How do I find good clothes at thrift stores?

Thrifting is my favorite way to shop - it's sustainable, budget-friendly, and you can find unique pieces impossible to get elsewhere. Here's how I consistently find gems: ## Timing Is Everything - **Best days**: Tuesday through Wednesday. Donations from weekend cleanouts hit the floor by then. - **Best time**: Early morning for first picks, though late afternoon sometimes has fresh racks. - **Best locations**: Stores in wealthy neighborhoods. The donations reflect the area's income level. ## What to Look For **Check the fabric content** - Always read the label. Natural fibers (cotton, wool, silk, linen) last longer and age better than synthetics. **Examine construction** - Look at stitching, seams, and hardware (zippers, buttons). Quality pieces have clean, even stitching. **Focus on silhouettes** - Timeless cuts over trends. A classic blazer from 2010 still works; a trendy crop top might not. ## Red Flags to Avoid - **Pilling** that can't be removed with a fabric shaver - **Broken zippers** - rarely worth the repair cost - **Stains near seams** - these almost never come out - **Stretched elastic** - can't be fixed ## My Best Find A Celine bag for $45 at Goodwill. Patience and persistence pay off! ## The Bigger Picture Thrifting is the most sustainable way to shop because you're extending the life of existing clothes instead of creating demand for new production.