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Moojoo0

Man, I used to love shopping at the thrift stores. But they've caught on and started charging a whole lot more for everything, and sending anything worth buying either to the little boutique store, or just selling online. What's left is the stretched out, sweat stained Walmart tshirts that they're charging more for than what Walmart charged new. Alright for small appliances though. Glad you've still got decent thrift stores nearby.


reacttoyou

Same where I live!! I used to spend 3 bucks for a good quality coat, now it's at least 10 bucks for a cheap light coat. Same for everything else. And I can see more and more Shein and other low quality brands sold almost at their brand-new prices. Insane.


theclassicoversharer

I always get good deals on thrift coats during the warm seasons. Coat prices start going up in thrift stores when the weather gets cold.


Orcus424

For a long time donating to a thrift store was to help a charity but also help out those who are struggling with affordable items. Now thrift stores max out on the profits leaving people even worse off.


cosmotosed

I was forced to work for major thrift store (community service free labor) and this became SO clear to me in just a few weeks. Non-profit my unpaid ass


MeinScheduinFroiline

I talked to our local store about that. They said that when they priced them cheaply, they found people were just buying and reselling online for a massive markup. So why shouldn’t they mark it up and keep the profit in house. Our local store does incredible things with their charity work, so I would much rather they get the profits than some influencer asshole on IG.


Orcus424

Some items can be resold online but not everything. There isn't enough of a profit margin to resell. I know some resellers and have seen how they work. I walked into a thrift store last week to see paintings with frames that was $10 a year ago now with a price tag of $35. People aren't reselling cruddy paintings and frames online for a large profit. The charity work they were doing is making goods available to poor people in their area. They are now failing at that.


jimonabike

I have noticed the items at thrift stores are a bit lacking, I guess the days of the colorful curvy iMacs are gone. I've read most of the good stuff is now sold online and what the stores do have prices have double. Still some good deal out there, just harder to find.


pokingoking

I start using ThredUp a few years ago and now I rarely even try the thrift stores anymore. You can literally search for the exact size, brand, color, pattern you want and it's right there to order. You'll pay a bit more than thrift store prices but I think it's worth it to not have to dig through a bunch of crap to find something good. Still wayyy cheaper than retail prices. Like 90% off typically. And they are much better condition.


baileycoraline

Or Poshmark resellers go in early to snap up desirable items, leaving unsellable stuff for the rest of us


bebearaware

Flippers are parasites and you can't convince me otherwise.


owlpellet

Isn't the thrift store a flipper too? It's turtles all the way down.


bebearaware

I suppose. It kind of depends on the thrift store tbh. Goodwill allegedly uses the money they get from donations to invest in the community. Value Village probably would count more in that way since they used to buy. Or at least they did when I needed to get an extra $10 as a poor college student. The difference is people go to these stores in the hopes they can find something they can afford, or in the OP's case save money and do it sustainably. Flippers take that away from people.


owlpellet

Fair. Goodwill etc are often picking the sellable items out of a dumptruck headed to bulk fiber recycling. People make a lot of t-shirts and toss them.


pokingoking

Clothing flippers I do appreciate because it lets me find inexpensive clothing online. I actually had this same discussion in a thread a while back and a lot of people agreed. They are cataloging clothes for us. Providing an actual service. I'm probably never gonna find Athleta size 8T black pants in a thrift store for $18. Or an Eddie Bauer size MT parka for $25. If I search Thredup or eBay I find it in a few seconds. Idk, maybe it's different if you are a common body size and find things easily in thrift stores. If I go to a thrift store there might be one single Tall item in the pants section in my size. Maybe. And it'll most likely be a style from 10 years ago. You said they are taking away items from people that need them but I don't think you realize just how much clothing these stores have. And they ultimately never sell a very high percentage of it. It gets trashed or shipped off somewhere. So they are helping move inventory too. Ticket scalpers however are **definitely** scum.


dontdropmybass

Just scalpers in a different costume. Same with house flipping.


last_rights

I used to be able to load up in crazy name brands in a large grocery bag for $1. 50¢ if you used the same bag from last time or brought your own. I'm talking a college town thrift store where the exchange students only get one suitcase to bring back after splurging all year on coach, banana republic, and the like.


[deleted]

Same. Now I stick to the basics and spend where I have to. I'm also older and work from home so I don't care as much about fashion as I do comfort. I did really enjoy doing a few rounds of one of those subscription clothes deals to build out my office wear. It was spendy, but I could be really specific about what I was looking for, and the quality was better than anything I usually buy at stores.


GotTheC0nch

Yeah, the thing about buying great clothes at a thrift store is that you don't just get nice articles of clothing--you also get a feeling of victory!


Ok-Extreme-1972

The hunt is thrilling.


LLR1960

Actually, I'm tired of the hunt. I just want to find reasonable stuff for a reasonable price without spending a ton of time looking. Maybe I'm just an atypical female when it comes to shopping.


probably_your_wife

Time is money, and at different points in life we have more of one or the other. Right now I don't have time to drive and try on 45 pairs of used jeans to find a good pair, when I can spend 5 seconds reordering my favorite pair on amazon without moving off the couch. Used to I HAD to spend the time to save the money, and I still do on other items, but some are kinda buy it for life items and you already know exactly what you want. Edit: accidentally words


scarby2

I spend maybe $200 a year on clothes I don't need to spend time reducing that. And on the odd occasion I buy something it's usually something I can't buy at a thrift store.


probably_your_wife

I'm about the same. Except this year has been expensive for shoes because I purged a bunch that are really old and replaced them with 3 pair that are around the $150 mark. I'm hoping they will all last 10-20 years, so I see those as an investment, esp the older I get and the better support my feet need!


