One thing that I miss the most about the ‘good old’ days’ is thrifting. I used to spend every summer going thrift shopping in the city or at my local thrift shop. Since the start of the pandemic, I have spent many days online shopping. Despite the explosion of online thrift stores, I was hesitant because I had so many worries. After buying from online thrift stores myself, it is just like shopping online from brands like Urban Outfitters, as ASOS.
Since then, I have been shopping from online thrift stores, and I have been finding some cool unique garments. So, if you are a newcomer to online thrifting, or just looking for some suggestions, here are my 6 Tips for Online Thrift Shopping.
Plus, I added some of my favourite online thrift stores that I think you will love!
Know Your Size
As an avid thriftier myself, one thing that I have learned is that sizes vary amongst brands, genders, and age demographics. I might be able to fit a Gap medium-sized Women’s T-shirt, but an Old Navy medium is too small. This can be challenging when everything is online. To avoid this problem, keep a note of your measures close by. The best part of online shopping is that you can set your search preferences to only show certain sizes. Also, size conversion is key! If you are looking at a European store, how they measure their clothes will be different than US sizes. A UK size 10 is a US size 8, and on top of that those sizes will be shown as size 36-38 in Germany, Spain, & Portugal. Size conversion is not just a location problem, but also gender. If you are a fan of baggy clothes or looking for some Mom jeans, you will have the best of luck looking in the Men’s department. It is important to remember that Men’s jeans sizes are extremely different from Women’s. A quick tip if you usually wear women size jeans is to simply add 21 to your size to get the closest size in Men’s but, remember to consider the inseam as Women’s jeans tend to have wider hips.
Do Some Research
By just searching “Online Thrift Stores” over 20 stores pop up, and that is just the 1st page. One thing about thrift shopping is that you will not be able to find that same thing twice. Also, keep in mind that there are online platforms that act as a virtual mall for retailers who offer thrift or vintage items. The most popular platforms are Etsy, Grailed and Depop. These platforms are best when searching for specific brands, or styles. If you are searching for a certain category of clothing like Streetwear of SoHo Chic, many sustainable thrift stores specialize in this style.
Have a Spending Limit
In addition to knowing which stores you want to shop from, it is important to know your budget. This is especially important for auction sites, you might have your eye on a vintage Tommy Hilfiger jacket, and next thing you know you have spent $300. Luckily, many retailers offer a discount for first-time buyers. Fortunately, there a multiple budget-friendly stores, and some offer free/ and international shipping. If you want to shop locally and get free to low-cost shipping, Facebook Marketplace, and Etsy (when settings are set to ‘Local’) you can find great rare pieces.
Be Open
One thing I have learned over the years as a pro thrift shopper is that you need to treat the store as a vision board, instead of a checklist. In other words, when looking for specific styles, brands, and pieces it is good to have an open mind. Be open to buying from “off-brand” or “no-names”. Since availability is scarce, stay open to items that might need TLC, or photos that are less-than-perfect. Keeping an open mind while online thrift shopping will have you finding unique and unusual items.
Make Sure It Is a Thrift Store
When searching “Vintage Online Stores” Google will show you multiple stores that specialize in this style, but the stores that are shown will be a mixture of second-hand stores and some wholesalers. When doing your research, look at the store’s ‘About Me/Us’ page, or check to see if the items that are offered come in different sizes. Watch out for keywords such as “Vintage-Inspired”, and when in doubt message the seller.
Know the Rules.
KNOW THE RETURN POLICY!! As a retail worker myself, you would be surprised about the number of customers who return items past the date, or the item is damaged/ worn. With thrift stores, the policy can be stricter than your big-box clothing stores. Most thrift stores will have a “No Returns/ Refunds”, this is especially true when the store is small. In other cases, the store will offer a short window for returns, this can range from 14 -27 business days after the day that the item has arrived. In this case, the store might offer free returns, but unfortunately, most do not.
If you stick to these suggestions, you will have no problem going thrift shopping. Just to start you off, I have gathered a list of some of my favourite places to shop when I am going thrift shopping online.
Thrifted is an online vintage clothing store that offers a wide range of vintage pieces such as overalls, bum bags, and tracksuits. Located in the UK, they offer international shipping starting at £6.99 ($12 CAD, $5.67 USD, European shipping at £7.99. Thrifted is the perfect place if you believe circularly, allowing clothes to live three or more lives. For the conscious consumer, Thrifted is the place for you!
Follow them on Instagram
Effortless is a Canadian second-hand fashion shop that offers online and pick-up orders (only in Toronto), making it easy to reach. On top of that, Effortless offers you a chance to sell your clothes to them, any items that are not sold are donated to Diabetes Canada who they have partnered with for donations. If you are not sold on Effortless yet, they have featured on Elle Canada, blogTO, and Refinery 29. They also offer free shipping for orders over $75 in Canada, and $250 in the USA.
Follow them on Instagram
Retro Rhapsody is a blast from the past, with pieces from the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s, but mostly the ‘80s. They offer beautiful jewelry accessories and handbags. If you are also looking for some vintage nightwear, this is your place, with lingerie coming from Victoria Secret, Guy Laroche and more. If you want to become the embodiment of the ‘80s, Retro Rhapsody is the store for you!
Check out their Etsy
The Clarendon Trading Co is the perfect place if you are looking for ‘90s streetwear. They offer amazing vintage graphic tees, baggy jeans, and oversized jackets, and more! They also have two store locations in Markham and Scarborough Town Center, which are both in Ontario Canada. If you live nearby, Clarendon Trading Co is the perfect summer spot with friends.
Follow them on Instagram
Community Thrift and Vintage is a socially conscious shop that gives clothes a second chance. Located in Vancouver, BC Canada, this thrift shop does more than just selling clothes. They support people who are at risk through their supportive work training program, and all profits are donated to the PHS (Provide Housing Service) Community Service Society. Plus, at their store locations, they put out thousands of items a week.
Check out their Instagram
If you have a Boho, Girl Next Door style, Shop One Moment is the perfect place for you. They offer beautiful flowy vintage dresses and skirts. If you want to feel like Molly Ringwald for a day, check them out! Their selection has been carefully curated for unique quality and originality.
Check out their Etsy
If you are feeling like your closet is boring, and you need something that will pop, well look no further because So Last Season is here to help. They offer some iconic pieces from the ‘80s, ‘90s and Y2K. They also have a good number of vintage pieces from designers such as Jean-Paul, Gianni Versace, and Christian Dior; just to name a few.
Check out their Etsy
If you are a lover of Y2K and ‘90s fashion, then you are going to love The Industry. They offer a large range of boots, handbags, coats, and beautiful trousers. With pieces with vibrant colours, clothes from The Industry will put a pop in your wardrobe.
Check out their Etsy
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