Hunt For Quality Brands And Fabrics
Due to the low prices of thrift stores, it can be tempting to fill up your cart with impulse purchases. But before you buy that polyester pantsuit, remember that in the long run, high-quality clothes always look better than cheaper fabrics.
By specifically looking for name-brand items that have a reputation for being high-quality (for example, Banana Republic for work wear), you can be sure that your thrift store finds don’t fall apart or show wear too soon. Natural fibers always look best over time, even if they cost a bit more. Seek out cotton, linen, and leather, and avoid fabrics such as polyester, nylon, or pleather, which can definitely look cheap and worn over time.
Hunting for name brand goods? You might have better luck at consignment stores, which either purchase from or split proceeds with previous owners. Many consignment stores have strict rules regarding name-brand clothes, so while you might pay more than an average donation-driven thrift store, you can be assured of name-brand stuff. Of course, that’s not to say that you can’t find name-brand clothes at the thrift store – it just means you’ll find them more reliably when shopping consignment.
Thrift stores generally do not put out new goods every day. In fact, many only restock one day per week. By finding out when a store restocks, you’re guaranteed to have first pick of the higher-end merchandise that comes though the doors. Many thrift shops have rack-clearing events once a month to make room for new merchandise. That can mean deep discounts to the tune of 25% to 50% off certain items – or even your entire purchase.
What is most important to you: huge discounts, or new merchandise? Regardless, shopping in a more affluent area gives you the best chance for top-quality goods.
