What Does “Go Thrifting” Mean? A Complete Guide

Have you ever wondered why everyone suddenly loves “go thrifting”? From viral thrift hauls to surprising secondhand treasures, thrifting has become one of the most exciting ways to shop, especially in today’s world of rising costs and growing sustainability trends.

Thrifting simply means buying pre-loved or secondhand items from thrift stores, charity shops, flea markets, garage sales, or online resale platforms. People visit thrift stores for many reasons. Some want to save money, others enjoy hunting for unique items, and many see it as a fun hobby or even a way to resell items for profit.

Whether you’re new to the idea or curious about what makes it so popular, this complete guide will help you understand what “go thrifting” truly means, why people love it, and what you can expect on your next trip to a thrift store.

The term thrift meaning shopping for pre-owned or secondhand items and purchasing items like clothes, home decor, or books, for example, at affordable prices. Thrift store shopping, charity shops, flea markets, consignment shops, garage sales, estate sales, car boot sales, and online resale platforms are all places where thrifting can happen. While “thrift” once referred to careful management of finances, today, it’s become a cultural phenomenon and trend thanks to sustainability, budget shopping, and the pure thrill of finding a unique item.

People can go thrifting at many types of stores and events, including:

• Thrift stores
• Charity shops
• Garage sales
• Flea markets
• Consignment shops
• Car boot sales
• Online resale platforms like Poshmark, Depop, Vinted, and ThredUp

Originally, thrifting was done out of necessity or to save money, but over time, it has evolved into a popular lifestyle choice. Many people now thrift not only to save money but also to find unique items, express personal style, support sustainability, and enjoy the thrill of discovering hidden treasures.

According to First Research, more thrift shops operate across the U.S. than anyone might expect. As of the end of 2018, there were around 20,000 secondhand and resale shops in the U.S., and they made over 17.5 billion dollars in one year.

The Association of Resale Professionals also mentions how people from all walks of life thrift, and other than income, there is no defining characteristic that a thrift shopper portrays; the same goes for resale shops. The joy of discovering items for cheap, great, or otherwise, is enticing. 

People who thrift understand the positive impacts it has of lowering the expense of clothing, furniture, and other goods that people constantly need, which allows for more of their money to be used for more expensive things like vacations or other activities with family, education, or even to save for long-term goals.

With that in mind, there are three types of people who generally thrift, and we are going to go over what each group tends to focus their attention on.

1. Treasure Hunters

A treasure hunt shopper looks for one-of-a-kind items for their collection. More than just displaying or finding something unexpected, these individuals intensely revel in the unique pieces. The thrill of the hunt distinguishes each experience, like as garage sales and flea markets. Treasure hunting has also gained the popularity of ‘thrifting for beginners.

Some treasure hunters engage in upcycling, the process of taking old furniture or accessories and turning them into something of value, whether it’s restoring them for their original purpose or completely changing their function. Understanding what to buy at thrift stores to upcycle makes the hunt both more challenging and more rewarding.

2. Frugal Money Savers

Frugal money savers seek to stretch their budget by purchasing thrifted clothing, home items, and furniture. This is extremely common for parents, as they thrift their kids’ clothes because their kids outgrow them quickly. Thrifting provides quality items for families on a budget, which is especially important for items they’ll use only for a short period. Many moms search for Bin Stores Near Me

 to find affordable kids’ clothing and household essentials.

When it comes to furniture and decor, many affordable, high-quality options are available at thrift stores, so it is very reasonable to buy these items there. This way, families can buy these quality items at a lower price.

3. Resellers

The third category of people who thrift is resellers. Resellers buy secondhand items and then sell them at a market or online. To maximize profit, some people only buy from “pay-by-the-pound” stores, like Goodwill Bins. Many resellers know what is thrifting, and can tell valuable items apart from the rest, and what can sell fast.

Unfortunately, some thrift stores have begun raising prices in response to the popularity of the reseller industry. This seems to be a good business practice, but it often leads to the opposite. It may lose a net of more regular customers and sales, while lower prices lead to higher overall sales and lower inventory. This is a part of the reason why people from different backgrounds love thrifting.

