HOW TO THRIFT (from a professional thrifter!) find the BEST STUFF at the thrift store 👀

[@annethomas6905]

Carry a couple of AA batteries with you to test clocks etc while in store.

[@KathleenIllustrated]

Great idea! Also, how did you see this video?! It was unlisted when you commented haha you sneaky sneaker!!!

[@bastelkiste2242]

Wow, genius😊

[@annethomas6905]

Hmmm. I'm in the UK, and it was on your video playlist...Maybe the KZbin Gods just know I'm an enthusiastic fan of your site so gave me a sneaky peek for good attendance 😜

[@KathleenIllustrated]

I think so!!! You got to attend the premiere! 🎉🪩

[@daniellefreiwah]

@@KathleenIllustrated Even when your videos are unlisted, if you put them in a playlist then your subscribers can watch them. Same thing happened to me and i realized I needed to wait until the video was live to add it to a playlist 😅

[@REnos811]

One time me and a pal have found divorce paperwork inside a purse at the thrift . . . so theres that

[@KathleenIllustrated]

….. 👀 the type of drama only found at the thrift store!

[@user9391]

we found a kid’s Steven Universe oc’s in a little box :3

[@avastoyboxandarcade]

@@user9391 awww!

[@bread8439]

@user that's so sweet and sad at the same time

[@tessarae9127]

I found someone’s weed jar the other day, my high school self would have been sooo jealous 😅

[@disco_kitchen]

Another tip for cleaning dry clean only items! I got this one from a Hollywood costume designer. Spray them with a clear alcohol (like a high proof vodka) to neutralize odors / kill bacteria. I especially like to do this on the lining of vintage winter coats or blazers. I flip them inside out, spray them, and let them dry out in the sun. Works like a charm! The alcohol scent doesn’t linger. Especially if you let them dry out in the open air.

[@kalka1l]

Came here to say this! Also baking soda and distilled water overnight soak for cigarette stench followed by a thorough rinse and lay it out to try on a bush of some ankle high or taller grass. Nature’s oxi-clean even better on cloudy days so less sun damage risk.

[@LAVA-el5yt]

Vodka is my best thrift store secret!! I would really like to find a way to get perfumes and laundry detergent smell out more easily though.

[@lindseycray139]

You can also do this with your stinky shoes. I work in the healthcare and I spray my whole shoes when I come home from work.

[@kalka1l]

@@lindseycray139Yes! We healthcare workers learn all the ‘how to get stink out’ tricks either by industry or from the knowledge vaults our patients possess.

[@kalka1l]

@@LAVA-el5yt have you tried sunlight and a patch of grass/bush? Honestly I did not believe it would work until I tried it.

[@renbdesigns]

we thrift, we gift, and we uplift (amen)

[@jodiblackman7838]

Oh I love this!

[@Goatythemeow]

amen

[@cosmic_chaos_inc]

I've got one golden thrifting tip. it's super specific but has saved my sanity. So I had been searching for large planters for ages, found dozens of cute smaller ones but none that would fit my larger plants. Then I discovered that vintage cooking pots are the perfect substitute. They are often times left behind in the cooking section, because they are less practical than modern cookware and may even have rusty spots, but you can find the cutest enamel pots with super decorative motifs that have a good size and can get a second lease on life as planters.

[@KathleenIllustrated]

yes!!! love this, saskia!!!! i need to keep my eye out for some vintage cook vessels!

[@neonlacee]

I LOVE THIS! Definitely trying next time I'm at the thrift store. Large planters are very high on my list, and I haven't had the best success with yard sales like I thought I would. Thank you for this golden tip!!!

[@Desaki65]

I grab large mugs for my "just grabbed this small plant from the box store" purchases! It's so adorable, and I get to show my interests, from Camp Crystal Lake and bats to Hello Kitty and Japanese pottery glazing!

