Thrifting 101: Read This Before You Step Into Any Thrift Store

This post is for anyone who is just starting to thrift and feels overwhelmed by the experience. And for my seasoned thrifters, there may still be a few gems in here for you too.

This season, our racks are packed. Why? Because we like to hold volume and variety. Yes, we are a boutique and we carry everything from low-priced pieces to mid-range finds to higher-end garments, but we also keep an incredible mix of everything else: quirky household goods, shoes, hats, scarves, upcycled paintings, vintage artifacts, jewelry, books, records, small furniture, and so much more. So understandably, the second you walk in, the color, the texture, and the options can feel like a lot.

Here is how to navigate our shop and honestly any thrift store.

1. Come in your “thrift gear.”

Wear tighter clothes like leggings and a fitted top, and shoes you can slip off easily. This allows you to try things on quickly in front of mirrors.

Our boutique has a dressing room, but when it is occupied, you will need to use one of our three large mirrors outside the dressing room. The same applies in other thrift stores. Some have one dressing room, some have none. Be prepared to try things on wherever you can.

2. Visit Early and Visit Often

We put items on the floor daily. Even though our shop is small, we have storage we pull from constantly. This means garments rotate in as soon as they are ready. The earlier you arrive, the higher the chance that a low-priced, mid-range, or higher-end piece you love is still there or that you will score gold.

Inventory changes nonstop. What you do not find today might appear tomorrow. And that piece you leave behind today might get scooped up by someone else an hour later. You never know.

3. SIZING DOES NOT MATTER!!!

Let me say it louder for the people in the back. Sizing is notoriously inconsistent across brands and across decades. Do not trust the number on the tag. Always try it on or check measurements. Always.

4. Quality Matters More Than Price Tags

At Academy St. Thrift, we handle the quality check, the cleaning, the stain removal, and the repairs for you. Whether it is a low-priced basic, a mid-range piece, or a higher-end garment, everything is inspected before it hits our floor.

However, if you are shopping the bins, rag houses like Udelco, or any thrift spot that does not wash or prep their clothing, you need to inspect every garment thoroughly. Look at the fabric, seams, stitching, closures, and overall construction. Natural fibers like cotton, wool, and silk typically last longer and wear better than low-quality synthetics.

If an item has stains, holes, or structural issues that you are not prepared to fix, leave it. Do not be fooled by a low price or a cool label. If it requires more work than you are willing to give it, it is not a deal.

5. Be Open-Minded and Creative: Explore, Explore, Explore

Think beyond how something looks on the rack.A dress can be tailored.A frame can become art.A vase can transform a room.A piece that looks almost right can become perfect with a small tweak.

Thrifting rewards imagination.

6. Thrifting Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint: Allocate Time

You will not walk in and find the perfect thing every single time. Some days you will hit, some days you will miss. That is the beauty of it.

Take your time. Rushing means missing out.

When you thrift regularly and stay open-minded, you build a rhythm and an eye. Whether you love low-priced gems, mid-range staples, or higher-end statement pieces, consistency is how you learn your style and score your best finds.

A Final Word

Thrifting is how you learn your style. In a world that tells you what to wear and how to wear it, thrifting is a radical shift that allows you to explore who you are, what you like, and how you want to express yourself. Be open to all sizes, have grace with your body and the process, and above all, have fun.