Thrift shopping has been one of my most loved hobbies for over 5 years. It the perfect hobby for compulsive shoppers because, even though everything you buy feels new to you, its been used and reused and sometimes even recycled to be something else before it gets to you. Its a sustainable choice you make every time you choose to buy second hand over brand new.

With Vinted, Depop and Vestiaire overflowing with gems, you don’t even have to leave your house to find a good vintage deal anymore. Some of these thrifting tips apply to online thrifting too so even if Brick Lane and Portobello aren’t for you, keep reading.

Easy on and off action

I hate when I walk into a store and see something I want to try on then realise Im wearing a body suit with two layers on top and trainers I can’t slip off. It discourages me from trying anything on and means i’m a lot less likely to buy anything.

It sounds minor and silly but a comfy outfit you can easily slip on and off (or slip clothes on top of) when your shopping is a major key. And don’t be afraid to try things on, sometimes you don’t see the full potential of a piece until you try it on. I would also say, don’t expect anything to be a perfect fit, if you love something and the fit isn’t perfect, be prepared to see a tailor or make some alterations. That can make a piece look 10x more intentional.

Measurements

If you don’t like trying things on at the store, make sure you come with your measurements ready, I would even go as far as bringing your own tailoring tape. This way you can measure pieces without trying them on and get a good idea of how they’d fit.

This is helpful if you’re specifically shopping for denim jeans, these are normally displayed by waist and leg length.

Know what you’re looking for*

Knowing exactly what you’re looking for when you go thrift shopping can help determine exactly where you should start looking. For example, if I was looking for vintage fur coats or vintage homeware, I would go straight to Portobello Market. But if I was looking for Vinyls or sports jerseys, I would go to Brick Lane on a Sunday. Research what market, car boot sale, or store has what you’re looking for and this will help narrow down the search.

Be open minded

If you’re not looking for anything in particular, be open minded about what you see. Depending on where you shop, you will come across a lot of one of a kind pieces, hand made items and repurposed clothes. It wont be like shopping in Zara, most of what you’ll see will be from a different era so keep this in mind. Just because someone on TikTok found a Gucci bag for £20 somewhere, it doesn’t mean you will but it might mean they have other designer bags heavily discounted so keep an open mind.

Also, be open minded to charity shops! In certain high tax bracket areas, you can find very lightly worn designer for a fraction of the price + not only are you being sustainable but your money is going to help people. Win win.

Clear out

One thing I like to do to ensure i’m not overconsuming is clear out my own wardrobe between shopping sprees. I try to get rid of as many things as I plan on buying and I put everything in good condition on my Depop or Vinted. I then make a pile of things I either can’t be bothered to sell or just wouldn’t be worth selling and take this to charity. Anything on my Vinted or Depop thats not selling after 6 months, often goes to charity too.

*Where to find what

Fur Coats, Vintage Homeware – Portobello Market

Vinyls, Denim – Brick Lane Vintage Market E1 6RL

Sports Jerseys – Non Stop Vintage Brick Lane or Camden

Y2K Wear – Vintage Paradise or Brick Lane Vintage (Both on Brick Lane)