[@gbjockey7]

Guy sections are also a great place to find "nerdy" graphic tees because for some reason no one makes "nerdy" tees for women :')

[@ragdollrose2687]

I love to check the men's side for cool shirts and even pants! I usually have to alter my pants anyways because my butt is way bigger than my waist, so I just look for bigger sizes for men's pants knowing I'll alter them to fit me better later 😊

[@tiinan375]

This is annoying as a guy cause we already have limited clothing options, we don’t need women coming to pick out the good things as well.

[@ragdollrose2687]

@@tiinan375 what if... you ventured out into the women's section? 🫢 Could be a fun exercise in style! But no, I get it, it's limited for men. Men fashion in general is pretty boring tbh. You're more than welcome to look in any see in any section if something catches your eye. You might be surprised! If something is oversized enough, it can be altered to fit your proportions better. Free yourself from the confines of gendering clothing 🥲

[@Livi-i8e]

@@tiinan375Shop in the women’s section! When my man and I thrift together, we look in both sections for both of us. Sometimes you find good stuff for men in the women’s section!! We found a great shirt that he really liked. (I do empathize with your struggle though because thrift shopping for a man is pretty difficult.)

[@joefromfamilyguy3952]

@@tiinan375ok

[@karisap]

My thrift tip (and general shopping lesson) is, if you're hesitant on whether or not you want it, you don't. Too many items I was on the fence about and then bought because I was afraid to let it go... and now I regret it! Get to know your style and what you're looking for, and get ready to be patient until you find just what that is. Now that I have all my essential items built up, I try to only commit to buying the items that I'm really passionate about.

[@KathleenIllustrated]

Yes! Love this Karisa 💕

[@stephaniehuerta1358]

Idk. After I went home I regretted getting this really cute slip dress

[@sarahkinsey5434]

Feeling of Missing Out (FOMO) is really hard

[@andshereadstoo7809]

YES! I think once or twice in years I found myself regretting leaving sth behind at a thrift, most times I convince myself to buy and its never right for me, go with gut instinct lol

[@mandeliongardens]

My mom’s best advice ever: If you have to think about something that hard, the answer is No.

[@batastrophe]

In addition to the advice on thrifting in tourist-y areas, some of the best thrift stores are around colleges! Especially around dorm move-out time. Lots of unique and cool things can be found around in thrifts near colleges.

[@susanma4899]

This is true. I have also trash picked some amazing things that students just put in the trash--like an enormous covered pan from All-Clad that had never been used and a big orange Kipling tote bag. I still use both of those to this day.

[@LIMABN]

Students often have very nice linens, especially bedding, that doenst get taken home at end of school year.

[@Livi-i8e]

*lives near two college towns* OH REALLY??? 😁

[@stephaniem1107]

I know I'm super late to this party but for anyone who is going through the comments at a later date like me, my tip is to actually avoid shops that state they are 'Vintage' or 'Antique' shops. I've found that they hike the prices right up because it's trendy. I've even found some vintage stores where a lot of the clothes are really damaged or need a lot of work done to be wearable so a total waste of money. Also when going to little thift shops I recommend carrying cash with you as some independent stores are cash only!

[@britcee]

More Laundry tips! Cold - If you live somewhere cold, put your hard-to-wash items outside for a few hours or overnight, this works great for woolies and dry-clean-only items; it's naturally anti-bacterial, can help remove some smells and just generally refreshes everything. (this also works if you have a deep freeze). My Gran grew up on a trapline (Indigenous Canadian) and her tip was always to put your fur or fur-trimmed items outside when it is SUPER cold (below -20 c) and all of the hair will naturally stand back up. Warm - Never underestimate the power of sunshine and fresh air. When my Gran owned her antique store she always washed linens in cold with a vinegar rinse and then line-dried everything. Sometimes you can fade certain stains with sunlight and it also helps get rid of musty smells as well.

[@KathleenIllustrated]

Your gran provided so much amazing info, thank you for sharing her wisdom!! ❤

[@abigailsease2250]

I've heard you can also clean wool really well on snow when it's freezing or below. You basically spread it on top of the snow in a shaded area (to prevent fading) and leave it overnight, making sure to flip it halfway through. The snow pulls the dirt out and the cold freshens up any smells or mustiness.

