1. Try to go in the middle of the week instead of on the weekend. 

Just like with regular shopping, most people go thrift shopping on the weekends. This means that, if you go on a Friday or Saturday, chances are the store will be super crowded. the employees will be overwhelmed, and the inventory won't be as good because it will have already been picked through.

If you go on a Tuesday or Wednesday, there likely won't be very many people in the store and you will be more likely to easily find items you love. However, make sure to look up store hours before you, because most thrift stores don't stay open super late, and a lot of them close early or don't open at all on Sundays and Wednesdays because of church.

2. Wear something you can easily try on clothes over, and know your measurements. 

I always like to thrift shop in dryfit shorts or leggings and a workout tank top or something that isn't too baggy. The reason for this is that sometimes I may need or want to try something on before I buy it, and many thrift stores don't have fitting rooms. It's also helpful to know your measurements, particularly for pants, since a lot of older pants are sized based on waist and height measurements rather than a regular number size.

3. Don't expect to find name brand or "current" items. 

It's a thrift store. All of the inventory is donated, so you're more than likely not going to find items that are brand new or necessarily "in season." The beauty of thrifting is that you find pieces that are unique and often vintage that you can create cool looks with. However, if you're patient and consistent, you just might get lucky and find a name brand item at a huge discount.

4. Don't be scared to look in sections outside of your regular size and/or gender. 

I find the BEST flannels in the men's section of the thrift store. (No lie, I have almost 20.) Sometimes things can be placed in the wrong size or style section, and the cutest size large skirt might end up in the small section. You never know, and it doesn't hurt to look!

5. Keep a list or even make a Pinterest board of items you want or styles you like. 

You don't have to stick to this list exactly, but sometimes it can be helpful to go in with at least an idea of what you're looking for so you don't end up wandering aimlessly around the store and not finding anything, or buying a ton of stuff you probably don't need or even really want.

6. Be cautious about damaged goods. 

Most thrift stores will negotiate with you on pricing when something has a hole in it or some sort of stain, but before you go to haggling, make sure it's really worth it. If an item has a noticeable stain in it, ask yourself if you will really be able to get it out. If a button is missing on a shirt, make sure that it is wearable without it, or you really know how to fix it. In addition to making sure obvious flaws are fixable, make sure there aren't any hidden flaws in the items you want. Check zippers and clasps a few times to make sure they work, and hold stuff up to the light to make sure there are no hidden stains.

7. Look for clothes you can upcycle. 

One of my favorite parts of thrifting is looking for clothes I can play with. For example. if you can't find any shorts in you size. look for a pair of jeans you can turn into cut-offs! If you find a shirt you love that is way too big or has a stain or tear on the bottom, you can always cut it up and/or turn it into a crop top! When you start looking for projects instead of pieces, thrifting can become way more fun.

8. Take a friend (or friends!) 

Not only does going with another person make any kind of shopping way more fun, but having a friend that knows your style (and your size) can help you find cool things you might have missed on your own!

9. Don't forget to check out the sections of the store outside of clothing. 

Make sure to do a quick sweep of the entire store, even if you were only planning on buying clothes. You never know what kind of cool furniture item or vintage book the store may have that could be gone the next time you come! If you find a piece of furniture or something that won't fit in your car right then, a lot of thrift stores will hold it for you if you ask, especially if you're a regular!

10. Try thrifting outside of your own neighborhood. 

It can be convenient to shop close to home. Sometimes the best thrift shops are a bit further away. Thrift stores in bigger cities or wealthier areas tend to have nicer items, but they might also be ore picked over. Thrift stores in small towns may have more unique items because less people shop there, but their inventory may not be updated as often. Shop around and find the store (or stores) that you love!

11. Know the return policy. 

It may come up that an item doesn't fit right once you get it home, and you might want to return it. Make sure you know what the return policy is for your store, just in case. Some of them offer store credit, some of them will give you cash back, and some of them don't accept returns at all.

12. Know what NOT to buy at the thrift store, too. 

For example, it's probably not a good idea to buy undergarments from the thrift store since everything there is used. Hats and other headwear can be a hit or miss too, because you don't know how hygienic the previous owner might have been (no cute hat is worth head lice from a stranger.) Shoes can also be iffy too. I always recommend buying shoes that don't have a lot of visible wear and tear. Stay away from any pair wear you can see the outline of the previous owner's foot!

13. Wash your purchases before you wear them. 

When buying used clothes, it's always a good idea to wash them before you wear them. More than likely the previous owner washed them before they were donated, but you never know! It's definitely better safe than sorry!

14. Consider thrifting online. 

There are tons of online thrift shopping platforms (like Poshmark) and some stores like Goodwill even have apps and websites you can use. There are also tons of virtual thrift stores on instagram that do the shopping for you and will ship items straight to your door!

 15. Have fun with it! 

Don't take thrifting too seriously, and don't feel bad if you don't find anything you love the first time you go. Thrifting is all about patience, and it might take more than half an hour of searching to find something you really want. Don't get discouraged, and don't feel bad if you discover thrifting just isn't for you!