Shopping at Thrift Stores

Shopping thrift, second hand, or reused stores is a current trend.  There 
seems to be several reasons motivating consumers to bargain hunt for clothing 
in used apparel stores.  Clothing costs are skyrocketing, people turn over 
their wardrobes more frequently, and the world's ecological influence all 
support this popular shopping craze.


Previously used clothing comes in several categories; extremely inexpensive, 
moderately priced, antique clothing, and designer or designer originals, which 
are still expensive but extremely discounted from the original price.  Many of 
the more expensive clothing is on consignment which is clothing or merchandise 
sold for individuals and both they and the store earn a percentage of the 
discounted price.


Unlike new-merchandise retail stores, thrift shops may not have adequate 
dressing rooms, good lighting or sales people to assist you in finding 
merchandise.  Clothing is stuffed on racks and selection is not always 
consistent.


Successful bargain hunting is a talent and an art that can be acquired with 
raving results simply by following a few guidelines.


* Research current fashion.
  Before perusing resale, keep up with current styles, labels, and colors.  
  Just because the price is cheap, unless the garment is fashionable, it has 
  little value.  Clothing that bridges several seasons or off season classics 
  are usually the best deals.

* Fabric is important.
  A good quality fabric that doesn't have a shiny, worn surface or obvious 
  pilling will be your most versatile choice.  Watch corduroy, velvets and 
  pile fabrics for flattened nap.  A blend of poly/cotton, poly/wool, or 
  poly/rayon will keep its up-to-date look for a longer time without giving 
  that "used" appearance.  Natural fabrics like wool, linen, cotton, and silk 
  are excellent secondhand choices if they have been well cared for by 
  previous owners.  Avoid dated polyesters, fabric designs, and colors so your 
  clothing message doesn't announce "used clothing" or "old fashioned."

* Acquire an eagle's eye.
  When bargain hunting, you need to be able to see through the second-hand 
  maze, under stacks, and through the junk to spy a truly valuable or 
  functional piece of clothing.  Consider your find of value only if it works 
  for your wardrobe needs.  Shop with a purpose or specific item in mind.  You 
  might look for basics that will pull your other wardrobe pieces together 
  such as a top or accessory.  Or you may want to hunt for that something 
  really unique, one of a kind, or rarely discovered antique.

* Allow enough shopping time.
  Shop a store thoroughly for the first time.  Get acquainted with where 
  certain merchandise is located and what types of things they carry.  If you 
  shop in a rush or with distractions (children or disinterested friends), you 
  won't know what may be hidden deep in the stacks and buried in the jammed 
  racks.

  Thumb through the racks in order to find those great items that may be 
  hiding among the neutralized maze of junk clothing.

* Shop often Monday through Thursday.
  The turnover is rapid in thrift shops and there is no guarantee for 
  selection or replacement.  If you shop frequently only to scan what is new, 
  you will be first to nab a super buy.  Weekday shopping will be less busy 
  than weekends.

* Be aware of details.
  Used clothing may have stains, underarm yellowing, tears, missing buttons, 
  broken zippers, drooping hems, or flaws that could be overlooked without 
  careful scrutiny of details.

  Hold clothing up to the light to detect discoloration and watch for holes, 
  sags, and smooth linings.

* Creative shopping broadens choices.
  With innovative thinking, creative ideas, and sewing skills, if the garment 
  is truly a gem, you can fix details, replace buttons, redo linings and hems, 
  or even redesign the garment to look completely new.

* Barter for better price.
  One of the thrills of second-hand shopping is knowing you can dicker on 
  price.  Often the ticket price is estimated and can be questioned for an 
  even better bargain.

AUTHOR:  Louise P. Young, Clothing Specialist, Utah State University Cooperative Extension.

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Revised 8/18/05