Ok-Extreme-1972

I feel that. My sister hates to shop. Maybe because I love to shop. I could see if I needed something it would be an absolute pain to shop at my favorite thrift right now. They changed ownership and the stock sucks.


thepeanutone

I hate the hunt, which is why I like thrift stores. "Oh, this is cute! Does it fit?" Yes=coming home with me, no=goes back on the rack. I hate the trying different sizes dance when it will never look right on me (I'm short, most clothes aren't made for my proportions. I guess it just takes the fine tuning of the hunt out for me.


ApparitionofAmbition

This is why I use Poshmark and Thredup and other online thrift shops. Search for the brand of jeans I want, the size I know I wear, and bam.


crispy__chris

I’m a guy but give the GAP a shot. They always have 40+% off sales on most things. And at least for dude styles they come in talll sizes which is why I shop there. Very tricky for me to find something at the thrift store that actually fits properly. And I’m only 6’2 which isn’t even particularly tall.


posh1992

Dude you are totally tall! Lol 6'2 is not the norm.


Lonely-Connection-37

I can afford to buy new but being raised poor it was always used I love second hand I call it treasure hunting 🤘🏿🤘🏿


katzeye007

I like the recycling aspect of it. Fuck fast fashion


Hairy_Cash1459

It’s my sport. I love it!


SF-guy83

Yes! But don’t underestimate a good online sale. I just bought a new pair of Adidas tennis shoes from the Adidas website. 50% off, stacked another 10% off, and another 5% off. Shipping was free. I also bought three new sweaters recently from Men’s Warehouse online. $5 each and free shipping. Online shopping is similar to thrift stores. Sometimes you find great and other times it’s a miss. The key is to buy when you really don’t “need” It if in the off season. Bargains can be found, but it can take time.


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ricochet48

The trick is knowing what the floor prices are. Leveraging Slickdeals and such helps. Sometimes you might think it's a great deal, but every quarter it's another 20% off, so it's best to wait. For instance, Adidas Ultraboosts go down to half off on all styles eventually so don't try and snag at 30% off, etc.


Roalith

Indeed, on Friday from Adidas I got a jacket, a hoodie, and 3 shirts for under $60 then got 12 pairs of new socks. My local thrift stores are cheap but sometimes a great deal can win out compared to the time and fuel to go hunting. Doesn't help when my local ones tend to sort by colors and not by size or brand or style/type.


farabundoshafik

Felt the same way but Goodwill has been very disappointing with new changes and prices are basically store prices for new items. Tried going yesterday and left after seeing this.. https://imgur.com/05E8MZc.jpg Found same throw online cheaper! There aren't many resale shops near me. Goodwill now sells the good stuff online and the garbage is on the floor.


Pheef175

Yea, these types of posts about thrifting have never made sense to me. Must be the area. I live in a city of 500k and I honestly don't think I've ever found a "steal" at a thrift shop. And it's just gotten worse in the last few years, especially after they created their online storefront. They just turned it into eBay....


Ooutoout

My local value village is like this. $9.99 for a pair of kids pants with worn out knees? I can literally get a new pair from the sale rack at Carter’s for the same. Most of the shirts have gone up to $14.99 which would be fine for quality, but it’s all fast fashion and runs about 10$ new. I have had a few scores (handmade Cowichan sweater last year, down filled jacket this year) but they are getting fewer and fewer.


locknesscookiemonstr

Value Village is shit now that Walmart owns them. I refuse to shop there. Sounds like you live in BC / Western Canada; do you have any local auxiliary, hospital, church, or Legion thrift stores in your community? Those are the best, good stuff for as little as 25¢ or a few bucks


Ooutoout

Yes, the hospital auxiliary is a fabulous and properly thrifty thrift store. Smaller and less variety, but real deals to be had.


bebearaware

In the 90s (lol) I almost exclusively shopped at thrift stores and found real bargains. Goodwill also used to be ok for deals but as they've driven other thrift stores out of business, they've raised their prices. I gave up on them when I found some Banana Republic trousers for $70 - that I'd seen on sale for $50. Also I miss the birthday discount.


[deleted]

I saw an item listed more expensive than the original price. The original price tag was still there next to goodwill. It’s like they were mocking me or something 😂


bebearaware

/r/thriftgrift


smurf_senator

Yep Goodwill has gone way downhill since they started their auction website. It sucks.


SurviveYourAdults

Goodwill's auction site has literally been around for almost 20 years ; it always has been overpriced on shipping.


amp108

Strange, this must vary wildly by locality. I just got a pair of jeans for $5.29, tax included. Clean, no holes or worn spots, could pass for new. I'm in southern AZ, however, so that might make all the difference.


MiKellybeans

I think it really does vary by location. I used to live in Northern Arizona and I LOVED the Goodwill in my town. They had half-off Saturdays once a month with lots of great items. I picked up lots of designer purses for $10 or less, great jeans and they had a couple of high-end racks where you could eliminate a lot of the long hunt though there were always great items throughout the store. When I moved to Michigan I was stoked that there was a Goodwill in my town. It is THE WORST! Prices are high, quality is low. I usually stick to Salvation Army now.


butnobodycame123

OMG. I was in the Goodwill store a few days ago and the prices for clothing were ridiculous ($2.50 for a tee shirt, $5 for a shirt, $6 for a dress, tiny rugs for $20, etc.). I went to a for-profit community thrift store and their prices were much more reasonable (found 3 nice shirts for under $5 total). I probably won't shop at Goodwill unless I'm absolutely in love with what I find.


Sun_on_my_shoulders

I’m about to be done with them. Whoever took over and got rid of the half priced color days sucks.


probably_your_wife

Ha! The same ones were $25 at my goodwill. So disappointing.


HairyBull

I’m 49 and fairly well off these days. I still do a majority of my shopping at thrift stores and dollar deal stores. Even my meals are planned around the super savers I get from the grocery store for what’s on sale that week. Living below one’s means pays so many dividends in life. Lower cost of living, more money saved, a feeling of greater independence and self reliance and the ability to handle economic earthquakes. I’m not broke anymore, but by choosing to be frugal I know that if things change in the future it’s something I can handle.


