A Thrifter’s Guide to Modern Shopping
By: Jordan
Working in consumer tech has changed the way I think about being a consumer. My clients have opened my eyes to the new and delightful experiences they’re creating for their audiences, motivating me to shop smarter as we head into the holiday season.
Like many Millennial and Gen Z fashionistas (self-proclaimed, of course), I am a thrifting enthusiast. There are more ways to shop secondhand than ever before — online, in-person, on the apps — and pricing continues to shift as “thrift hauls” take social media by storm. From statement pieces to timeless staples, where should a modern-day thrifter go to score big?
Inspired by my tech-savvy clients, here is my omnichannel approach to thrift shopping.
Online
This is where I like to begin. While many people prefer websites like eBay for their authentic secondhand selection, I use the internet for another purpose: research. As a storyteller, I believe every garment has something to say, and just like with our clients, I like to start with the backstory. That’s why I use Google searches like these to gather some background information and see what sparks my interest:
“Vintage vs. thrift vs. consignment”
Secondhand shopping has several facets, each with its own pricing and personality:
Thrift store: Thrift stores accept clothing donations, which means they can vary in quality, from old T-shirts and fast fashion to a surprising vintage find, and are often the least expensive.
Consignment store: People can sell (consign) their clothes here and receive compensation. Typically more upscale than a thrift store — and the price reflects it — shoppers are more likely to find contemporary and designer brands here.
Vintage store: These stores focus on clothes made before the 2000s. Some focus on high-end items and others specialize in decades — either way, vintage reminds us that secondhand isn’t always less expensive.
“1960s vs. 1970s”
Or whichever decade inspires your look! It’s incredibly helpful to know what eras birthed which styles and silhouettes, whether you’re searching for a vintage piece or a retro-inspired contemporary fit. We know fashion repeats itself, so this knowledge will never go out of style.
“Guide to vintage Levi’s jeans”
Or whichever brand you adore (if it’s Levi’s, please see here)! Vintage denim often fits differently than contemporary apparel, so researching the difference between Levi’s 501, 505 and 517 (517s have the orange tab on the back pocket!) can help narrow down that overwhelming search.
Apps
Apps like Depop, Poshmark, Curtsy, and thredUP have made thrifting more accessible than ever. Now you can enter your search terms (“vintage Grannycore sweater”) and thrift from anywhere with the touch of a screen. Yet as tech brands invest in hybrid experiences — bringing apps and in-store shopping together — I didn’t want to get too comfortable shopping exclusively from my phone. Here are a few tips for thrifting on the apps:
Embrace the algorithm. If you use your search terms and like/save the pieces you love, the algorithms on these apps will generate suggestions to stock up your closet in no time. There’s still nothing quite like discovering the perfect blazer after weeks of pining.
Set your budget ahead of time. You are no longer limited to the thrift stores in your area, which means the options are endless, so it’s helpful to put some guardrails in place. There are seemingly infinite genuine leather jackets between $100-200, but there are some incredible hidden gems between $50-70 as well.
Keep your finger on the pulse with hashtags. Hashtags make it easy to see what secondhand styles are trending (#y2k). Just make sure to check the tags in photos to confirm the #Prada flats you’ve fallen in love with are the real deal. When in doubt, message sellers with questions about conditions — there are no returns on most apps
In-person
While the apps provide a bird’s eye view into the thrifting landscape, in-person shopping is all about embracing the up-close, tactile experience. You can feel the fabrics, you can try on the clothes. You can take the wisdom of the algorithm and choose something entirely on your own. For thrifters-in-training who are weary of this journey, I offer five tips for in-person thrifting:
Know your measurements. Sizes vary across silhouettes, brands, and decades. If you know your measurements in inches or centimeters, you’ll never regret a purchase for its fit.
Know your fabrics. High-quality fabrics — whether denim, leather, wool, or cotton — have a certain feel to them. If you can tell the difference, you’ll know if a $25 blouse is a score or a rip-off.
Know your numbers. You’ve done your research and scrolled through the apps, so you know what your favorite pieces are going for these days. We’re over overpriced!
Know your closet. Always come with a strategy. Are you open to exploring every nook and cranny, or do you have a goal in mind? Are you in the market for a new fall jacket? Metallic cowboy boots? If you’re new to secondhand shopping, what funky piece would complement your current wardrobe?
Know yourself. Are you hungry? Are you tired? Are you unfocused? Perhaps thrift another day.
The reason thrifting can be intimidating is the same reason it’s so special: it’s a blank page. An invitation to explore your self-expression. Whether online, on the apps, or in person, there’s nothing like a little retail therapy for the storyteller’s soul.