Hello everyone!
As you all know I have really been getting into vintage shopping and buying second hand in the last few months. I find it so fun to search through the store racks or online to find that diamond in the rough. I love that vintage pieces are unique and your getting them at an unbeatable price compared to if you bought them new. Some people may not be a fan of buying used items but if you do search hard enough you will find pieces that look barely used or haven’t been used at all. The beauty in second hand shopping is that you are giving new life to a piece, finding value in something that another person doesn’t anymore and saving the environment in the process. If you are looking to give vintage shopping a try, in this post I have gathered my top 10 tips to have the best and more successful experience! Vintage shopping is all about patience, creativity and asking the right questions. I hope you all find this post helpful!
- Know your Vintage Shops, not all vintage shops are the same
Some vintage stores are generic and some are curated. The main difference between them is the shopping experience your going to receive. For more generic stores be prepared to spend lots of time searching. Items will be cheaper but you may not find what your looking for or the quality might not be the best. The fun is in the search and finding those diamonds in the rough. Whereas in a curated store you might be more guaranteed to find those one of a kind scores. It will be more tailored to a specific style and will have capsules of different designers. All of the hard searching has already been done for you, which means less time spent but a higher price tag. Where you shop comes down to how much time you are willing to dedicate and how much you are willing to spend.
2. Make sure you are in the mood to search-take your time
One of the biggest tips I can give you when it comes to vintage shopping is to be patient. Only go vintage shopping when you are in the mood to search through racks and racks of clothes. If you take the time you will surely find some great items. Another idea is to bring some friends so you can tackle the store more efficiently.
3. Don’t pay attention to the sizes and always try stuff on
As sizes have greatly changed over the years in the fashion industry don’t pay attention to the sizes on the item. Always try it on to make sure that it fits you the way you want it to. A size medium now is not the same size medium it was 10 years ago for example. Also different styles of clothing don’t fit the same now as they did before, things such as shoulder padding or fabrics can make a difference in the way something fits.
4. Really use your imagination and think outside the box on how an item can be worn or what it can be used for- don’t be afraid to DIY
One of the best tips I can give you when it comes to vintage shopping is to think outside the box on how an item can be worn or what it can be used for. Use Pinterest or instagram for some inspiration. Also appreciate the uniqueness of an item, although it may be a bit different from what is currently out on the market. You will be the only one who has it which is rare these days. Be creative on how it can fit into your style, don’t be afraid to do some DIY if you have to. For example cut a regular length shirt into a crop top, tailored the waist of pants, cut the bottom of jeans to get them to the right length.
5. Don’t buy it simply because of the price tag- if it is not something you are actually gonna use then leave it for the next person
Shopping at some vintage shops and thrift stores means low prices for clothing and accessories. An exception to this is obviously specialty vintage shops. A tip that I want to stress is don’t buy the item if you don’t really want it or see yourself wearing it, simply because of the low price. Save your money for the items that make your heart sing and leave the ones that don’t for others. Remember the saying “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”.
6. Have quality standards
When it comes to vintage items expect that their may be flaws, maybe a slight oder or some lose threads. My rule is that if a flaw can easily be corrected by me then its still good to purchase. However if its something I can’t correct like a rip or marking on the item then I don’t purchase it. Focus on finding diamonds in the rough that are amazing quality but at low prices.
7. When shopping online don’t be afraid to ask questions
Poshmark, Depop, and The Real Real are some of my favourite places to shop for vintage items online. The Real Real works as more of a private e-commerce site so its more difficult to ask for additional information. However for sites like Poshmark and Depop don’t be afraid to more questions about the item if need be. These two apps have private sellers so people are always open to adding more info on dimensions, overall condition and pictures if you ask.
8. Go to less populated areas- the best finds are usually there because its less picked
Going to thrift stores and vintage shops in less populated areas could mean that items are less picked over. You may have more luck finding those amazing pieces at affordable prices or those specialized pieces you have always been looking for. So make a day out of it and travel to different thrift stores!
9. Be patient- the right thing will come
Similar to my tip of only going thrift shopping if you are willing to dedicate the time, be patient if you are looking for a specific item and don’t settle. Keep your eye out, keep visiting your local thrift stores and vintage shops and checking your favourite sites and I assure you will find the item your looking for and it will all be worth it. In addition only buy those items that are right for you and spark joy in you, don’t feel forced to make a purchase.
10. Ask when restock days are and go on those days
All thrift stores typically have a restock day where they put out all of their new merchandise. Ask when this day is so you can be one of the first people to search through everything. This can ensure you will find the best finds before anyone else has.
ALTG 