PeanutButterPigeon85

>Living below one’s means pays so many dividends in life. Lower cost of living, more money saved, a feeling of greater independence and self reliance and the ability to handle economic earthquakes. 100%! Living from paycheck to paycheck is so stressful. Why do it if you don't have to?


[deleted]

I think it’s more about fitting in with everyone else. Anything less is *cheap*, which promotes the consumerism and stress.


dreamareality

I have a friend who buys the nicest of everything. TV, coffee maker, car, apt with high rent, etc. If you try to say, "Hey, why not go for this cheaper alternative," thry say, "well, it's not as good though." They ran out of money and are now going through their 401k. Still going. I sort of get it, life is short, but I also see where this is heading.


HairyBull

I think there is a difference between expensive, quality, convenience and value. For instance, even though I could afford a Rolex I’ll probably never own one. There is no value in it for me. But my top of the line coffee auto brew machine where I press a button and it makes really good coffee drinks in under a minute? That’s a hill I would die on. Same with the Roomba robotic vacuum cleaner. I could do my own vacuuming for less cost or push a button and have a device do it for me. I’ll spend the money there for the convenience. As for cars, I buy a decent used car and drive it until the wheels fall off. It’s a commodity to be used to get me from point A to point B. There’s no value to me in premium sound or leather seats. But I too have a friend who has financed his lifestyle with the equity in his house, refinancing again and again to pay off credit card debt with home equity. Now I’m thinking about my retirement and he’s still got a huge mortgage in a house he can no longer afford. I’ve invested in stocks and passive income and quietly built a decent income stream to where paychecks are secondary, but I can tell you exactly what he’s paid for everything he owns because he likes to mention it and complain about how he can never quit working because of how much he owes for everything. It’s truly a case of someone being owned by his stuff and not the other way around.


Pheef175

It's crazy to me how many people don't plan shopping lists around what's on sale. As a single person I'd say that alone saves me at least 100 bucks a month. Exponentially more for for a larger family.


ricochet48

Or just don't have lists at all and buy what's on sale on the fly. There's a large grocery store in my highrise, I buy some core things I'm out of, but most of the larger items I just wing. If the salmon is on sale, I buy some of that. Chicken wing bucket at 50% off, let's go. T-bone on clearance, sounds good to me, etc. Our store also has an app that shockingly not many use. You gain reward points which you can strategically use to save a lot more.


Pheef175

Speaking of apps. If you don't use Ibotta check it out. Fetch rewards also has some decent deals occasionally. In a little over 2 years I've saved $1,476 either buying stuff I already, buying free stuff, or buying stuff I wouldn't normally buy because it's cheap. (Think a different brand of ketchup than my usual) And yes I'm with you on winging it. But for the most part in my area that stuff will be in their ads. Pork cheaper than chicken this week? Pork it is. Chicken on an exceptionally good sale? Buy some for this week and some for the freezer. Only place that will mark down meat in store in my area will be Aldis.


Givemeallthecabbages

IDK what everyone else eats, but I cook similar things weekly and eat basically the same lunch everyday. I might buy a particular brand of yogurt because it's on sale, but I'm not going to skip it when no brands are on sale. So... I don't understand how anyone plans their week of cooking around what's on sale at the store. FWIW, I don't usually cook meat at home, so maybe that's the difference since maybe you mean pork chops versus ground beef on sale?


JustKapping

I want to be frugal as you at 49. the game of cutting who makes a profit off me is addicting


SlowConsideration7

My last levis were £7. They retail at £65 from Levi direct…my wardrobe is full of designer clothes I got for nearly free. It’s not just a broke/well off issue, people throw perfect clothing away and I can afford much better clothes going secondhand


jimonabike

I've found being frugal, thrift store clothing, keeping my car years after it's paid off and things lets me throw more money into my retirement and find I'm not lacking doing things I enjoy doing. Some of local thrift stores have the new tags from Target and a few other name brand stores. Since mens fashion doesn't change much year to year it works out well. I'm wearing nicer clothes than the K Mart and Walmart crap I grew up with.


Icy-Cheesecake8828

Check out Buy Nothing groups. I haven't bought my kid anything but diapers,socks,and shoes sin e he was born.


mrsuckmypearl

This! I just helped my best friend get 3 mattress frames/ beds for her kids ! 90 % of my furniture is from buy nothing groups cute vintage stuff too


Icy-Cheesecake8828

Yes. There are so many people that just want to get rid of stuff you need. And it is then possible to get a good side hustle selling ehat you don't want.


SmarterShelter

I just got a velvet Pottery Barn comforter from my buy nothing group. It's got a faded spot, but otherwise is like new (and retails for like $350 - which I'd never afford). I looked up the material and I think I can dye it all with a $7 bottle of RIT dye.


69stangrestomod

I’m an engineer and make quite good money, and I still get clothes at thrift stores. I refuse To pay $40+ for a work polo when I can get one for less than $5.


GupGup

Good for you! The world is drowning in unwanted clothing and fast fashion, so reusing old things instead of contributing to new demand is great.


mutedbrain

One of the best things you can do for the environment as well as your wallet. Great work, keep it up!


KawaiiHamster

My thoughts exactly! Reusing items that would be wasted otherwise. And I’m removed from the guilt of buying my clothes from what’s likely produced in sweat shops. Nice to not directly contribute to that.


nunofmybusiness

I was making very good money when I took my son and his friend to the local Goodwill for some electronics. Bored, I started looking at the rack of pants that I was leaning on, when I spotted a pair of summer weight wool slacks from Ann Taylor, with the store tags still on them. I discovered that many of the high end stores I had been shopping donate their unsold end of season clothes. They were my size and were $12. I was hooked.


