05 Jan 5 Common Thrift Shopping Myths & Misconceptions

It’s no secret that thrift shopping has become chic and some people {self included!} proudly show off their thrift store scores. But you would be amazed at the horrible thrift shopping myths I constantly hear. And I’m sure you’ve heard them too or maybe you even believe a few.

From the cleanliness to the sizes they include, below are 5 common myths about thrift shopping and why you should debunk them ASAP!

1. Thrift Shopping is Dirty!
This couldn’t be further from the truth. I understand some people look at thrift shopping as dirty because you’re rummaging through someone else’s clothes. But let me tell you a little secret, when you try on and wear clothes from the department store, you’re also most likely wearing someone else’s clothes {whether someone previously tried them on and/or wore the garments and then returned them}! It’s seriously a psychological thing that people just can’t get over the thought of wearing clothes that once belonged to another person. I’ve been thrifting for 10+ years and I know a lot of thrifters, but I don’t personally know anyone who’s ever had issues with bedbugs or any outbreaks. Of course you should always sanitize your thrifted clothes and accessories before you buy them. I even have an entire section in my book on how to clean your thrift store clothes.

2. Thrift Shopping is Competitive and Intimidating!
Well, this is kinda sorta true. But let me explain first. Yes, the thrift shopping scene can be much to handle and shoppers get a bit intense since there’s just one of one item in store, versus having a variety of sizes. So that’s where the competition comes in. However, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. When you walk in with a loose thrift wish list and even bring a friend to shop with you, the task becomes much less daunting. Thrift shopping should be fun and a treasure hunt!

3. You Can’t Find Plus Sizes at Thrift Shops
I’m not plus size, but I can tell you I’ve seen many plus options at the thrift shop. Think about it, women and men of all sizes are donating their clothes, so you’re going to get a variety of sizes in the donations. Also, since the average American is plus, you won’t have a hard time finding sizes 14 and up. Trust me, it’s not just skinny folks who are donating clothes. But obviously with any extreme {extra petite, really tall, sizes 22/24+}, you may have to dig a bit harder. Bottom line, you can be a plus size girl and thrift shop with the best of them!

4. Thrifting Takes Hours
I’ve had a few thrift marathons that have lasted hours and involved visiting a few shops, but it doesn’t always have to be that way. You can have a successful thrift shopping excursion that doesn’t take up your entire day. And I even find the longer you stay in a store, the more inclined you are to just keep spending {or overspending!}. So don’t let a supposed lack of time keep you from thrift shopping. However, if you’re new to thrift shopping I suggest giving yourself an hour to just get your feet wet.

5. Thrift Stores Are Unorganized and the Clothes are Outdated
One of the reasons people think thrifting requires hours of work is because they envision an average store to look like a massive explosion of random clothes. I’ve seen some pretty horrible looking thrift shops, but many of them are organized and even grouped by color and garments! Since thrift shopping has become so suddenly chic, most stores now understand they have to make it as easy as possible for shoppers to get in and out with ease. Also, you typically don’t have to forage through outdated, out of season clothes. Fashion is so cyclical so you’ll find vintage garments that will never go out of style and contemporary fashion from your favorite designers and fast fashion retailers.

These are just a few of the common thrift shopping myths I constantly hear uttered and that seem to deter people from entering the thrift shop. It’s time to debunk these crazy myths and remove the intimidation from thrifting!

What are common thrift shopping myths you’ve heard? Did you ever have your own myths about thrifting?