old shoes, but if you find a cool pair of vintage leather boots, you can have them professionally cleaned and get a new shoe insert to give them new life.
Source: Moneyish