20 essential dos and don'ts for secondhand shopping

Clothing sizes vary dramatically from brand to brand, and that's especially true when you're talking about vintage sizes. If you're shopping online or there isn't a dressing room at your favorite thrift shop, use a measuring tape to take your measurements in advance and keep them stored in a note on your phone. At the store, use the tape to measure the garment you've got your eye on to see if it's the perfect fit. 

If that gorgeous blouse doesn't quite fit right, it just wasn't meant to be. Unless you've got strong tailoring skills or want to spend possibly more on alterations than you spent on that blouse, skip it. That goes doubly for items that are too small — don't buy something just for the purpose of going on a diet to fit into it.

Most vintage or secondhand garments won't be in absolutely perfect shape, but some rips and tears are easier to contend with than others. If there's a who-knows-how-old stain on the front of something great, it's probably not going to come out. But, if there's a small rip in the armpit of a great jacket, that's something that can be easily remedied at home — or by a good tailor. 

In the age of the internet, it's very easy to find out the value of pretty much anything in just a few seconds. When you spot the perfect end table or a designer blazer, give the item a quick Google to make sure that the resale shop has it priced fairly. Sometimes, you'll get lucky and make a major score!

Some things, like solid wood furniture and cozy wool coats, never go out of style. While browsing vintage furniture or clothing, take a moment to check out the tags and maker marks to determine the quality and provenance of an item. 

Sometimes, you find the perfect armoire at a nearby resale shop, but the color's just all wrong. Fortunately, there's not much in the world of furniture that a coat of paint can't fix. Consider giving used furniture an upgrade via faux finishes, new drawer pulls and handles, and even fun shelf liners that provide visual appeal without breaking the bank. 

That $6 Instant Pot might seem like a good deal, but it's a total waste if you get it home and find that the thing won't even power up. Most thrift sellers have power strips or outlets nearby the appliances, and it just makes sense to give that cheapo lamp or vintage stereo a quick test drive. 

While you're out thrifting, kill two birds with one stone and drop off that bag of clothing that's been sitting around in your closet for months. Not only are you helping keep the selection fresh and helping the organization that runs the resale shop, but you're also making room for new finds! 

Sometimes, the vast selection of wares inside a thrift store or resale shop can just be too overwhelming to deal with. As such, it's easier to decide to go through one section — say, that massive rack of t-shirts or the housewares department — on a trip. That way, you can pay closer attention to items that you might miss like a cool band tee tucked into a back corner of the rack. 

At places like secondhand shops and flea markets, haggling is the name of the game. If you're interested in an item, make an offer. If the seller declines your offer, decide whether or not you're willing to pay the asking price or move on. There's no reason to be rude, but it doesn't hurt to ask. 

Sometimes, it's just easier to divide and conquer when you're staring down a massive antique mall. Grab a friend who's also got an itch to go thrifting, and split up the store if you're pinched for time. Using phones, you can text items that the other person would love back and forth without having to walk the entire space. 

Some items, like car seats and bicycle helmets, just shouldn't be bought secondhand. When buying items that could have safety risks, make sure to inspect them thoroughly for any damage, or safest, just skip them altogether. 

Most fast fashion garments (think cheap Forever 21 tees and H&M skirts) just aren't made to last. Skip the cheaply made pieces in favor of quality, classic items from brands that can stand the test of time. 

Over the past few decades, designer knockoffs have gotten harder and harder to differentiate from their authentic counterparts. If you do stumble upon a haute couture piece in the wild, ask yourself if the price is too good to be true. Otherwise, be on the lookout for hallmarks — bad threading, irregular logo placement — that could indicate this piece is a total fake. 

Scoring a thrift gem can be a source of real exhilaration, but it isn't a win that generally comes easy! Take your time and browse through the racks, looking through piles of books, and other collections of secondhand items — often, the best pieces are hidden behind less-interesting items! 

When thrifting, it's easy to get caught up in the bargains — for many of us, it's tough to pass up a deal on a $13 skirt. But if you never wear the $13 skirt, then it's just wasted money. If you don't absolutely love a piece, skip it. 9 times out of 10, you won't regret that decision in the long run. 

There's nothing more inconsistent than the sizing of clothing, especially vintage pieces. If a piece looks like it will fit, try it on! Often, you'll be surprised. 

Recently, it's been a trend on TikTok for teens to buy garments three or four sizes up, then either wear them oversized or tailored to fit, and that is a real bummer for those who actually wear those sizes. Plus size clothing is already hard enough to find — leave those pieces for folks who need them. 

Thrifting and vintage shopping make it really easy to experiment with looks that are decidedly more exciting than anything at the department store. Dying to try a killer pair of bell-bottoms? Score the real thing from a vintage shop. 

This should be obvious, but unscrupulous thieves steal countless items from vintage shops and thrift stores every year. Considering that these shops are often either small businesses or a source of revenue for nonprofits like women's shelters, they need all the cash they can get.