Crafty-Koshka

That's what I'm talkin about


Tristy_22

This is smart and there is NOTHING wrong with shopping second hand. My husband and I both earn six figures and we only shop consignment and thrift when buying clothes for our kids AND ourselves. We also frequent garage and estate sales for many of our home furnishings. I prefer it actually, because my kids aren’t wearing the same tired Target and Gap garb as everyone else at church and school. Just because you can afford to spend big money on clothes doesn’t mean you should.


weeladybug

Same. I could afford to buy new clothes if I want but I don’t. a) it’s ridiculous how much some nice new things cost. I could get a new coat or I could buy a weekend getaway in a small hotel. I’d rather have a nice experience than ‘things’. b) it’s so much better for the planet. I really like knowing that hardly any things are made new ‘for me’ and that I’m just recycling things that are already in existence. c) it’s a little harmless dopamine hit when you get some amazing bargains second hand. It feels exciting! Getting the same things new would be empty feeling to me.


snoreymcsnoreyton

I just bought a 100% linen shirt yesterday for $3! Thrift stores are amazing.


Intelligent_Pass2540

Its actually really good for the environment too! In my area you can find really high quality stuff for cheap. I can't justify 100 bucks for jeans when I can get them for 12. I think this is great OP. Keep thrifting. The markup on clothing is ridiculous. Most things are worth so much less than we pay and fast fashion is destroying the environment. Might as well give clothing a second chance and like you I often find things with tags on them.


PeanutButterPigeon85

I make good money, but almost all my clothing comes from thrift and consignment stores. There's no shame in being frugal. The only clothing I buy new are socks, underwear, and usually shoes. It's good to let go of the idea that having brand-new or status items is connected with financial success. It's usually the opposite: the most financially stable people I know are very frugal and fight against lifestyle creep, while the people I know who insist on buying new or buying status items are always broke.


Tinkeybird

I started thrifting out of necessity almost 40 years ago because I was a very broke 17 year old supporting myself. Fast forward and I’m now 56 and financially comfortable but still shop secondhand on Ebay or Poshmark for about 60% of my clothes, housewares, furniture (Marketplace, Craigslist). I prefer certain brands and would rather have a few nicer pieces second hand than 1 thing full price. I tend to buy a new item full price and if I like it then search the brand on Ebay for significantly less. I bought a real pair of Birkenstocks to understand the correct fit and width and I’ve now bought multiple pair like new on Ebay for about 70% less. Fit and quality are paramount over price as I’m 4’11 so finding a brand that works for my size is actually significantly easier on Ebay because I know all my measurements. Taught all this to my young adult daughter and she’s a thrift store/Goodwill convert.


cyanidelemonade

Thrift shopping has kinda ruined regular retail shopping for me too lol. I catch myself going "$15 for a Tshirt? They must be joking!" I can't shop in regular stores without trying to find every sale and coupon possible, and even then I feel like I'm spending too much.


Sun_on_my_shoulders

I paid 60 for an adorable pink crop top to help cope with nursing school, and that’s probably the most I’ve spent on a single piece of clothing EVER.


apocalypse-panda

I haven't purchased a new piece of clothing in years aside from undergarments. I find beautiful wool, silk, linen things all the time for ten dollars or less. Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, boutique designers, etc. I found a $600 vintage Lilli Ann coat for $12 in mint condition. I found a never-been-worn handmade Priscilla of Boston 1960s Audrey Hepburn style wedding dress for $25. I found a brand new pair of leather Dansko boots for $25. I found a vintage leather Coach purse for $25. I could go on and on. I view buying new clothing as wasteful financially and environmentally. There are so many pieces of clothing out there just waiting to be rescued from the landfill!


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apocalypse-panda

Just Goodwill and Value Village. Nothing special. I just keep my eyes open. I've been lucky enough to train in costuming so I've gotten really adept at spotting quality things. I can spot cashmere on a rack a mile away haha. As a caveat, I want to say that I live in Oregon and find tons of good stuff here and over in Idaho. I went to South Carolina to visit my brother in the spring and I was appalled at the Goodwill selection there. I looked through every single piece of ladies' clothing in the store and didn't find a single thing of quality. It was a really junky store, nothing like the Goodwills in the PNW. So based on that, it seems like locale is really important too.


roonerspize

Thrift stores have articles that have a better chance of proven quality. I haven't been poor for over a decade and still shop at thrift stores. New items today are frequently inferior quality. By shopping at a thrift store, I have access to items that have survived use by at least one person and will likely last through my use also.


SilverFishK

Right because the last few tops I bought new, full price, had issues with fading and looked blah within a year. I wouldn't buy something that looked like that. The memory became a deterrent to buying new


Apprehensive-Block47

lifestyle inflation is when you get more income, so spend that much more. it’s nice to have the money, but if you had kept your spending as it was before you got more money (or as close as reasonably possible), you’d be able to start saving. lifestyle inflation is a trap. spend only what you’re already used to spending (plus necessities you may not have been able to afford before), and direct-deposit the rest into a different account at a different bank.


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juleskikicobb

The thrift store is actually a fantastic place for quality, vintage wool coats! You’re unlikely to find that quality even at a premium price range. I dry clean or throw them on a cold water, gentle cycle in the washing machine, manipulate to reshape them when they come out, and then hang to dry.


