I absolutely love going thrift shopping. There’s something so exciting about walking into a thrift store. Uou never know what you’re going to find. Some days you walk out empty-handed, and other times you hit the jackpot: the perfect vintage sweater, a stack of DVDs from your childhood, or a piece of decor that feels meant to be.
But here’s the thing: thrift shopping is different from regular shopping. It’s not just about browsing racks and picking up whatever you like. There are a few things you need to pay attention to before making a purchase, otherwise you might regret it later. Over time, I’ve learned some helpful tricks to make every thrift trip more fun and more rewarding. Let’s dive in!
10+ Tips for Thrift Shopping Like a Pro
1. Always Check Clothes for Stains or Damage
Clothes in thrift stores have lived a life before you. While most people buy the latest trends, you get to choose what you truly like and not just what’s trendy right now. That’s part of the charm, but it also means you need to inspect items carefully. Look for stains, holes, missing buttons, or broken zippers. Small flaws can sometimes be fixed, but bigger ones may not be worth your time or money. Trust me, it’s happened to me before, but I’ve learned from my mistakes. I’m sure the staff checks the clothes, but sometimes things slip through. Recently, I found the cutest top, but I had to put it back because there was a stain I wasn’t sure would come out.
2. Try Everything On
Sizing can be tricky when you’re thrifting. Different brands, vintage cuts, or stretched fabrics can all fit differently than expected. Always try clothes on if possible, or at least hold them up against yourself in a mirror. What looks perfect on the hanger might not work once you’re wearing it. Sometimes I go to flea markets where there are no fitting rooms, and in that case, I usually skip the clothing racks. Most of the time you can’t return items anyway.
3. Double-Check CDs, DVDs, and Other Media
I’m a huge fan of physical media (I even wrote a whole blog post about it!). But when you’re thrifting for CDs, DVDs, or vinyl records, always check that the disc is actually inside the case. Also, look for scratches or cracks that might make it unplayable. Nothing is more disappointing than getting home and finding an empty case. Yes, it takes extra time, but you don’t want to waste money on something that doesn’t work anymore. Recently, I found a DVD of one of my favorite movies, Serendipity. But when I checked the disc, I wasn’t sure if it would still work, so I didn’t buy it. I just hope I’ll find another copy someday.
4. Watch Out for Overpricing
Sometimes thrift stores overprice items, especially fast-fashion brands like Shein, H&M, or Zara. If the thrift price is almost the same as buying it new in-store, it’s not really a bargain. Compare in your head, or quickly on your phone, before buying. One time, I found a Primark dress I already owned, and the thrift price was nearly the same as a brand-new one. Pricing at thrift stores can be very strange. I’ve seen a Shein item for 8–9 euros, and another time, a 200-euro dress for just 2 euros. If you’re unsure, you can always Google the brand first.
5. Take Your Time
Thrift shopping isn’t for rushing. It takes patience to sift through racks and shelves to find hidden gems. Give yourself enough time to really look—sometimes the best items are tucked away or hidden behind less exciting pieces. Depending on what I’m looking for (I always have a specific list), I can spend one to two hours at the store. Most of the time, I check clothes, CDs, DVDs, and books.
6. Go Regularly
If you’re hunting for something specific, like a leather jacket or a particular book, you probably won’t find it on your first trip. Thrift stores are always updating their inventory, so visit regularly. The more you go, the more likely you are to spot that perfect find—you have to be patient. For example, I’ve had a black tiered maxi skirt on my wishlist for a year, and I still haven’t found one.
7. Don’t Be Afraid to Dig
Some of the best treasures aren’t hanging neatly in plain sight. Flip through the racks piece by piece, browse the bottom shelves, and dig through bins. It takes effort, but that’s part of the fun. That’s why looking for clothes can take a long time. My favorite thrift store color-codes everything and sorts by size, which makes it much easier. But I also visit another thrift store where everything is just hung randomly, so I have to check every single item.
8. Think Creatively
Thrift shopping is the perfect time to think outside the box. That oversized men’s shirt? It could work as a dress or a layering piece. A vintage mug? Perfect for holding pens on your desk. Don’t just see items as they are, imagine what they could become. If you’re really creative, you can even buy a piece of fabric and make your own shirts or dresses.
9. Have a Wishlist, But Stay Flexible
It’s smart to have a few items in mind, like “fall sweaters” or “a cozy blanket,” but don’t go in expecting to find something specific. The magic of thrifting is in the surprises, so stay flexible and open to whatever catches your eye. I have to admit, I do have a specific item on my list right now, a particular skirt. It also helps to know your style. I often browse Pinterest for inspiration and then head to the thrift store to see if anything matches that vibe.
10. Check Return Policies
There are places where you can buy second-hand items but cannot return them, like flea markets that happen occasionally or garage sales. You have to be sure you really want to buy something. If you shop at a physical thrift store, you can usually return items. This way, you can test things like CDs or DVDs to make sure they actually work.
11. Bring Cash (Optional but Handy)
Some smaller thrift shops may prefer cash, and it can also help you stick to a budget. If you walk in with only €20, you’re less likely to splurge on things you don’t need. Flea markets, in particular, are usually cash-only places.
12. Enjoy the Hunt
Above all, remember that thrift shopping is about the experience. You might not find something every time, and that’s okay. The thrill of the hunt, the unexpected treasures, and the sustainability all make it worthwhile. Sometimes you find the craziest things, I’ve come across scary dolls or clowns more times than I can count. But other times, you strike gold, like the designer dress I found worth hundreds of euros that I paid just 2 euros for.