On Memorial Day, the Salvation Army was having a sale for 50% off everything. So, being the cheap wad I am, I made it into Laurel’s Super Thrifter Extravaganza Shopping Day. Meaning I trudged all over Manhattan, mainly on foot, in 90 something degree weathers, and tones of humidity to go to 4 different Salvation Army Thrift Store. That is dedication I tell you!

There were a lot of other people in the store shopping for deals that day–a lot of them rude and obnoxious. It really got me thinking on Thrifting Etiquette–I’m making this up, but I think it’s all about manners and making yours and everyone else’s experience as nice and easy as possible.

I am new to thrift shopping for CLOTHING, but I grew up going to thrift stores from a very early age. My Great Auntie Bobbie sold collectibles (mainly toys) and had multiple antique stores.

Throughout my childhood and teen years, whenever I wasn’t in school I would go with my grandmother and my aunt out for the day. They would meet up every Thursday.

They would always be on the hunt for something or another. I would always be on the look out with them for whatever the newest hot item my aunt was looking for. We would go to garage sales, thrift store, estate sales… you name it! I even remember a time when I was probably about 10, going to an estate sale and looking through old Playboys from the 1960s in search of Vargas pinup girl pictures. (This makes me laugh, thinking back on it.) I have fond memories of the time I spent with my grandmother and aunt.

My Auntie Bobbie in one of her antique store, from around 2002.

Vargas Pinup Girl

Now, I am searching for different kinds of things, but the basic principle is there. I grew up doing this!

If you know that  you are going on a big thrifting spree for Vintage CLOTHING (not just browsing), here are my simple ideas to make things easier for you.

My shopping basket at a Goodwill Store recently.

What YOU Wear is Important.  Most of the time thrift store do not have changing rooms, so you are most likely going to be trying your finds on in the middle of the store over your clothes.  You want to wear something that is tight fitting and comfortable so that you can really have an idea if something will fit or look good. You also want to be able to slip things on and off easily and fast. My “uniform” usually consists of leggings, t-shirt, and flip flops or slip on shoes.

**Also, remember where you are. Thrift stores aren’t necessarily the cleanliest places in the world, and you don’t know what you’ll be trying on. You shouldn’t mind getting dirty in whatever you are wearing.

This is similar to what I normally wear to a Thrift Store.

Think Before You Grab. A lot of the times when I go to a thrift store, they do not have any shopping carts or very few. I like to go in with the mindset that I am going to be hauling things around the store for a while. I try not to pack a lot in my purse/bag. When I’m looking through the rack and I see something that I like, I do 1 or 2 of the following: 1. Hold it up to my body and see if it is big enough to actually fit or try on. 2. If I am still uncertain if the item will fit or if I really like it, I will try it on really quick.  If the item doesn’t seem to work I then put it back. Once I have my pile complete, I find a mirror and try everything on properly to see if it is worth purchasing.

Clean Up After Yourself. I am a big stickler for this. I have worked in retail before and I am always one to pick up after myself. I know what it’s like to have to work in an environment where you are selling clothes. This is not just for the workers, but for other customers. Leave things as you would like to find them. If you knock something off a rack–pick it up, if you change your mind about something–put it back.

This is especially important if you are buying/trying on large quantities of items and are a return customer. You want the store to have a good feeling towards you, if you help them out they will help you out in the future–build a “relationship.” If you scratch their back, they’ll scratch yours (as the saying goes).

Remember the Environment.  Do you have allergies? I said previously, that you are going into a store where things may be dirty or dusty or moldy or many number of things. If you are prone to allergies like I am, make sure to always take allergy medicine before shopping. You may want to bring extra if they’re really bad that day or even add a bottle of eye drops to your purse. Try not to touch your eyes once you start touching things–that will make your allergies worse. Bring anti-bacterial hand wash with you or find a bathroom when you are done so you can wash your hands.

Thrifting Clothes is Tiring Work. I try to remember to bring a bottle of water with me whenever I have a shopping day. Trying on clothes, looking through racks, and carrying things around can dehydrate you easily (especially in the summer months)–so, stay hydrated! Eat before you go as well, and remember to take a break and get lunch if you are feeling tired. No item is important enough to get sick over!

I hope this helps! I know I have more to say on this subject. I will be posting more on this in the future! Send me an email (laurel [at] thecurvyelle.com) if you have any questions pertaining to this topic!