The best thrift shopping tips come down to three habits: go in with a short list, check every garment for fabric, construction and condition, and try things on or compare against a measured favourite. Do that and second-hand shopping turns up good quality at low prices.
Go in prepared
Know what you are looking for. A list of three or four gaps in your wardrobe keeps you from buying things just because they are cheap. If you are unsure what is missing, our capsule wardrobe guide shows how to find the gaps.
Bring a few things with you:
- Your measurements, or a garment that fits well to compare with
- A tape measure, because second-hand sizes are often unreliable
- A tote bag
- A phone with a note of colours in your palette
- Comfortable shoes and clothes that are easy to change in and out of
If you have not taken your measurements, read how to measure yourself for clothes first.
Learn where and when to shop
Charity shops, consignment stores, vintage dealers, flea markets and online resale apps each have a different character. Charity shops are often cheapest, consignment stores more curated. Shops in affluent areas sometimes have better stock, but this is not guaranteed. Ask staff when new items go out, as the best pieces tend to go quickly. Going on a weekday morning is often quieter than on a busy weekend.
How to judge quality fast
Read the label and feel the fabric
Look at the fibre content. Wool, cotton, linen, silk and leather generally age well when cared for, but a blend can be fine too. Feel the fabric between your fingers: it should feel substantial, not papery or scratchy. Hold it up to the light to check for thin patches.
Check the construction
- Seams should be straight, even and free of puckering.
- Stitching should be tight, with no loose threads or gaps.
- Buttons should be secure and match, and buttonholes should not be frayed.
- Zips should run smoothly in both directions.
- Patterns should line up across seams, which is a sign of care.
- Check for a lining in coats and jackets, because a torn lining is expensive to replace.
Inspect for flaws
Look carefully at the underarms, collar, cuffs, hems and crotch, where wear and stains tend to show. Smell the garment. Light mustiness may air out, but strong smoke or mildew is difficult to remove. Check for small holes, particularly in knitwear, which can indicate moths. Do not buy anything with signs of live pests.
What to look for and what to skip
| Usually worth buying | Often worth skipping |
|---|---|
| Wool coats and blazers | Anything with strong smells or mould |
| Leather bags and shoes in good shape | Shoes with worn-down heels or cracked soles |
| Denim jackets and jeans | Thin, stretched-out fast fashion tees |
| Silk and linen shirts | Pilled, bobbly synthetic knits |
| Knitwear in wool or cashmere with no holes | Items with stains across large areas |
Fit and alterations
Always try it on if possible, or compare against a garment you own. Do not rely on the size tag. Think about what a tailor can do: hems, waistbands and sleeve lengths are usually simple to adjust, while shoulders and cut are not. Factor in the cost of alterations when judging the price. If a piece needs more than a small fix, it may not be a bargain.
Clean before you wear
Wash or dry clean your finds before wearing them, following the care label. Put new second-hand items in a separate pile before they go in your wardrobe, in case you have missed anything such as pests. Our fabric care guide explains how to treat different materials, and shoes need their own attention, covered in our shoe care guide.
Make buying second-hand a habit
Treat it as a long game. You will not find something good on every visit, and that is fine. Set yourself a rule, such as not buying anything you would not wear in the next week. If you are thinking about the wider picture, our sustainable fashion basics explain why this habit helps.
Online second-hand shopping
Resale apps and sites are convenient, but you cannot touch the fabric, so read listings carefully. Look for clear photos in daylight, close-ups of labels and flaws and measurements laid flat. Ask the seller about anything missing, such as the fibre content or whether it has any smell. Check return policies, and compare the price with similar items to avoid overpaying. Because fit is the biggest risk online, only buy items where you know the measurements fit.
Your next thrift trip
This weekend, pick one shop and one item category, such as coats or knitwear. Spend 30 minutes checking fabric, seams and fit with the list above, and buy only what passes. Find more practical ideas in our fashion guides.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to wear second-hand clothes?
Generally yes, once they have been washed or dry cleaned following the care label. Check for pests and strong odours before bringing them home.
How can I tell if a garment is good quality?
Look at the fabric weight, seams, stitching, buttons and lining. Even seams and secure fastenings are good signs.
Should I try on thrifted clothes?
Yes, whenever you can, since old sizing varies widely. If you cannot, compare it with a garment of yours that fits well.
What are the best things to buy second-hand?
Wool coats, blazers, denim, leather bags, silk and linen shirts and good knitwear usually offer the best value.
How do I get rid of a musty smell?
Air the item outside in the shade, then wash it if the care label allows. Strong smoke or mildew can be difficult to remove, so consider leaving those pieces.
