Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

  • Don’t Miss Anything
  • Start Here
  • Essentials Shop
  • Latest Deals
  • Style Scenarios
  • Reviews

Thrifting 101: Five Quick Rules + What to Look For

October 2, 2018 By Dappered Team | Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

About the Author: Oral Blankson is an early 30-something whose hobbies include menswear, restaurant critique, public speaking, making new friends, and striving to be a better, more intentional man.

Thrifting as defined by Urban Dictionary: “When one visits several different thrift shops, second-hand shops, and vintage clothing stores in the hopes of buying several items of cheap and unusual clothing and other items.”

80% of my wardrobe is thrifted. Suits. Dress shirts. Ties. Slacks. Shoes. You name it – I’ve thrifted. Thrifting is great way to build or supplement any wardrobe with good clothing for cheap. Below, some hard & fast thrifting rules, and items which are usually a hit.

Rules:

  1. Check stores often, as donations are made daily. Hop on the interwebs and find local thrift stores. Goodwill, Salvation Army, or mom-and-pop stores. Be diligent, persistent, patient, and prepared to dig for gold!
  2. Check garments thoroughly. Sometimes holes, stains, or damages are beyond repair. Thrifting only works when a garment requires little-to-no work after purchase.
  3. The dressing room is your friend. I’ve lost money by not trying something on, later realizing it doesn’t fit. ALL SALES FINAL.
  4. Thrift in affluent areas. Better area = better selection. I’ve even found clothes donated from local cleaners, or brand new donations from Target.
  5. Shop sales. Thrift stores will run “50% off Tuesdays” or senior citizen discounts. I wasn’t afraid to have my parents buy clothes for me – like the 20 cent slacks below!

Stick to those five rules and you should become a seasoned, successful thrifter. But some categories of clothes can be mined more than others. Here are what I consider to be the safer/more successful bets when it comes to the racks at thrift shops, with examples of my own personal finds:

 

SLACKS: Producer Pant by Express – $.20 ($69.90 – $98)

Producer Pant by Express | Dappered.com

Average Cost: $4.99

Slacks are my #1 draft pick. There’s usually a pair of grey, brown, navy, or tan slacks to be found. Get the correct waist size – sometimes taking in the waist/seat compromises overall fit. Leg width and hem are easily altered (you might find some 70’s bell bottoms!).

These pants were purchased within a 5/$1.00 deal, so these were actually 20 cents!

 

SHIRTS: Polo by Ralph Lauren French Cuff Dress Shirt – $4.99 ($145)

Polo by Ralph Lauren French Cuff Dress Shirt

Average Cost: $4.99-$6.99

You’ll usually find a white/pale blue dress shirt, or causal button-downs in stripes, ginghams, etc. Make sure neck size and sleeve length fit. You’ll find slim fits, but a tailor can reduce side billow inexpensively.

 

SHOES: Alden Loafers – $14.99 ($543)

Thrifted Alden Loafers

Average Cost: $4.99-$19.99

If your thrifted shoes look like they’ve seen better days, all you need is some elbow grease. Take a Sunday afternoon, play your favorite record, crack a beer, and follow these steps to restoring the look of your shoes. Soles need restoration? A cobbler can help. Thrifted shoes, including repairs, are still cheaper than buying new. The loafers above were never polished, showcasing excellent purchase condition. Sometimes I’ve even found brand new shoes.

 

TIES: Various ties for $18 ($500ish)

Thrift store ties

Average Cost: $2.00-$6.00

I exclusively thrift ties. Most expensive? $6.00. Cheapest? 29 cents! The usual suspects: Stripes, repeating/neat patterns, and old school 80’s patterns (i.e. The Wolf of Wall Street). Great way to create or augment a tie collection, and you don’t need as many ties as you think.

Ties from Left to Right: Robert Talbott, Brooks Brothers, Paul Fredrick, Jos. A. Bank., Lauren by Ralph Lauren.

Filed Under: Accessories, Clothing, Shoes Tagged With: thrifting

Continue the Conversation …

Want to share your thoughts on this article? Send us a tweet, join the discussion on Facebook, or hit us up on Instagram!

Don’t Miss Anything

Subscribe via email to get articles in your inbox or add Dappered on Flipboard. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or subscribe to push notifications to get alerts immediately.

New Here?

Well, welcome to Dappered. Here are what we consider the most useful posts on the site if you're looking to put a little more effort into your appearance. Just want to see our favorite menswear products? Shop our essentials here.

Steal Alert: J. Crew Extra 60% off Final Sale Styles + new items added

Steal Alert: J. Crew Extra 60% off Final Sale Styles + new items added

From $20 swim trunks to $138 unstructured suits.

4th of July Sales for Men: – 50% off J. Crew Summer Styles, Gustin USA Made Stock Sale, & More

4th of July Sales for Men: – 50% off J. Crew Summer Styles, Gustin USA Made Stock Sale, & More

Nordstrom’s Anniv. Sale preview catalog has launched. Spier 20% off. Allen Edmonds extra 30% off sale items.

The Best in Affordable Style from the Half-Year that Was – (Jan – June 2022)

The Best in Affordable Style from the Half-Year that Was – (Jan – June 2022)

Outfits. Advice. Lists. Bourbon. Watches. Shoes. Squirrels.

Follow Dappered on Instagram »

Men’s Fashion or Affordable Style?

Men's Fashion or Affordable Style?

Fashion is temporary and expensive. Style is timeless and affordable. Dappered® helps you work the retail system so that you can be comfortable, look sharp, and save money.

Want to share a great product? Email Us.
For a fit perspective, see Joe's measurements.
Make sure to read our affiliate disclosure.

CONNECT WITH DAPPERED

Thanks! Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Most Popular on Dappered

  • 4th of July Sales for Men: – 50% off J. Crew Summer Styles, Gustin USA Made Stock Sale, & More
  • Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – Taylor Stitch Summer Sale, 365 Shorts Deal, & More
  • The Best in Affordable Style from the Half-Year that Was – (Jan – June 2022)
  • Style Scenario: All Made in the USA for the 4th of July
  • Steal Alert: J. Crew Extra 60% off Final Sale Styles + new items added
  • Steal Alert: adidas Stan Smith for $74 (reg $95)

Popular Topics

  • Best dress shirts to own
  • Best looking watches under $100
  • Best men’s dress shoes under $200
  • Nike Killshot sneaker alternatives
  • How to wear a suit without a tie
  • Suitsupply store review
  • Suitsupply Blue Line review
  • J. Crew Factory Thompson suit review
  • How much does it cost to tailor a suit?
  • Dopp kit essentials
  • Brown shoes with gray pants
  • Men’s style buying guide

Copyright © 2022 Dappered.com | Dappered, LLC | Dappered® is a registered trademark of Dappered, LLC

Hat tip: Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework

Dappered does not collect or sell its users personal information | Disclosures: Privacy and Affiliates, Gilt.com, FTC

WPE

We work with partners that use cookies to understand how visitors use our site. Find out more.