5 Thrift Store Shopping Tips That Will Level-Up Your Next Vintage Haul

As the Senior Style Editor at Seventeen, I spend about 90 percent of my day online shopping on behalf of my readers for cool sneakers, butt-sculpting leggings, and unique prom dresses. When it comes to my personal closet, however, I almost exclusively shop at vintage and thrift stores (some of my favorites here). Don't get me wrong–I love a good trip to Zara, but for me, there's no better feeling than emerging from the packed aisles of a second-hand shop with a tote bag full of one-of-a-kind treasures.

Thrift shops are often more affordable than fast-fashion retailers, they stock more diverse inventory, and they provide a no-waste shopping experience you can enjoy guilt-free. For those who are new to the wild world of thrifting, though, the prospect of searching through blazers and mom jeans and sweatshirts and tees can feel very overwhelming. But if you know the right way to shop, I can guarantee you'll find that one piece of clothing so good, you won't know how you ever got dressed without it.

Ahead, I'm sharing my expert, insider knowledge–the best tricks and tips for making your next trip to the vintage store a successful one.

Ignore the Sizes

Fun fact: there are actually zero sizing regulations in the United States–that's why you might be a size 10 at one store and a size 14 at the next. Generally, brands try to keep their sizing uniform, but when it comes to vintage, that goes out the window. A 1970 medium might fit like a 2021 small and what's labeled XXL might have shrunk down several sizes from a lifetime of washing and drying. What I'm saying is: if you're only browsing the M rack, you might be missing out on a once-in-a-lifetime find hidden away in the XL section.

Try *Everything* On

Why? See previous point. Don't limit yourself to one size or section, because labels lie. The only real way to know if those cut-offs hug the booty just right is to get up close and personal in the fitting room. If you think it's cute, try it on and even if you don't think it's that cute, try it on–what looks a lil musty on the hanger, might look cool as f*ck on you. Trust me.

You Have to Be in the Mood

No, I don't mean like that. I mean you have to be ready to spend hours, maybe all day in the thrift shop looking for that one sparkling item that will make the heavens open up and the voice of a thousand Billie Eilishes sing ahhhhh! Patience is key when you're second-hand shopping, because unlike at Urban Outfitters, every single item in the store is different. You've gotta look through all of them to find your ~soulmate~.

Wear Your Favorite Basics

Your favorite baggy jeans and a fitted white tee probably won't send your IG followers into a frenzy, but they'll give you a nice blank canvas to feel out whether that jacket is really you. This is a good rule of thumb for any shopping trip, because it helps show how each piece would fit into your everyday wardrobe.

Look in Every Department

When I go thrift shopping, I usually start in the men's section for graphic T-shirts, groovy button-ups, suit jackets, and sweats. From there, I move to the women's area for dresses, shoes, and jewelry and if there's a kid's rack, I'll sometimes peruse that too for mini bags and hair accessories.

Kelsey Stiegman

Senior Style Editor

Kelsey is Seventeen.com's fashion expert and resident Harry Potter nerd. At the office, she spends her day writing about style, beauty, and literally every move Kylie Jenner makes. On the weekends, you can find her sifting through vintage shops and hunting for the perfect burger. Follow her on Instagram at @klstieg.