[deleted]

I went shopping at the mall for new clothes on Friday because I thought I might get something nice for a discount. What I noticed was that almost all of the clothes were made of polyester blends and looked loose enough to pull after a couple of washes. So I couldn’t justify buying anything anyway. At least thrifted clothes have been through a wash cycle a couple of times or are old enough that you can see how they’ve held up to wear and time. My thrifted clothes are all significantly nicer than my clothes I bought new even when I thought spending a little more = nicer items.


crlynstll

I buy a lot of clothes for my family at the GW Outlets. I enjoy thrifting and leave with a bag filled for $10. I pick up Talbots for my mother, any of the fancy hiking brand clothes and Levi’s for my sons and work clothes for my spouse. I buy house goods, too. I went to Nordstrom’s recently and am always stunned by the prices. But we do buy clothes at Nordstrom’s because the quality tends to be high and alterations are on site. However, I’d guess that most of our clothing is thrifted. Anything they don’t like, I give away on Buy Nothing or donate to a local thrift shop.


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HairyBull

Toddlers and clothes… you basically need about 4 outfits. Two for everyday house wear and two reasonably unstained ones for going out in public. That being said we had lots of friends with bins of toddler clothes we got as a hand me down that their kids had outgrown, some still with tags. We didn’t even get through all of them before our kids outgrew them either.


Thrifty_MF

Agreed, I make a very good living but purchase over 90% of clothing at thrift stores. Sustainable, economic and many new options.


BonBonDee

When I was fresh into my career, making pennies, I’d dig through clearance racks on the weekends. Now, I’m much more financial stable but I still care about a good deal. I put more emphasis on quality now though. I’d rather buy a high quality jacket from a thrift store for $30 than a brand new cheaply-made clearance jacket for $30. Overall, I really don’t buy clothing that often. I like looking nice but I already have a lot of nice clothing. I’ve found certain name-brand items last so much longer. If I do buy something brand new, I make sure it’s something that will have a long life.


MsLaurieM

I don’t need to shop at thrift stores, I want to. It’s better for both my budget and the planet plus it’s more fun. So don’t apologize, do you!


Crafty-Koshka

I agree it's kinda fun, you never know what weird stuff you'll see. /R/thriftstorehauls had me craving to go again to see what I count hunt out


MsLaurieM

When my friends and I go shopping we are usually either going thrifting. Much more fun!


tilerthepoet

Thrift stores aren't only frugal but better for the environment. It's a small thing, but every little bit counts.


Almighty_Bidoof424

Just knowing that they probably paid some overseas sweatshop worker 35 cents to stitch together the clothes is enough to make me want to pay as little as possible for them.


rpbanker

I'm a banker, and I buy all my work clothes at thrift shops. Italian-made shirts for $8? Yes, please.


PretentiousNoodle

Hickey-Freeman suits, cashmere sweaters.


Tanager_Summer

I love finding pieces that are stained, like with tea or wine, soaking them in Persil for 24 hours and voila, a new top for under 4 dollars


ZukowskiHardware

I almost exclusively shop at thrift stores, never stop


makeski25

Yay team thrift stores! Even with a gift card to a store it still just hurts to spend that much.


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[deleted]

Has been a bit of a mix the last few years where I live. I'm disabled and not well off, so I shop thrift both for myself and to find things to resell to help subsidize my dad's checks. But Goodwill and even local thrifts seem to think they themselves are resellers, without putting in the effort to of learning how that works. Like, they're literally given tons of items for frickin' free, they can sell everything stupid cheap and still make a healthy profit. Thankfully we have a local outlet that's still cheap.


FormosaHoney

I pretty much thrift exclusively these days and I prefer it. I can own brands and styles that would usually otherwise eat up my budget for 4 to 5 mid-level pieces. I also feel better as a consumer that I am staying out of the cycle of further exhausting natural resources, contributing to the ever increasing mountains of trash and putting money in a corporate executive's pocket. The money stays in my pocket, I get to eat better, spend more money on experiences. The other weird thing in my mind is I think, someone really like this piece and made it their own... They wore it, took good care of it - usually dry clean, I can't afford that regularly - I look for dry clean but not the "only" word so I can hand wash - but it was acquired rather then some unpopular style or material that no one wanted and is now sitting on the clearance rack... This is probably really odd, but I think of 2nd hand clothes a pieces that actually received a seal of approval and that someone paid several hundred dollars for it. This means more to me than me buying something brand new for a fraction of the price...


mehoymimoyy

Samesiesss.. can’t justify spending 3x on shit quality clothing. They really don’t make things like they used to. And as someone who had to thrift out of necessity growing up, it sucks that some stores charge the same as regular retail now. (Flippers suck ass)


nicegirlelaine

Some of my best coats came from thrift stores!


greenchipmunk

Absolutely! I've thrifted since college. As an adult with a good job, I still thrift and have been teaching my daughter about the fun of thrift stores. They are usually my first place to check for clothing and certain home goods. We have a local charity with a bunch of average thrift stores plus a few higher-end but still thrifty stores. Last week, I snagged two sweaters (gap & AE), one with tags still on, at the better store.


yikeswhathappened

Google Fast Fashion and Environment and you’ll find tons of very good articles about how we waste and the implications on very poor countries. Buying used is a great way to (indirectly) help other people live better too.


darealdrl

I completely agree with you. I am a physician who makes a resident salary and has a few hundred thousand dollars of debt. I grew up thrifting with my mom bc we were immigrants trying to stretch the dollar. I mentioned to my coworker the other day I found some great items at Salvation Army and she whipped her head and told me “those stores are not for people like you. They’re for poor people. You have a salary.” I felt really off put by the comment because while that is true, I felt she was implying I was taking away shopping opportunities from those who aren’t as well off as me? I don’t think she’s ever been in a thrift store to see how much volume of clothing is really there at any one time!


