Hello, I am Retro Azul, a vintage fashion content creator and vendor (I have a YouTube channel where I discuss vintage fashion and thrifting).

Today I am collaborating with Styling By Chi to show you four tips on how to thrift like a pro for the next shopping trip to the thrift store or flea market.

Tip 1

“STAY FOCUSED AND KEEP SEARCHING”

When you go to the thrift store, flea market, or second-hand store it is easy to get overwhelmed by the piles of clothing around you, and in most cases, thrifting can become a long chore, so to keep yourself focused listen to your favorite tunes on your headphones or podcast while searching for your pickups.

If clothes are in a pile you must keep digging to find the gem you were searching for and analyze each clothing item (sizing, conditions, materials, and labels).

If you are interested in something put it in the shopping kart or hold on to it because everyone is on the same hunt as you. It’s important to be aware even if you aren’t sure about it.

You can then analyze the pieces that you want to purchase at the end of your shopping trip.

Tip 2

“GET INSPIRED AND GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE”

If you want to search for a specific item, you can draw style inspiration from sources like Pinterest, TikTok, TV, Movies, YouTube, and more.

When you go thrifting don’t expect to find that item immediately because thrifting is different from buying clothing online, retail, and fast fashion. Treat thrifting like an adventure and you will find an item similar to the one you had in mind.

You must be patient and open-minded to different items from the ones you initially wanted to purchase. Thrifting can be an awesome way to experiment with your style and step out of your comfort zone.

Search in the opposite gender section, you never know, the item you love could be there waiting for you!

Tip 3

“GO IN DIFFERENT LOCATIONS AND BUDGET”

Explore the area you live and search for the dates of upcoming flea markets, and garage sales online or in your city.

Check for different thrift stores, second-hand and vintage shops and visit them, so you can plan where to go depending on your budget and the prices at these stores.

You can also thrift online on websites like Etsy, eBay, Vinted, Depop, and Gem Search. On these websites, thrifting can be much easier since you can research a specific item.

Thrifting can be quite cheap compared to designers and other shops, it’s one of the best solutions to save your coin.

New items come frequently so I suggest going thrifting twice or more every month.

Tip 4

“GET YOUR MEASUREMENTS AND CHECK THE ITEMS”

When going thrifting it’s important to know your measurements, so I advise taking measuring tape and measuring the length of your shoulders, waist, torso, legs, and arms.

Thrifted clothing can come from different decades, the standard measurements (S/M/L/XL or with numbers) have changed throughout time so read the labels carefully and try the item if you think it fits.

There are some techniques to see if the item will fit you, for example, putting an item on top of your body in front of the mirror, and checking if the shoulders-torso and upper body match.

Another technique that my dad taught me during our trips to the thrift is to put your arm until you reach the elbow inside of the pants you want to try, if it fits well or is a bit larger (which is better most times) the pants should be your size. (I must admit I'm shocked that it works most times)!

Check labels carefully if you want to know about the branding and material of a certain item. Check each section even the ones you initially think have nothing to offer, because the best items could be hiding underneath it.

Check if the clothing is in good condition, if there are holes or stains you are eligible for a discount.

These are some of the tips that you can use for your next shopping trip to the thrift store. If you want to know more you can follow my YouTube channel and Instagram!

Thank you Styling By Chi for this opportunity, I love the page.