Going Thrifting Like a Pro: 5 Clothing Tips for Secondhand Success

August 18, 2025

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Hello Love!

I didn’t start thrifting because it was trendy. I started because I was wanted to save money, find quality products, and save nice items from ending up at the landfill. Somewhere along the way, I picked up a few rules that keep my closet full of clothes I actually wear (and not a single polyester blouse that smells like 1999).

Here are my tried and true thrifting commandments.

Know Your Fabrics (and Run from Polyester)

Natural fibers = longevity and comfort. Cotton, wool, linen, and silk age like fine wine.
Polyester? Ages like an unrefrigerated egg salad. Hard pass.

Brand Names Are Your Best Friend

Would I pay $198 for a Ralph Lauren blouse? No.
Would I snatch it off a $7 Goodwill rack like it’s Black Friday? Absolutely.
Thrift stores are treasure troves of brands you love but hate to pay full price for. Make a mental list (or a notes app list if you’re fancy).

Quality > Quantity, Always

We’ve all had that chaotic cart moment. But if it’s stained, poorly made, or you already own three versions of it? Back it goes.
Better to leave with one perfect sweater than six “meh” tops that haunt your laundry basket.

Timeless Over Trendy

I love a good trend, but trends are like seasonal Starbucks drinks. Fun for 3 weeks, and then…why did I buy that?
Instead, I look for classic silhouettes, good tailoring, and colors that play well with everything else I own.

Trust Your Gut

You can usually feel quality before you even read the tag. If it feels itchy, thin, or like it’ll unravel after one wash, move on. Your skin and future laundry self will thank you.

Thrifting is basically dating for clothes. Swipe left on the red flags, and when you find the one, you’ll just know. Bonus points if it’s 100% cashmere and $5.

Do you have your own thrifting rules? Share them in the comments, unless you’re a polyester apologist. 😉

Going Thrifting Like a Pro: 5 Clothing Tips for Secondhand Success