[@britcee]

@@abigailsease2250 Snow washing! You can also rub snow into the fibers and then tap it out. It's a really good technique for cleaning rugs.

[@janelte]

@@britcee And fleeces (ie sheepskin, cowhide etc, not the acrylic stuff)

[@fashionfortier1786]

Tip for getting sticker tags off of shoes/home goods is to use a hair dryer to warm up the adhesive. Usually peels off in one solid piece👌🏻, doesn’t leave residue, and doesn’t pull off finishes/paint/rip paper

[@karisap]

love this! I'll also say if it's something you can get wet (dishes for example, or even glass from frames), sometimes just running it under water and even letting it sit for a bit can help eat through the residue. I spent way too long trying to painstakingly pick off some very stubborn tags from my dishes until I realized how easy it was to just soak it a bit and bam, off it came!

[@Sofia-cx9dq]

lemon essential oil is also very good at getting off residue from stickers

[@help809]

rubbing alcohol also works to get remaining glue off i used 70% to get some off my books dust cover

[@ianmacdonald8075]

This might sound obvious but PLEASE inspect your items closely before buying. The worst feeling is getting home with a super cute top only to find a rip, a missing button or an awful stain (and especially if you’re not willing to fix it)

[@KathleenIllustrated]

So true, Ian!!

[@RioRav]

Definetly! But also remember you can find huge button stashes at the thrift for pennies and its a great investment because changing a button (or even changing all the buttons to make a piece more interesting) is really not that big of a job as people think, it's infact a great little project while you watch your favourite show and keeps the grubby fingers from getting a hold of too many snacks 😂

[@RioRav]

And for stains that cant be removed I have gotten into the easy fabric dyes that you just put in the washing machine and wash as regular. They work fantastic they cost like a fiver in my country and work on many (not all though) fabrics! I just redid a white summerdress with a green tea stain and a big poofy linen blouse-dress in a sort of grossly creamy color into vibrant lovely yellow pieces to live my summer sunflower fantasy 🌻

[@RioRav]

( Okay I wasn't gonna mention the rips but 😅 cant help myself.) Thinking creatively if an object is already colorful making a patch can be something that barely shows and if its not, maybe it can be made into the statement piece with the repair. Two kathleen videos come to mind: one where she covers a white shirt with little embroidered flower details and the one where she makes the big pants with the flower reverse appliqués. Cutting the rip to be a more defined shape and adding contrasting fabrics under it is a pretty simple diy technique that I bet you could also do with fabric qlue and theres also a bunch of really cool and beautiful appliqués usually at: you guessed it thrift stores! I literally just yesterday bought four pieces of vintage brown and yellow iron on butterfly 🦋 appliqués to add to a boring purse that has a little stain :)

[@StarlightSovereign]

My favorite thrift tip is...go in with a top budget and refuse to go over it. I usually give myself say $30 on a once-monthly thrift-day outing with my friends. If we're going to 5 stores, I will have to try to stay around $6 each to keep under budget. I'm super strict about that budget, so it helps me put back things I don't *really* want. As a craft goblin, it's hard to turn down craft supplies, but if I don't have a project in mind, or it's not an item I would always use, I don't necessarily need it right now. I can't remember anything I put back last time I went thrifting. That's a good thing.

[@no1pinkjellybean]

my favorite, is jeans for women placed in the men's section. some times I'll see men wearing women's jeans, and I think "you must have bought those at a thrift store"

[@Allycat101010]

I still feel a little embarrassed looking at the men's pants, but I've found some excellent outdoor briar-proof trousers that I guess looked rugged enough to go there, and they're a godsend. I always recommend giving it a look if you're on the hunt for good jeans/canvas pants.

[@leifmeadows3782]

Perhaps, or perhaps they simply like the feel/fit of women's pants better, for reasons I don't understand because I feel the opposite way.

[@disco_kitchen]

Oh and one more tip: decals and paint can be shaved off glass with the edge of a razor blade. I recently found a sweet glass water bottle that was merch for some company I’d never heard of. The logo came right off!