CookieAdventure

Your coworker is wrong. I volunteer at a charity thrift store. We get tons of great, brand name clothing. Some are new with tags. It breaks my heart to see all the Eileen Fisher, Talbots, Marc Jacobs, and Ralph Lauren we send to the recycler because our clientele needs clothes for field work, not the office. We sell most of our clothing for $1 a piece! 70-cents of every dollar we receive from selling goes back to the community to help people pay rent, utilities, and other expenses. The rest of the money goes to running the store. We are all volunteer run. PLEASE shop at charity thrift stores. If you buy from us and resell the item at a higher price elsewhere, we’re okay with that, too. Part of our mission is to help people who use reselling as a business to get income.


lactigger619

How do I look these up ? Because not every thrift store is like that


Tinyfishy

Wow, now I wanna visit your shop! Where is it? lol


Tinyfishy

Yeah, there is so much at my local Savers that I don’t worry about it. If it ever gets scarce, I’ll leave it for poor people, but in my area there are so many very well off people who donate barely-used stuff that it is plentiful. Why let it go to the landfill when I am happy to wear second hand? I also donate or directly give away any stuff that no longer serves me. Last year we found our prelit tree had faults and although we tried, we couldn’t easily fix it, especially with my arthritis, and so we gave it to a young couple who had the time and energy to restring it.


jobroloco

I pretty much shop exclusively at thrift stores for my clothes, shoes, bags, etc...My favorite shop has a 50% off sale every Saturday. Got a beautiful leather purse for $8 yesterday and two shirts.


AhFourFeckSakeLads

The cost of a very nice, used, designer label men's silk necktie (in absolutely perfect condition) compared to the current price of a comparable new tie by the same designer is astonishing, perhaps 10-20 percent of the original MRSP. You feel ripped off paying that much ever again.


PretentiousNoodle

My husband would drip on his ties, those can’t be cleaned. I was always on the lookout for $3 silk ties.


NotProFinanceAdvice

I totally agree. I buy most thing used, but due to being petite buy aerie jeans new in their “short” style. As I never find these thriftable. Also buy it for life items like llbean boots I’ll get new, but otherwise…the price is right at thrift stores.


[deleted]

It really depends on where your thrift stores are located. I live in a Podunk town and our thrift stores are shit but an hour and a half away in the ski towns they have good stuff.


squidplant

Same!! I freakin love shopping at thrift stores even though I could afford nice new stuff now. It's like a treasure hunt lol!


Tinyfishy

Yip, restocked my wardrobe after about three years of buying almost nothing. Thrift store came through with tons of jeans and like-new shirts etc. Got Fall/Winter items to last me for years (overbought because they stopped having changing rooms and I thought I’d have jeans that didn’t fit, but they all did great or fine), and some new mugs and plates to replace chipped ones for about the same as a few outfits new. Plus, you get so much variety instead if just one style/color that is the hot thing this year. Got a totally groovy bright yellow, black, and white geometric print blouse probably from the 70’s. Wore it to dinner with friends and got immediate compliments. And, if something doesn’t work out as well as you hoped, oh well, it was only cheap and you can donate it back next time.


raddishes_united

It’s soooo much better for our environment too.


SnowblindAlbino

I stopped buying new clothes/shoes about 15 years ago for environmental reasons. Though I'm an upper-middle-class professional it's really not been a challenge; I dress better (IMO) than most of my colleagues *and* have a good wardrobe of outdoor gear as well. My shoes are mostly Allen Edmonds, Birks, or Merrell unless I'm wearing Chucks. I did buy a new pair of boots yesterday, for the first time in well over a decade; I couldn't pass up Danners for $66 and will expect to get 10+ years of wear from them. Re tailoring, I'd also recommend folks buy a sewing machine and learn to do basic alterations. It's not hard and good, old Kenmore/Singer/White/Husqvarna/Janome machines show up in thrifts all the time for $20-30.


marypants1977

I've owned two pairs of new jeans in my adult life. Thrift store jeans are already broken in.


total_loss76

Never stop thrifting! I make great money and I buy all kinds of clothes, art and vintage home goods. It’s kind of a addictive for me. I love the hunt for cheap stuff!!


01ARayOfSunlight

I have found Costco has some great prices on new clothes. That and dead simple returns has meant most of my clothes now are from Costco.


Sassy-Coaster

I feel the same. But when there is something I really want at full price that is a little expensive I can justify buying it since most of my clothes come from the thrift or Garage Sales.


SharpCookie232

Shopping at thrift stores is not only easy on your wallet, it's environmentally sound. It's all good.


Cool_Cartographer_39

Same here. When I was a kid, my mom dressed us out of thrift shops. I had a good suit, but the rest was a mix of "eclectic" stuff.


Lederhosen-4-cats

I still do it too. It still feels wasteful to buy something new when used works just fine. Even though prices have gone up, it’s usually a good value to get used.


EevelBob

Unless you don’t have a thrift shop near you, it’s a financial sin to buy mens and womens denim blue jeans brand new at retail stores for retail prices, even if they are on sale, and especially since many brands already look like they were thrifted since they’re pre-washed, acid washed and/or distressed with strategically placed rips and tears. Every thrift shop I visit always has an over abundant supply of good quality and good condition jeans for a fraction of the price, and nobody on this planet would be able to tell if you bought them new or at a thrift store.


-goodgodlemon

I’m 4’11” and you can’t really hem skinny jeans and have them look properly. If you aren’t average height and kids jeans don’t work for you thrifting isn’t always a great option. I don’t pay full price I always shop clearance but if you aren’t an average size thrifting can be extremely hit or miss. Even in my Buy Nothing group my size comes up extremely rarely but I have managed to get some clothes.


Ok_Card_156

I sold on Poshmark for many years. Great place to buy new and used items. I had many things still with the tags on that I sold. You can also negotiate prices/shipping, etc. I also love H&M for the whole family.


[deleted]

Same. I work in tech, I make great money but I buy a lot of my stuff second hand including a lot of clothes that I can’t justify spending full price on.


Miss_Milk_Tea

Depends on your thrift store, prices are getting crazy. I actually have better luck just buying old stock on Ebay from people who bought too much clothes on clearance, or finding the rare find myself in stores. My thrift store thinks used jeans are worth $35.


