Isn’t the thrill of walking into a thrift store and finding one unique item the best? Shopping vintage gives us the chance to purchase unique items, for a fraction of the cost. It’s sort of a treasure hunt where you are never sure what gem is waiting for you. It’s super fun, but as anyone acutely aware of traditional thrift store etiquette will tell you, thrifting has its risks — particularly with some specific clothing items. Even garments that are calling your name may not be worth the trip to the rack.
By knowing what might be at risk, you can be a more informed secondhand buyer. By doing this, you also make sure that the items you find at the thrift store are neither cheap, nor dangerous nor ridiculous to own.
We can all truly understand the pleasure of hunting the thrift store. However, when it comes to secondhand shopping, you need to know which items to avoid. Ready to explore our list of clothing items you should never settle for when thrifting?
First up is underwear. It’s a no-brainer, really. Wearing these items this close to the body is a concern for hygiene. For whatever cleaning regime you employ, the secondhand underwear idea can be avoided. These items fall into the category of personal, intimate clothing, and should really never be returnable in the stores themselves.
Perhaps not as intimate as underwear, femininity is often defined in terms of bras. Having a bra over time loses elasticity and support, which contribute to a comfortable and working bra. The average bra lasts a year, so chances are, a secondhand bra is already on its last legs.
With children’s clothing, particularly sleepwear, caution is advised. Recalled items wind up on racks in thrift stores, placing them in reach of small children, but because thrift stores strive to get recalled items removed from their racks, it can be challenging to make sure they’re totally safe. Items like sleepwear are subject to recalls for safety features such as drawstrings, and because children’s clothing is subject to stricter safety standards. Therefore, it’s best to be cautious.
Also, sports helmets are another item to avoid if you can. Regardless of how they look, they could be structurally sound from an impact or collision in their past. It’s safer to buy new in case of these damages, not seeing them doesn’t make it any less of it.
Just like underwear and leggings, bathing suits also should be on your no-thrift list. Usually worn close to the skin, over time they lose their shape and elasticity. You may not get the fit or hygiene you want from a secondhand bathing suit.
Another red flag are clothes that are stained or dirty smelling. Issues with these items are often deeply woven in and hard to clear away regardless of how much cleansing is carried out. Unless you’re prepared to take a chance on disappointment, it’s not usually worth it.
It is also not advisable to play with delicate items not easy to wash. These materials may look clean, but parasites can be left in them that aren’t easy to remove without professional cleaning.
Like some other items, bathing suits, and bras, leggings rely on their stretchiness to keep them secure and fit well, and this can break down over time. What’s more, invested in a new pair is better than coupled with hygiene issues!
Shoes — especially athletic shoes — require deep scrutiny. Uneven wear on the inside of your foot can cause discomfort or injury due to a previous owner’s gait. It’s important to check for wear and tear, sometimes repairs can be made. But, if for comfort and health, it is a wiser choice to get new shoes.
Thrift shopping can be a fun way to score unique things and save money, but it’s important to know what you’re buying. But by not wearing these specifically in your thrifted wardrobe, at least you can know for sure that it is as safe (and stylish) as it is affordable. Happy thrifting and remember, keep these tips in mind!
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