Thrifting Tips: Save Money, Stay Clean & Protect Your Wardrobe
2.5 to 3 Hours
Thrifting is a sustainable, budget-friendly way to score unique fashion—but it comes with challenges. From trying on clothes in cramped aisles to protecting your closet from hidden pests, these expert tips will help you thrift smarter, safer, and greener.
Prep for Trying On Clothes
- Many thrift stores lack fitting rooms, so wear lightweight, easy-to-layer basics (like leggings and a tank) that let you slip items on over them quickly—or change in and out without hassle.
- Keep it simple and wear neutral base layers for easy try-ons.
- Brand sizing will vary so remember to bring a tape measure to check measurements.
Stay Fresh & Fueled
Pack hand sanitizer or baby wipes to keep hands clean after digging through racks. Bring a reusable water bottle and compact snacks to avoid hanger (or low-energy crashes) mid-hunt.
Eco-Friendly Hack: Save the Planet (and Plastic)
Reduce your carbon footprint by skipping new plastic bags—tote your own reusable bag from home for purchases.
An Ounce of Prevention Saves Your Wardrobe
Those killer thrift scores might come with hidden pests (moth or beetle eggs/larvae) that can destroy your entire closet. Treat every secondhand piece as suspect, no matter how pristine it looks—eggs are invisible, and hatching at home spells disaster.
Moths and beetles crave natural fibers: cashmere, silk, wool, fur—even rayon or bamboo. They target high-end labels and visible spots (bust, collar, cuffs). Dirty, stored garments are moth magnets.
Prevention Methods (Pick One or Combine):
- Wash + Hot Dry: Machine-washable items? Launder normally, then tumble in a hot dryer (full cycle) to kill eggs/larvae.
- Professional Dry Clean: Best for delicates or "dry clean only"—worth the cost for ready-to-wear pieces.
- Hot Dryer Tumble (Dry Items Only): 30–60 minutes on high heat eliminates pests without cleaning. In shared laundromat dryers? Add extra time for warm-up/cool-down phases.
- Deep Freeze: Seal in bags and freeze 1–2 weeks (I'm team 2 for paranoia). Ideal for furs or heat-sensitive fabrics.
- Sunshine + Brush: Hang outdoors on a sunny day; brush vigorously to dislodge debris/eggs.
Savy Tips To Thrift
Thrift styling isn’t just cheap—it’s creative!
- Know Before You Go |
- Pro Thrift Styling Tips for Teens |
- Thrift Fall Fashion Guide - 2025 |
Pro Care Notes:
- Avoid shrinkage in wool/naturals: Use same-temp water for wash and rinse; hand-wash when possible (less agitation = less shrink).
- Prevent pilling: Turn garments inside out, use mesh bags for machine cycles, minimize friction in washers/dryers.