Thrift stores like Goodwill have graced the strip malls and small town streets of America with their endless aisles of unwanted clothes. The idea that someone would toss out their excellent condition and still-trendy articles of clothing seems quite alien to a lot of the teenagers who are striving to keep up with current style trends.

Most teenagers would rather flock to name brand stores where all of their friends shop to have peace of mind that they are buying the exact same types of clothing. Just the mention of secondhand stores leaves some people thinking of a landfill for clothing, but it’s so much more.

It’s important to view any thrift store as a type of scavenger hunt or like searching for Easter eggs because there are hidden treasures among the crammed closet hangers. At first glance you’ll see your grandparents’ typical outfits, followed by some clothes you remember wearing back in middle school, but through quickly sorting through the clothes a few eye-catching items will appear.

My first time taking time to look through the ceaseless racks of clothing left me shocked as a pile of clothes I’d actually wear began to pile up in my shopping cart. I’d find shirts I already owned in different colors! Before long, a mound amassed itself and it was time for the next very important stage – the changing room.

This part is admittedly a little sketchy, but aren’t all dressing rooms? It’s fun to see just how quickly you can try all of the items on, like the speed round in Jeopardy – too big, too small, major stains – and voila! A pile of rejects occupies the floor and the glimmering survivors of the changing rooms await purchase.

Some days thrift stores will have color tag sales, discount days or other specials ongoing so be on the lookout for those savings. Regardless of any additional discounts, the price someone could spend on a t-shirt at a name brand store could translate to twelve or more shirts salvaged from the secondhand store!

This summer I spent less than $80 at a variety of thrift stores and came out with a brand new wardrobe. Coming from a person who never gave secondhand stores much thought – trust me, it’s worth the adventure.