Thrift stores can be a surprising source of clothes and accessories that have a great quality. Of course, there's a lot of work you need to put in to have a successful shopping spree at a thrift store. To find a good item, you need to search through lots of pieces, inspect every detail, as nobody guarantees the quality of the items (as an established brand does), and you need to make sure the piece is in good shape, as, obviously, things found in thrift stores are not new. Moreover, you also need to consider whether and how the item you find will maintain its quality in time. Once you have all these things down, you are on your way of having a good second hand store experience.
When you are buying things from a thrift store, there are certain fashion items you should definitely steer away from. Some are more obvious, others are not. Here is a checklist of those items:
It should be absolutely obvious to everyone that you should not purchase used underwear. There is no way of knowing who the previous owner was, and, even if you bleach and scald in hot water an item for a week, you should still not wear it - why should you become that intimate with someone you don't know at all?
In case you consider the economic aspect, you should always know that you can find underwear that is accessibly priced even at a small supermarket.
In case you really need a pair and, for some reason don't have any, either go commando for the day, or, if the thrift store is your only option, buy a pair of shorts or a pair of pajama pants that you then cut to make similar to boxers.
In general, gear that has the potential of having been worn in direct contact with someone's private parts should be avoided for health reasons. Swimsuits fall in this category, but so do socks and other similar items.
Of course, if you really want something, you can go ahead with it, but make sure you clean it like your life depends on it because, well, it does.
We have yet to see a pair of used shoes in a thrift store that looks great. Not only do faded-out suede, cracked leather and dirty canvas make for a bad look, but wearing second hand shoes also represents a health hazard. Just like in the case of underwear, you don't want to get that intimate with a complete stranger.
Moreover, you should avoid buying shoes from a thrift store, as they are "broken in" and molded according to the previous owner's feet; therefore, you might not feel comfortable wearing them, as you would wearing new shoes that adapt to your feet.
It also needs to be said that athletic shoes should be avoided in particular, as used running shoes often lack a good protective cushioning you need for any high-impact sports activity, due to their previous wears. It's best to stick with new shoes that will adequately protect your joints.
Sometimes, you might find a great raincoat in a thrift store. However, getting a raincoat from a second hand store is pretty risky, as you can't test it for impermeability and the store will most likely not guarantee for it. Raincoats lose their waterproofing when washed and there is no real way of knowing how that particular raincoat has been handled by the store and the previous owner. Also, heavy use can cause many small entry points for wind and raindrops, which might not be noticeable until you wear your coat in the rain.
Hats are risky items, as they may contain remnants of skin infections, sweat and hair products, such as hairspray. It would be bad to harm your hair and your head because of hat, even if it looks really well, wouldn't it?
Additional information
The items we mentioned above were selected from both an aesthetic and a healthcare point of view. However, there is a practical point of view you need to consider as well. You might find items that you really like, that have a great fabric and that would work well with your wardrobe, but are too big.
In this case, you need to consider whether you should invest in a tailor, who will adjust it according to your size. Sometimes, it is worth tailoring an item, but most times it's not. Let's say you find something really special, such as a designer suit that is in perfect shape and just a little too big for you. In this case, it is worth giving it to a tailor for retouches, but in other cases, you will probably find another, similar piece that will suit you well and the bargain will be worth it.
When you are shopping in a thrift store and want to buy something that you then alter, you should consider whether the alteration and the price of the item combined won't cost more than buying a new item.
Also, we don't recommend buying clothes you don't really like just because the price is low. Moreover, avoid shopping for items that you can't wear now, but think you will be able to wear in the future, for example, should you lose or gain weight: Always buy a wardrobe for now. Of course, sometimes, you can buy a clothing item and use it as a goal (create an "I need to work out to fit in these pants" situation), but that's risky business, mentally speaking.
It is important to have a list of items you know you'll avoid buying from a thrift store, as, this way, you will be able to scan faster the store and eliminate from the start the items or racks you won't even check. This way, you will save time and energy and will make better purchases, which will translate in great looks, which, as we always say, will translate into a better attitude.
Fraquoh and Franchomme
P.S. We want to hear from you! Do you buy clothing and accessories from thrift stores? What kinds of items do you buy? What types do you avoid? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!