[@charlottewinchester4461]

A tip for if you’re looking to unravel things for yarn, make sure the inside seams are sewn together and not surged! You can tell sewn seams because they’re a little bulky. Surged seams mean the yarn is cut every row and it won’t unravel well, you’ll end up with lots of lengths of yarn. Seamed items will unravel more easily in a continuous thread :)

[@meganc16]

Not thrift specific, but if you find that your clothes take too long to air dry, a dehumidifier is life changing !! I live in a cold & damp climate where it often takes days for clothes to air dry, but our clothes almost always dry in 24hrs with it - even jeans & heavy jumpers. Lighter items usually dry overnight. Plus it's waaaay cheaper than running a dryer !!

[@PrettyStrange3032]

For washing wool and natural fibers I highly recommend a laundry soap called Rebel Green! It's made from soap nuts and doesn't have a lots of suds, so it won't shrink your wool.

[@KathleenIllustrated]

love this! thank you rosa!

[@blo0dchild]

Soap nuts?

[@idefkdudes]

​​@@blo0dchildi use straight soap nuts for laundry, so i can help here! soap nuts are.. well they're natural, actual nuts. i use their shells (a few in a little cotton bag) as laundry soap. they have a waxy coating on their shells that serves really well. i don't know much of the science behind this plant, but it's really cool! you can also reuse those shells for a few loads of laundry, 3 or 4 i'd say, until the soapy coating washes off & leaves dry, crispy bits behind. doesn't have much of a scent to me (i can't smell much tbh) but i've been told it's light & woody. so that detergent above i guess uses the coating, plus other ingredients? very cool! edit: whoops this was long!

[@sarahmalecki7804]

I try to bring stuff to donate whenever I go thrifting, even if it’s just a few items, so that I can keep clutter in check

[@ColeChickering]

Hopefully you won't mind if I play devil's advocate here on DRY CLEAN ONLY. I'd say don't be afraid to just have things actually dry cleaned! When I was younger I just assumed that dry cleaners were for rich and fancy people and that I couldn't possibly set foot inside one. Eventually I ended up acquiring lots of secondhand dry clean only wool sweaters, jackets, and other things that were just so cumbersome and annoying to hand wash and lay out to dry at home. So I screwed up the courage to take them to the dry cleaner and... it was fine! The dry cleaner is just like any other service you might use, it's not exclusive or even expensive. Most dry clean only clothes don't even need to be cleaned that often, maybe once or twice a year with regular wear. Just my 2 cents here, take it or leave it, but it's okay to just take the easy way out in my opinion ;)

[@KathleenIllustrated]

I love this take, cole!! I think there’s also something very respectful about taking an item to be dry cleaned - it shows you really value it and want to keep it around for a long time (which is the goal). Thank you so much!

[@neonlacee]

Playing devil's advocate to your comment - dry cleaning is expensive (in my experience) and isn't accessible for everyone. It's also very hard on our environment and the folks working in the industry. For me, I take stuff in to be dry cleaned only if I need a deep clean or if I'm going to wear the item for a special occasion. Otherwise I 100% believe in spot cleaning and handwashing as needed. Otherwise - I agree that it's an easy way out and if it works for you then go for it. It's just not the only answer!

[@leifmeadows3782]

Where I live, dry cleaning isn't that expensive, but I still don't want to do it for things I'd wear on a daily basis. I have a suit or two that are dry clean only but I only wear suits MAYBE once or twice a year, so it doesn't bother me. That being said, one time I checked the labels on my clothes, and I had a few "Dry clean only" shirts that had been going through the washer and dryer for years with no ill effects. So frankly unless it is something like a suit or fancy dress, I am extremely skeptical of labels.

[@HeatherFonseca]

I agree with you. I have winter coats and will blazers dry cleaned about once a year before they go into back of closet seasonal storage.