Thrifting has transitioned from being a necessity to a lifestyle choice for many individuals. Here is why it is so alluring.

Sustainability and Ethics

Fast fashion is popular for a variety of reasons; unfortunately, many of them are detrimental to the environment and society. Buying secondhand is a great way to be thrifty, reduce landfill textile waste, and promote an eco-friendlier regimen.

Affordability and Value

Thrifting allows individuals to obtain many high-quality and unique items for a fraction of the cost. This is especially beneficial for individuals on a tighter budget or facing economic hardship.

Uniqueness and Self Expression

Thrift stores have an enormous assortment of vintage and interesting items to choose from. Unlike mass-produced clothing, individuals are empowered to foster a distinctive personal style.

The Thrill of the Hunt

There’s an exciting and rewarding feeling that comes from looking through many different clothing items for a hidden gem. Many individuals feel like they are on a quest or treasure hunt.

Social Media Influence

Influencers and everyday users on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram have made thrifting trendy. They often promote second-hand shopping by showcasing their thrift hauls or sharing their creative upcycled projects.

Quality and Durability

Vintage items are often made from more rigid, durable materials, which is ideal for individuals seeking a long-lasting item. The high-quality craftsmanship of older items is often more cherished by individuals.

For many people, thrifting is a leisurely social activity with friends or a fun way to support local charity shops and give back to the community.

In 2018, thredUP reported which items were resold the most and also classified resale items into their respective categories. Most of the resaleable items by category include clothes, electronics, books, homewares, and furniture. These items also hold more monetary value when purchased brand new. Thus, Thrift stores near me and online resale marketplaces become more valuable locations to resell these items.

Clothes & Accessories

When shopping for clothing, it’s best to consider fabric and quality. While cheaper thrift-store clothing might seem to be made of low-quality polyester, it’s best to look for natural fibers such as cotton, wool, silk, and linen, as synthetics won’t last very long. Also consider the construction. Reinforced seams, quality linings, and zippers are signs of strong construction to look for.

Old school, vintage, and trusted brands like Ralph Lauren and L.L. Bean are always a great choice! The best thrift items of clothing include:

• Denim items like jeans and jackets.
• Wool and cashmere knitwear.
• Button-up shirts.
• Skirts of various styles.
• Bags, jewelry, belts, and more.

When thrift shopping, strong, persistent smells, set-in stains, and worn-down elastic are signs to avoid items. To beginners wondering what to buy at thrift stores, starting with clothes and accessories is always a safe and rewarding choice.

Home Goods & Decor

Thrift stores also have treasures. Look for:

• Pyrex dishes with colorful, vintage designs
• Quality kitchen accessories, pots, and pans
• Unique original art, framed mirrors, and wooden furniture
• Decorative pieces like plaster, marble and brass busts
• Rare and antique hardcover books

To spot high-quality items, scan for valuable materials such as leather, silk, wood, and brass. Stepping into the thrift store with a treasure-hunting mindset will create an enjoyable experience and help you make the most of your time.

Electronics & Media

There is also a market for second-hand electronics and media, such as vintage consoles and audio equipment, DVDs, and other media. They are popular with shoppers, and also good finds for those learning how to profit from or use thrift stores. Vintage electronics have a strong resale market.

Furniture

Another high-demand category is furniture. People often buy pieces to upcycle, decorate, or resell on local platforms like OfferUp, Craigslist, or LetGo. The cost-saving benefits of  thrifting make it easier for families, resellers, and DIYers to find high-quality furniture.

General Go Thrifting Tips

• Know what to look for: Learn to recognize which materials are most valuable—leather, silk, brass, hardwood, or high-quality metal.
• Attitude: Try to be in the right mindset and don’t rush, as it will most likely lead to not noticing the best finds.
• Look for high-value items: If you are looking for specific vintage products, bring along a list of collectible patterns that are of high value.
• Thrift meaning: Thrifting is not simply about cutting costs; it is also about the unique, long-lasting, valuable, and sustainable products that you will most likely not find anywhere else.

For many, thrifting is the perfect combination of savings and the hunt of treasure. Most thrifting happens in donation-based stores like Goodwill and local thrift stores. Other secondhand shopping stores, like vintage, consignment, and resale boutiques, have less of a “hunt” feel and offer more specific pieces, usually at a higher price point.

