Ready to unlock the secrets of finding second-hand high-quality fashion brands? Dive into the world of thrift stores and vintage boutiques with me! From demystifying vintage sizing, uncovering coveted brands, and exploring our signature Thrifting 101 course! Join me in mastering the art of sustainable style. Ready to discover the timeless allure of second-hand elegance? Let’s dive in!

What’s the Difference Between Thrift vs Specialty Vintage/Consignment Shops

Thrift vs consignment/vintage. You can find great vintage options at both types of stores; however, consignment and vintage shops are pre-curated, meaning you will likely pay a little more because high-quality pieces have been curated, repaired/cleaned, and presented to you. Thrift shopping requires a deeper dig, but you will likely pay far less. Most of these tips are specific to shopping at thrift stores.

Where to Search Within Second-hand Shops

Start at the Women’s Long Jacket/Rain Jacket rack. Regardless of your size, begin at the smallest and make your way through to the largest. The reason for this is two-fold; shoppers will often pull and re-hang jackets in the incorrect spot AND if thrift store staff don’t understand the nuances surrounding vintage sizing, they will often categorize jackets as being much larger than they are.

After going through the women’s jackets, head to the Men’s Long Jacket/Rain Jacket rack. There will be far less to go through in this section, however, many women’s jackets are mis- hung here and, depending on what size you are looking for, men’s trench coats often give the perfect oversized fit.

Be Aware of Vintage Sizing

Vintage sizing is approximately four sizes larger than modern (“vanity”) sizing. This means if you are a size 8 in contemporary clothing, you are a size 12 in most vintage clothes.

Want to master the art of finding second-hand high-quality fashion brands??

High-quality Brands To Look For

London Fog Towne (by London Fog)
Pierre Cardin
Tomme
Niccolini Sequence (by Sears)
Collection Elegante (Division of Thunder Bay)
Mallia

What You Need to Know About Alterations

Keep in mind that the price of purchasing thrifted vintage (including any necessary alterations) is often still less than buying new. This is to say nothing of the fact that NO new carbon emissions were emitted to produce the item.

Don’t be discouraged if you find the perfect jacket but the length is off, the sleeves need to be hemmed, the buttons need to be re-fastened, etc. There are many talented and reasonably priced tailors in the Toronto-Hamilton area.

Need help finding the perfect piece? Consider our customized shopping service tailored to your specific goals. Presenting our Thrifting 101 course.

Thrift shopping is a skill that we are confident we can teach. Through this service, you will learn what racks to look at, how to read clothing tags, what origin countries and fabric contents to note, what sections to spend time in and why, and how to replicate a trend using thrifted pieces. Who knew shopping second-hand could have such depth? Seriously, though, the list goes on.

Want to master the art of finding second-hand high-quality fashion brands??