The reasons why thrifting has gotten so popular are a few, the first one being the sustainability factor. A lot of young people are worried about the impact fast fashion has on the planet and don’t want to contribute to it. Buying things secondhand offers an option to give new life to an item of clothing that would otherwise end up in a landfill. 

Thrifting is also much cheaper than getting items at a normal store. If you dedicate enough effort, you will be blessed with a quality item that will serve you for years for only a fraction of its original price. This allows young people to build a solid closet they can be proud of.

There’s also no denial that creators like Karasack inspire their viewers to try their hand at thrifting, too. Many influencers post videos about thrift hauls and flaunt impressive items they’ve found while combing through second-hand stores. This appeals to many who also wish to find something unique for their closet.

And that’s the third factor that gets people into thrift stores—the rush of finding something great. Thrifting is a time-consuming endeavor that requires a lot of patience. So, getting rewarded for all that effort by finding an item that will simply shine on you is incredibly satisfying. 

So, if you have enough patience and you’re looking for something that will consume a majority of your free time and space in your brain, thrifting might be for you. So, once you’ve decided to give it a go, make a list of a few things you wish to get. A dress for a cocktail party, a skirt for work, a new winter coat—whatever you need right now. If you go in just to browse, there’s a high chance you will feel overwhelmed by all that’s happening there and want to rush out straight away. So, set a goal and avoid panicking.

When browsing for your next statement piece, you’ll have to do a lot of scanning, i.e., quickly looking through a lot of clothes. That is why it is good to know what cuts, styles, and colors already suit you. So, know your preferences and size before going in so that you don’t waste time on clothes that might look impressive on the rack but will not fit in your wardrobe or on your body.

Remember that there are thrift stores that don’t have changing rooms, and those that do have overcrowded ones. So, don’t waste your time and, instead, come prepared. You can measure yourself and clothes that you already have and then come with a measuring tape to test things you’d like to buy. You can also wear something that’s easy to try things on with like a fitted t-shirt, yoga pants, or biker shorts.

Once you do find an item that you like, check for signs of wear like pilling and fading. See if there are any hard-to-tackle stains that might be an issue. Feel the material to see the quality and check how sturdy the garment is. Check the tag to see what it’s made of and opt for natural fibers like cotton, linen, and wool when possible.

Most importantly—have fun! Yes, thrifting is a task, but it’s supposed to be a fun one. Grab a friend that will keep your spirits high and hype you up when you find something interesting. Pack a snack or two, bring your own bags, and have cash on you. And maybe, once you get going, share what you find online, just like Brooke did. Happy deal hunting!