The main difference is the experience. Thrifts are more custom, upscale,e and permanent. All are great sustainable options to give clothes and items a second life.

Go Thrifting

• What it is: Go thrifting means shopping secondhand and donating items like clothing to craft stores and charity shops. If you’re learning how to go thrifting, it’s all about exploring pre-loved items, checking quality, and finding unique pieces at lower prices.
• Pros: Affordable, environmentally friendly, and supports great causes.
• Cons: Unpredictable style and quality, time-consuming.

Other Secondhand Options

• Vintage Stores: These have more rare and older items that are higher priced.
• Consignment and resale shops: These shops are more curated and focus on higher-quality pieces that are branded.
• Online Marketplaces (Depop, eBay, Facebook Marketplace): offer convenience, searchability, and broad item availability, but come with quality inconsistency and a level of risk.
• Bin Stores / Specialty Resale Shops: sell bulk items in a curated fashion to help resellers and budget-conscious shoppers.

Thrifting Vs. Sustainable Fashion (New)

Thrifting: Purchasing thrifted items can help mitigate some of the negative impacts of excessive clothing buying. Even in existence, items become overconsumed and contribute to textile waste.

New Sustainable Fashion:  focuses on durability (chemical and longevity), fair-wage labor, and ethical production, but at significantly increased cost and with support for new production.

Key Takeaway

Thrifting, with a cozy, budget-conscious vibe, enhances the enjoyment of the experience. Vintage shops, consignment boutiques, online marketplaces, and bin stores offer a curated alternative. New sustainable fashion is priced based on the craftsmanship involved and the resources used, but avoids fast fashion and its negative impacts.

When learning how to get started with thrifting, you not only save money but also enjoy the adventure of hunting for hidden treasures while keeping the world cleaner. For beginners comparing thrifting vs shopping, thrifting often feels more affordable and sustainable, making it an easy and practical choice. With the right thrift knowledge, your style can develop a unique personality through high-quality, one-of-a-kind items. Almost anyone can find outstanding pieces by knowing where to look and what to check while thrifting.

Before Going Thrifting

• Make a List: Write down specific pieces like a satin blouse or a pair of cotton jeans, colors, and styles that are missing from your wardrobe. This will help stay on track.
• Know your sizes: Take a comfortable pencil or pen with your measurements, like your waist, hips, and bust, as sizing can vary wildly depending on the brands and the times, and eras.
• Declutter: Look through everything you already have to make sure you don’t accidentally grab something you already have.

Before Going Thrifting

• Start with a Small Store: If you are unsure of how a store will feel, try to find a smaller or specialized shop to avoid feeling like a deer in the headlights. Also, keep an eye out for quieter times like weekdays.
• Walk Around: Take a walk through the entire store before diving into specific sections. Without feeling the pressure to check all items, keep an eye out for items that catch your eye.
• Check Other Sections: If you’ve been scanning through one section, don’t forget to check the men’s and other sections for misplaced items. Great items can be everywhere.
• Inspect Thoroughly: Prioritize quality materials such as silk, jeans, or other natural fibers. Be wary of stains, holes, wear, and especially odors. Unless you’re up for the work, do not buy items that will require significant repair.
• Try it on: Size labels mean nothing, so don’t trust them.
• Shop Thoughtfully: Even if something is on sale, avoid impulse purchases. Only pick things that will add value to your wardrobe.

Advanced Tips

• Learn Fabrics and Brands: Identify materials that look good and hold up after many washes, such as silk, cashmere, and 100% cotton.
• Be Patient: It will take time to build a great thrifted wardrobe. Enjoy the experience, don’t rush, and make sure to stop by often.

Every thrift shop gives you a chance to grab a great deal while helping the planet and supporting meaningful causes. Thrift stores collect clothing, accessories, and home décor that people no longer need and resell them at affordable prices. When you go thrifting, you get the freedom to choose pieces that reflect your personal taste and style. With a little routine and practice, you learn to spot unique items—it’s the thrill of the hunt. Start your thrifting adventure today.