Before I head out the door, I pull out current clothing that fits just how I like it. Then I measure them and jot down the numbers. For jeans, I fasten the top button and then measure the width at the top. Since I have short legs, I also measure the inseam. For tops, I lay them flat on the bed and measure across the bust from pit to pit. For long sleeves, I measure sleeve length from the pit to the cuff.
Whenever I go to the thrift shops, I go armed with my measuring tape and numbers. A list of current clothing needs also eliminates aimless wandering amongst the racks. I prefer the stores that divide their clothing into sizes because it narrows down the search. Still, though, I will check each item that looks like a possibility against my measurements. It takes a little extra time to do this but it sure cuts down on the time in the dressing room. Although it's not a foolproof method, it reduces the number of items that are discarded in the dressing room for poor fit.
One other thing I'd like to mention is how important it is to check for stains, holes, missing buttons, and working zippers. Stains require a quick but thorough examination of the entire garment. Holes in clothing other than denim are actually easier to spot if you turn the item inside out. A single missing button may not be a deal breaker if you always tuck in your shirts and can move the bottom button up to the missing space. Be sure to also check for spare buttons sewn on the inside bottom seam in finer men's button-downs. Unless you want to get into zipper replacement - a more challenging sewing job than moving a button - skip anything with a non-functioning zipper.
In less than an hour for just $43 today, we came away with 3 long-sleeved knit shirts and 1 long-sleeved technical (running) shirt for my sweetie, and 2 long-sleeved tops, 2 long-sleeved knit shirts, 1 long-sleeved thermal undershirt, 1 bar, and 1 pair of jeans. All in like-new condition. The technical shirt alone would have cost that amount new.
What are your favorite used clothes shopping tips?
14 comments:
I always go with a list too and I check out my closet before hand to figure out what colors I need. No sense buying a pair of red shorts (whether they fit perfectly or not) if I don't have anything to go with them.
I have this down to a science, as the local Habitat ReStore sells clothing at $1 each with no dressing room. :)
I've memorized certain brands common to my area (such as those sold at the local outlet mall) and how they fit, and so can buy those brands without trying on. Also, I wear a close fitting knit shirt, either alone or under a sweater, and try on all shirts over it. You can also hold up pants and skirts around your waist... if they go just about half way around, they are likely to fit well.\
It helps also to spend time trying on a bunch of different clothing one or two times... you will see what types of cuts and styles look great on you, or look awful. It's not going to be the same for every person, so don't just look for the stylish clothing! Once you know what works, you will be able to eyeball clothing on the rack much easier.
It's easier for men, as those are somehwat standard. I can pick up a pair of 38/32's and take them home and have them fit my husband right with no risk. Same with shirts for him!
That is really brilliant! I'm going to have to take my measurements before I head out to the thrift store next time.
Most of the time when I'm at the thrift store I am looking for work clothes. I seem to have a good eye for picking out Banana Republic, Anne Taylor, Talbots, J. Jill...stuff like that. Their sizes are pretty standard so I know for each label whether a particular size is going to fit.
I've never tried something on in a thrift store, though...many years ago when I was pregnant I went to a department store to get nursing bras and a few days later I ended up with ringworm. So, so not fun. Trying stuff on kind of squicks me out. I'll do it in a store if I absolutely have to, but because I know clothes in the thrift store don't get cleaned before they go on the racks...I usually end up with some things that don't fit.
This is such an awesome trick and I'm sure it will way cut down on coming home with clothes that don't fit!
I just size the clothes ans buy. I try on shirts, if they fit over the t-shirt I happen to be wearing- then great. Pants I take into the fitting room. SHOES i TRY ON in the store
I also go armed with a measuring tape when I'm searching for used clothes as well as a list of my family members' measurements.
When buying jeans or pants, I double-check the inside of the pants for any surprises and the thigh and seat areas for any excessive wear.
I try to go to thrift stores on a sunny day so that I can hold items up to the window in natural light to double check for stains and holes.
Thanks Chile! That little time saver should come in handy when I'm toddler wranglin' at the thrift store.
Heather - any colors go with jeans. LOL. I have a pretty good sense of what colors won't work with my skin tone, though, so it allows me to skip over the pinks really quickly.
Jennifer - I've read about wearing tights for yard sales and thrift stores but never tried it. I've not had good luck with holding up pants around my waist, which is why I started using the measuring tape!
Stylish? Ha! I look for function and comfort. :)
knittinandnoodlin - there are certain jeans brand that fit better than others so I've learned to keep an eye out for them. Eww about the ringworm. I got that from a cat once and it was a challenge to treat.
Rob - I get too frustrated trying on a zillion pairs of pants that don't fit. I think guys' clothing is sized more consistently than us gals' clothes.
Monica - yeah, thigh wear on pants is good to watch for. Also, the bottom hem. I've got a pair now that the previous owner must have had to hem up. She used white thread on dark blue denim. LOL!
AMorris - measure her clothes before going, too. Can't imagine shopping with a wiggly little one. ;-)
Thanks Chile,
What a wonderful idea.
Over here not only do sizes change between brands, they also change depending on how old the clothes are. Stuff in our Op (Opportunity) shops really range vintage wise so a size 16 from 10 years ago is likely to be a size 12-14 depending on the cut now. It drives me insane as trying on clothes is not in any way easy for me.
Kind Regards
Belinda
Yeah, I tend to stick with jeans material and kaki. I'm usually looking for bottoms since I get most of my tops for free (hand me downs or free t-shirts with events or from my hubby's side of the closet).
I really like that idea of Chile's. I like the way our GoodWill shops have things organized by color but wish it were by size sometimes....there is nothing worse than looking for a size 12 in a rack of 4s and 6s....its a psychological blow big time....
Has anyone else noticed that the prices at their GoodWill and Salvation Army's have gone up? I've given up looking for kids stuff there when I can hit the children's place or old navy outlet and pay the same price for new (then pass down to my younger boy and nephew).
I tried on a dress & jacket (bought in advance ~ years in advance! ~ for my son's wedding & elder daughter's graduation) in a charity shop & had my camera taken from under the clothes I'd just taken off. I couldn't try the dress on over a fleece & thick jumper. Not a happi killi ~ my camera never leaves me when I have it with me, or, it didn't :(. Your idea sounds brilliant now
Love this idea! I just try stuff on brazenly but you're much cleverer. Must do this...but really I shop by color and softness and just guesstimate size.
I keep bins in my clothes storage closet that are labled for season,sex and size. That makes it possible for me to buy ahead for my kids and grandkids without forgetting about it. I keep snowsuits hung up by size on racks. Boots are arranged from smallest to largest on a bookcase. In October, I head to the closet and pull out the appropriate snowsuits and boots, hats and gloves. This also makes it possible to be picky about how much I am willing to spend because I am seldom desperate. I don't bother buying cheap clothes (Walmart stuff) because it won't hold up.I stick to the brands I like a lot. I just got two nearly new fleece LL Bean coats for my gandkids. I only had to cover the existing monograms and great coats for a song.
I love thrift shopping. And yet, I hate shopping, go figure.
I long to go in and see a brand name tag and get it at a fraction of the cost. Life is good when you bargain hunt.
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