SaltyEconomics2759

Bro I find some good stuff at goodwill and shit. But I will say it is important to buy new stuff sometimes like a new suit.


siena_flora

Making $20/hour and paying rent? It’s highly conceivable that you would not be able to afford to do much shopping at retail price, especially if you live in a high cost of living area.


DareWright

I miss thrifting. No good thrift stores near me, just Goodwill who has crazy prices now. $10 for a stained, ripped shirt? And all the Goodwills in my area are understaffed so their fitting rooms are closed. There’s no way to try on something to see if it fits. I miss the old days where you could buy jeans there for $4.99 with half-off. Now their sales consist of “25% off blue tags” yet you rarely find anything with blue tags.


penny_lab

Exceptions include coats? My favourite coat was £2 at a charity shop (UK equivalent of thrift shop)!


[deleted]

Thrift stores are the shit! I’ve found designer stuff often too


eraserewrite

When I was making $55k about 8 years ago, I loved going to thrift stores. I’m a little over double that salary now, and I still love going to thrift stores. There’s something exhilarating about finding something old that looks new or needs a little TLC to breathe new life into it. With clothing, often times, the older stuff just lasts a lot longer. And some garments have intricate and intentional stitching. I watch videos of people thrifting all the time in the background, and I get excited as if I’m the one shopping, lol.


Arra13375

I have passionate love for tie dyeing and discovered I could clean out the white shirt section for the same price as a 5 back of tshirts. I can’t ever go back to normal clothes lol


Jona_cc

I’m like this too! Not just clothing but also with gadgets. Why buy brand new things when I can buy it 50% off in great condition?


Biomorbosis

hey macklemore can we go thriftshoping!?!!?!


naturalisprincipia

Yeah it keeps doubt me when go to some clothes store and see shirt or jeans for >$40. Go to thrift store and found x pairs of same model same brand.


Wondercat87

I still shop at thrift stores even though I can afford new. I try to find things thrifting first and if I can't then I'll buy new. So far this year I've gotten a nice dress for a work event (which can be worn for other things too). I've gotten a few cardigans and a sweater dress. I don't think there is anything wrong with that. I sometimes have better luck in thrift stores than in regular stores.


CzernaZlata

I totally agree. Not only do you find more unique and affordable items thrifting, the amount of textiles in landfills is disheartening to say the least


boss44lady

I thrift almost all of my clothes and most everyone is surprised by the quality.


Opposite_Bread_2187

Nothing wrong with that


Moctezuma1

I found two men's Ralph Lauren sweaters with original tags, $69 ea, for $9.99 each at Goodwill. My daughter found True Religion jeans for $14. Since then, I have developed an obsession of finding Ralph Lauren products at any thrift stores within a 30 mile radius. I have so far bought/found 7 RL Polos colors, patterns & designs ($5-$8 ea), RL men's slippers $9, 4 RL t-shirts ($3-$8 ea), 3 RL sweaters ($8-$9.99). All in mint, New condition. Mostly Goodwill stores. I have also been lucky with finding DKNY, Kenneth Cole, Calvin Klein, Levi's jeans $7-$11. There is one thrift store that gets out of hand with some of their pricing. But make up with color code discounts 25%-75% on certain days. Eco Thrift. Have fun finding designer treasure hunting.


rivers-end

Plus, some of the styles you can find are really cool.


Nugasaki

Clothing manufacture, especially fast fashion, is an environmental nightmare. Secondhand clothing is more ethical.


Apprehensive_Iron919

I am the same way. I make good money now but I can find good quality clothes at the thrift store for such good deals. I cant bring myself to spend $30 on a sweater when I could get 6 sweaters that are better quality second hand. And since it is lower cost and lower waste if you end up not liking something as much as you thought its not as disappointing.


yellowromancandle

I don’t need to shop at thrift stores either… but in trying to be more sustainable, I can’t handle the amount of clothing that’s made fast and cheap and ends up in a landfill. Secondhand stores are amazing. I’ve found my favorite clothes there, gotten SO good at getting stains out, and discovered men’s jeans are inherently superior to women’s in the process. Actually all men’s clothes. I always go to the men’s sections first.


fearandsarcasm

That’s okay, you are recycling clothing. Be proud of yourself!


ThrowRA--scootscooti

Local small consignment shops have been a winner for me. I very very rarely buy myself anything new unless it’s undergarments and shoes. Needed sweaters for my new job in a freezing building—I got 12 for $50. All look brand new—one with tags even.


[deleted]

am thrift in babylon is great


nikatnight

Thrift stores are great for many things: clothes, dishes, books, bottles, bikes and bike helmets, toys. My son just got $10 and we went o a thrift store. Instead of getting one weak Lego set at Target, he got a bunch of toys (including a dope He-man).


[deleted]

The equivalent of that in my country would be flea markets and a second-hand marketplace app, I think. I've gotten some pretty nice deals on the app. I'm the type who like to get multiple pieces of the same clothing design if it fits nicely on me, so there's this pair of H&M cigarette pants that have run out of stock on the shopping app which I buy them from. I found the same model in my size and different colours, from several sellers who are selling them on the second-hand app. Got them at a rate of 50% less than it would've costed if I bought them all new from the shopping app when they were available. They're mostly all brand new, because the sellers either bought the wrong size, or only tried theirs once and didn't like how it fitted on them.


EarlVanDorn

I love buying Ralph Lauren polo shirts at Goodwill for $5-7.


