SHOPPING TIPS

VISIT MOST STORES TO CHECK OUT THEIR OFFER AND SET-UP: If you’re new to thrift store shopping, I suggest first looking up a list of all nearby local thrift stores and checking each one out in person to see what you like.

DON’T BE TOO PICKY: Most stores offer a wide variety of clothes, but you’ll have the most success if you can widen your idea of what you’re looking for.

For instance, last time I had to shop for some church clothes. I had no trouble finding a few wellfitting skirts and tops in black and brown.

If I’d been specifically looking for a black shortsleeved dress, however, I’m not sure I would’ve found anything that worked for me. Keeping an open mind is sure to boost your likelihood of coming home successful rather than disappointed.

Consider trying on a variety of sizes: If you’re used to doing most of your shopping at a few select retail stores, you probably have a good sense of what your clothing size is.

Shopping, however, is entirely different because one store contains a multitude of different brandsand unfortunately, each of these brands can have different ideas about what constitutes each clothing size.

If you’re not having success with clothes in your “normal” size, I highly recommend trying on clothes that are both a size bigger and a size smaller. You may be surprised at what ends up fitting best.

ALWAYS CHECK FOR HOLES, STAINS OR OTHER DEFECTS Most clothing is in good shape, but sometimes you will find a hole, stain, or other problem. Always check clothing before you buy it. If you do find a problem but still really want the item, consider whether it’s something you might be able to fix. If it’s a fantastic price, it may be worth bringing it home anyway on the chance that you could repair it yourself.