There is a lot to learn when you get in to thrifting for the first time and it can be daunting so hopefully this article will help you get a jump start on becoming the best thrifting expert you can be. Then, you’ll never have to worry about affording high street fashion ever again.

Picture this, You’re looking at a new blazer at Zara or whatever high street boutique you’re in, and the tag says £50. So you do what any self-loving human being does and think about whether you should hang it back on the rack or buy it and survive off instant ramen and porridge oats for the next two weeks. So you hang it back on the rack and pat yourself on the back for making good life choices. 

So what do you do when you want a blazer but don’t want to pay an arm or a leg for it? You go thrifting! Thrifting? But what do I do? Where do I go? No need to panic. We’ve got some thrifting tips and tricks for beginners who have no clue what to do. 

Before you go thrifting… 

• Have an idea of what you’re going for. In other words, go with intention. Plan what you’re looking for. You can even make a mood board, a Pinterest board, or save pictures on your phone. Thrifting is a lot like grocery shopping — if you don’t have a list, you’re most likely going to just buy whatever you can find. So try to stick with a style so you don’t go over your budget. 
• Set your budget. It’s super important to set your limit. With how inexpensive some items can be, you can end up with £100 worth of clothing that you don’t actually need or want. By setting a spending limit, you’ll be conditioned to stick to your budget and stop yourself from impulse buying. 
• Bring only the cash you’re willing to spend. If you can’t trust yourself to stick to your budget, then only bring the amount that you want to spend. There are also many thrift stores that only accept cash which means no money = no impulse buys! 
• Take an eco-bag or a big tote. A lot of thrift stores or charity shops don’t have shopping bags so this will save you from the hassle of asking for a spare plastic or trash bag. 
• Check out a store’s specialty beforehand. Knowing whether a store sells furniture, home decor, clothing, or toys can make your life so much easier. Find stores that have the items you’re looking for so you won’t get disappointed when you actually go shopping. 

While thrifting…

• Wear something light, comfortable, and easy to take off and put on. Expect to try on and take off a number of pieces until you’re happy with an outfit or two. So it’s best to avoid wearing heavy-ass jeans or sweaters that could snag on hooks when you go thrifting. 
• Be patient. There are times when you can’t exactly find what you’re looking for straight away. But that’s the exciting thing about thrifting — you’ll never know what you’re gonna get. So try to be patient and scan through some of the aisles first so you won’t end up spending too much time in one spot just to find nothing you like. 
• Check for quality. Look for any marks, tears, or stains and see if they’re fixable or if you’re willing to spend to have them tailored or repaired. Learn to discern what’s high quality and what kind of material an item is made of. Some high-end quality pieces might even have low price tags. You just have to learn to spot items that are worth their price. 
• Learn to negotiate and haggle. Try to see if a shop has a no haggling sign first. If they don’t, then you might be able to negotiate the prices of items that are broken or damaged. Know how to haggle, but don’t lowball it or the stores clerks will definitely not like you. 
• Get items that are off-season. When demand is low, then prices are low too. So shop for summer dresses in the winter and winter boots in the summer. You’ll definitely get your money’s worth this way. 

Thrift shopping for beginners can be a little bit stressful, but over time you’ll gain experience and get better at it! If you follow the tips and tricks above then you’ll definitely know where and how to start your thrift shopping journey. 
If you really want to take the stress off of thrift shopping and find the items you want in the comfort of your own home, you can go to lomasearch.com and find great items at the best deals and prices!