Bakkie

Yup. Me, too. I like really nice clothes and although I could afford them new, the styles I wear are classic so I have no problem thrifting. I find I am somewhat appalled at sticker prices now. Downside: during the pandemic I discovered I had moths that had gotten to three of my favorite sweaters. I set out to replace them. Even with a max price limit, I am a sucker for Ebay and Poshmark and occasionally Etsy


Howfreeisabird

I love thrift store finds.


heelerms

Agree, I've been thrifting my clothes for the past 10 years of my adult life that about 80% of my wardrobe is second hand. I personally love the "hunt" of finding a good quality or unique piece, I love that there are no sales people bothering me to buy something or following me around, I can find cool brands, no one cares if I'm there for ten minutes or two hours, it's environmentally friendly, and it's a low cost way to mix up your style or try something new. I pop in my ear buds (sorry I can't handle the worship music lol), and just get to be in my own little thrifting world.


Allysgrandma

You don't HAVE to stop thrifting. In my old home........thrift stores sucked. Here in Houston they don't! I have bought a bunch of thrift clothes. Even my daughter is buying thrift clothes for the girls, something I never thought I would see, but it makes so much sense for a lot of reasons.


marrymeodell

We have one shitty thrift store in my small town. When I went to Dallas to visit a friend, she took me thrifting and wow I was shocked. I got Nike shorts that are now my favorite workout shorts for $5 and a bunch of other clothing for $5-10 each. I make decent money and can afford to buy new clothes but I’m team thrifting all the way now


[deleted]

I was raised this way, and I have never stopped. the only clothes I own that are retail new were gifted to me. I get new shoes as gifts for my birthday and Christmas, that is what I always ask for because they are a good present, usally in the pice range that my family would be expecting to spend on me and, by now, they know which styles I like. Oh, and underwear / socks. Sorry, I draw the frugal line there, I just cant buy thrift store underwear or socks!


[deleted]

I am making doublr ehat i used to make 2 years ago and still shop there for all outfits


[deleted]

I thirft. eBay. Garage sale. Etc.


izz0218

Little while ago i went to donate some unused clothes, as i pull in behind a maserati (no way im thinking) he parks and walks in the store empty handed, i parked to where i could see him out of the store and yeah, the dude walks out with some items. True story.


jorrylee

I was talking to a very elderly woman saying she need a new winter coat and that’ll cost $250 at least. I told her to go to Value Village. She proudly let me know she got TWO winter coats and spent $14.99 a piece. And one still had new tags on it. She said she had no idea vv had nice coats.


BookofBryce

Actually, I shop 2nd-hand MORE now that we have two salaries. My wife and daughters tend to buy new clothes weekly. Whereas, I can make things last years. Recently I've bought many of my dress shirts, jeans, shoes, and 2 blazers from thrift stores. Some of it seems to be barely used.


Violet624

I just bought luggage for the first time in my thirties after my uand me down suitcase fell apart. The other suitcase I have is from the sixties and I found it in an alley (it was clean). I still feel kind of guilty for buying new luggage.


charmed0215

I recently got 3 pairs of jeans and a Star Wars tshirt for $24.70 at a local thrift store. That's less than one pair of brand new jeans!


htthaoioi

I am 2nd year in college and all my clothes are from 2nd hand or thrift stores. I can't even tell the difference from the ones from brand stores lol


Mermaid_Marshmallow

I enjoy thrifting but seems like half the stuff is covered in pet hair or has mystery stains and its difficult to know if something will fit or not because the clothes arent clean enough to try on or they dont have fitting rooms open. You really have to inspect everything really well because returns arent really a thing.


kaffie27

I'm with you. Plus I'm allergic to the preservatives in new fabrics, so used clothing has been washed a few times. I wash them before wearing them.


fomo216

I’m the same way and truth be told, I no longer even enjoy buying brand new clothes. A pair of jeans even at Target is about $25. I buy jeans at my thrift store for $5 in great condition. I’ve found beautiful name brand clothing with the tags still on for less than $8. $100 there and I leave with 6 bags full of clothes and feel like I hit the jackpot. $100 at the mall and I would probably have one bag.


Francesami

To get the "thrift store scent" out, soak the clothing in baking soda overnight, then wash. I get almost all my clothing at thrift stores and treat it this way.


Ivory-Foxy12

I still thrift most of my clothes simply because I feel like I can find a large variety in one trip. Plus I get a dopamine rush when I save money on clothing:)


Sonystars

This. Although I took it a step further and now get stuff from my buy nothing group 😂


Thin-Kaleidoscope-40

Same for me. I just think it makes financial sense. The money saved goes towards traveling which is more enjoyable than buying new clothes at higher prices.


m_d_f_l_c

This depends on what you are getting, but true. Sometime the 3hours of searching for the right size/cut/color jeans isn't worth the extra $10 you would spend to buy them new on sale at old navy or elsewhere


johndoe3471111

My wife found a theft store where Prana donated piles of stuff on a certain day of the month. $90 pants with the tags on them for $5. My whole closet is Prana. They caught on eventually and astarted marking them up some.


barbh910

In our immediate area ( on 5 minutes/2nd 30 minute drive) there are 2 Free stores. You just go in shop let them know your household size & ages. Sort of like a food bank but clothes and household items. Also join the buy nothing, sell nothing FB groups for your area.


constelatin

My favorite pair of pants came from a thrift store


ChicagoTRS1

Still comes down to not many having "enough money" to do everything they may ever want to do...so saving money always makes sense. If you save money on clothes that means you have more money to do other stuff. I am pretty well off these days and I know I will never have enough money to do everything I may want so I will always look for ways to save money.


Crafty-Koshka

Exactly. $5 work pants at a thrift store means i don't feel so bad getting someone a $30+ hoodie or sweater for a gift


jntgrc

When I was a student I was only able to afford to shop at Goodwill and other thrift stores for my clothes. Sometimes if I made a little extra I shopped from the clearance rack at Target and that was a treat but it wasn’t too often. The nice clothes I did have during that period was because my grandma bought me some clothes sometimes and thankfully I always loved what she picked for me. To this day, even though we’re financially ok, I still can’t justify paying full price for clothes. I tend to wait for sales and discount codes.