Pop Some Tags Like a Pro
Don’t mind the smell of mothballs? You might be a thrifter.
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Does Macklemore get you hot under the collar? Have an eye for savvy style? Don’t mind the smell of mothballs? You might be a thrifter.
Op shops, thrift stores, whatever you want to call them, are hot as chips right now. With the rise of sustainability being at the forefront of consumers minds people are choosing to rummage racks of secondhand clothing rather than buy new.
But there are some tricks to the art of thrift. Walking into an op shop without a game plan is akin to taking on a fire-breathing dragon armed with a toothpick.
These stores thrive on our lofty dreams of stumbling across a bargain-priced designer piece, but going in blind can result in a load of stuff you don’t like or need.
Thrift shopping is a brilliant way to refresh your wardrobe sustainably, but a bad experience can put you off doing it again, so go boldly, but go prepared.
Before you dash down to your local Salvos or Vinnies I suggest taking time to consider three key things. What is your shopping trap? What do you need? What is your budget?
So. What is your shopping trap?
Shopping traps can ensnare your brogue-clad ankle at any moment.
You might think you don’t have a shopping trap, but chances are you do. It’s there, just hidden, and it feeds on you being unaware of it. It’s the reason we have wardrobes overflowing with stuff but “nothing to wear”.
Before going 100% secondhand my shopping trap was that I always made a beeline for the sale rack. With flashy, bold signage and buckets of potential value just WAITING to be unlocked I was hook, line and sinker every time.
I was convinced that paying full price for something made ME the sucker. I was going to beat the consumption-driven capitalist empire by bagging a bargain at 50% off, take that you profit-hungry fashion bastards.
Though I paid for it dearly in the long run. I had a closet full of clothing I didn’t truly love, items that didn’t fit perfectly, and trends that aged quickly. I would have been better off buying less, choosing well, and making it last as the wonderful Dame Vivienne Westwood encourages us to do.
Another trap I fell prey to was buying clothing one item at a time, and it is exactly how you end up with lots of items that just don’t work together. If this is your trap too, try shopping for outfits rather than single pieces. You’ll get more options from fewer trips and you’ll build a collection of items you can mix-and-match. This is how adulting works. You’re welcome.
Which brings us to…
What do you need?
As I mentioned earlier, go boldly but go prepared. If you walk into an op shop on a whim you might end up some cool finds, but chances are they’ll end up at the bottom of a drawer, unworn and unloved. Aw, sad face.
It’s easy to get carried away when thrifting because its significantly cheaper than shopping for new clothing. So while you’re rummaging through items that cost less than a gourmet sandwich just remember that quality over quantity should always be your mantra.
Having a general idea of what you’re looking for is key. Create a wishlist, but be ruthless and honest about what you really need. After all, it’s about shopping mindfully.
And finally, what is your budget?
When you know what kinds of things you’re shopping for it’ll be much easier to stick to your budget. Everyone’s budget is unique to their own circumstances, but it’s always a good idea to shop smart, regardless of how much you have to spend.
Now you’re equipped with the basics and about to become the master of your thrifting destiny! So what’s it actually like?
If you’re an op shop virgin then three things are going to kung-fu kick you in the face when you venture inside:
- It’s overflowing with stuff.
- There’s a mildly concerning smell.
- There is so much fast fashion.
If you’re the type of person who gets goosebumps from highly organised and insta-worthy retail layouts then you’re going to need a moment to compose yourself. Ready?
Although messy, some thrift stores are more organised than they first appear. Clothing is often sorted into categories (and if you’re lucky by size too) so pick a corner to start in, or go for the racks of things that feature on your wishlist.
If you’re hunting for tops don’t waste your time and energy sifting through pants. If you’re looking for a party dress use your logic and go to those first.
And the smell? Well, you’ll just have to get used to it.
The volume of crappy fast fashion is the real mood killer, but it’s the ugly reality we’ve all contributed to.
Cheap fast-fashion brands will try to sell you on the rush you feel when you buy a $7.99 dress from them, but all they’ve really done is exploit human labour in third-world countries, amplified the degradation of our environment, and filled the pockets of big businesses while leaving us to deal with the fallout.
So yes, there’s a lot of fast fashion to wade through in thrift shops, but ultimately you’re better off buying it pre-loved than new (if you really need to buy it.)
Shopping secondhand ensures the garment gets a longer life cycle, and keeping it in the circular economy keeps it out of landfill. Plus thrifting reduces the demand for fast fashion – if we stop buying it, they’ll be forced to stop making so much of it. That’s the cherry on top.
Remember, buy less, choose well, make it last.
So go forth my pretties, thrift and be merry!
After the first rack or two you’ll get caught up in the thrill of the hunt. It’s a bit like Tinder, you never know what you’ll find if you just keep swiping.
