“Hey, I have that same (insert clothing article here) at home!”. That’s always a source of annoyance. There are stylish alternatives to the local mall that’s trafficked by your friends and family alike. Thrift shop shopping is not relegated to solely the working poor, hipster or keen teen. There’s fashion treasure to be found between the moth eaten racks of secondhand goods, if only you take the time to look.
One thing worth mentioning is to not, I repeat NOT let price be the sole determining factor when making a purchase. What is cheap, is sometimes just that…………CHEAP! Go in with a specific goal in mind. If you’re looking for a vintage suit, don’t go rummaging through the slacks. You may fall victim to “rack fatigue”.
It will be difficult to find that slim 60’s tailored suit that drapes just right, but you will have luck finding the seperates. Sleeves, length and midsection of a jacket can be sized by a tailor worth his salt, but if the shoulders drop wrong, fuggedaboutit!
As for a quality dress shirt, that is a much harder find. They tend to be subjected to more abuse than a suit, but should you be lucky enough to find a Turnbull & Asser cotton oxford cloth shirt, it will be worth the effort. A well-made cotton dress can last decades. Always opt for natural fibers as opposed to artificial fibers such as polyester or polyester blends, which are inferior quality and don’t have the same life in them…..and it shows.
Shoes are another great item to seek out at unconventional stores. Men's shoes can be resoled, so pay attention to the quality; the upper may be leather, but many times the inside is vinyl……“All that glitters…..”. Look for shoes that outlast fashion and are timeless, like wingtips, brogues or monk straps. In the past, aristocrats used to have their butlers wear their shoes for a period in order to break them in, so think of yourself as ahead of the curve.
Thrift Stores
The typical thrift store, like Goodwill, operates primarily on donations from the public. Because there is never a lack of inventory. While this lends itself to extremely modest pricing, it also comes as no surprise that the premium “pickins” are slim. Remember their ultimate goal is to provide clothing for the poor, and pay bills with the rest.
When scavenging thrift stores for clothing, it requires a discriminating eye, as many of the items damaged. Any merchandise left too long is also given a second and third life via being shipped overseas to other countries in need.
Consignment Shops/ Flea Market
Consignment shops run on the premise that consumers sell them their goods, which the store resells at below retail. They also sometimes allow the consumer to showcase their goods at the store and upon sale, the proceeds are shared. Clothes tend to be out-of-style collections. Flea markets are great for all sorts of accessories: tie bars, collar bars, cuff links, studs. I personally have purchased gold/ ebony Christian Dior cufflinks valued at over $250, for under $20.
Vintage Shops
Vintage shops are in another class than the average thrift store, and also tend to be more expensive than the typical consignment store. Vintage shops are privately owned boutiques and shops catering to fashionably estute customers. Whether that is based on era or distinctive style, they are prone to pricing their items based on their exclusivity. Selection is awesome and you most certainly will not see someone else wearing the same thing, but rest assured, you will pay accordingly for this.
Flaws will abound, but the trick is in discerning the defect. Will that stain come out? Can a tailor fix that? Is that noticeable? Do not rationalize simply because the item is pre-owned. Practicality should reign supreme.
I stressed this before but I can’t say it enough, do not buy anything that you are not comfortable wearing or that can be easily gotten new, for fairly the same price. Finally, think about what you’re trying to accomplish. While aiming for that quality, vintage look may be your goal, you don’t want to look like you’re wearing a costume. Happy hunting, it’s addictive!
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