[@nothark]

Not big on clothes thrifting, but I work in a shop that specializes in t-shirt decoration, so maybe some of these will help! - Comfort Colors (my favorite) are pigment dyed, so be careful washing them with white clothes you want to keep white - Bella Canvas shirts say "Bella" on the tag if they are ladies (fitted), and "Canvas" if they are unisex (less fitted) - If you stretch a screenprint shirt and it cracks, it was not cured hot enough and won't last but a couple of years (unless it's already an old screenprint shirt, and then it's gonna crack anyway) - It's hard to tell a good and bad transfer shirt unless you wear and wash them. Good transfers usually give the shirt design a stretchier quality, and cheap ones will be papery and crack after 1-2 washes - Not really a thrift tip, but big shirt designs will get sweaty. If the ink covers a huge area on the back, your back is gonna be a waterfall. Maybe don't wear those in the summer...

[@user-ov4wr5yu4r]

We live in Hong Kong. Large plastic designs are absolutely banned.

[@tracyhuckaby5876]

Great tips. I love using thrifted cake stands and trifle bowls to put my plants on for height and uniqueness.

[@KathleenIllustrated]

ooooo such a great idea, tracy!!

[@faeriesmak]

That’s a great idea!

[@hanonymous1233]

oooooh, great tip!!

[@L3Arm]

Thrifting favorite while traveling: bring your essential base layers, thrift for top layers while there, and donate what you don't want to keep when you are ready to leave for home. Learned this for the first time when living in England for 5 months. The next time, I took half as much, and some of it nearly worn out. I thrifted for what I wanted while there, then left half of it behind. Dressing local is really fun when in a country with a national costume. Skip the tourist traps and buy the real thing second hand for a fraction of the price (e.g. trachten and dirndls in Munich).

[@ravenparker1050]

Amazing tips! I don't know if someone mentioned it but I carry a roll-up tape measurer wherever I go. That way I can just take my measurements at home and then measure at the store. Like if my hips were 44 inches around, I'd measure the waist band of pants or a skirt and need about 21-22 inches across. You can measure every part you like this way like the inseam of your pants, the width of your thighs, width of your arms, etc and get a perfect fit in places where you can't try things on. Tape measurer is also super useful for measuring furniture or really anything. Sometimes I'm at the thrift just measuring stuff......

[@sydh7490]

yes! they have free roll up tape measures at ikea so i took a few and keep them in my car and purses 😀

[@dyanalayng5507]

Terrific tip! Think I'm missing out on a lot of jeans because the viewed waist looks too big / too small. As a 5' petite, capris are usually Just The Right Length.

[@femininist]

Yes this is my method too! I have a mini tape measure keychain and it is so convenient to use since I always have it in hand. Using body measurements for thrifting and buying vintage has been such a game changer, especially if you have body/weight changes.

[@carochan86]

T You cn use your neck to estomate of a skirt or pants fit. For pants or skirts at 22 inches for example fits side to side around your neck then it most likely will fit .

[@omniscient.nescience]

Yes! I have one attached tk my keys, and while my superpower is being able to know whether things will fit me just by eye, it's still always good to double check, and I also use it for jewelry

[@slapperorange]

For gift wrapping we always use old wallpaper. You get funky prints and you can reuse them for years

[@bluewolf.cosplay]

The checking stuff is very true, my mom and Aunt worked in a salvation army for awhile and while sorting found a coat that had a lot of money in the pocket, knowing it was a little old lady who brought it in at the time they sat it off to the side to hold for her and when she came back looking was over the moon thankful to my mom and aunt and I believe even tried to give them a good deal of said money just for being good people

[@MissNurseNoir]

Regarding cigarette smoke: I packed a very cig saturated, mostly cotton ralph lauren top in baking soda and sealed it in a big Tupperware container for a month or so, then washed it (after shaking off the baking soda) on a cold water cycle with regular unscented detergent and a cup of vinegar, then I let it air dry. The smoke smell is gone. This might get different results on detergent fabrics but it hasn't let me down yet 🎉 I've just discovered your channel and I love it! I've been thrifting since I was 15 and one thing i know for sure as that there's always new tips to learn.

[@hepcatliz]

oh! if you're sourcing sweaters to take apart for the yarn, check the kids section and the dress section! I've found suuuuper soft knit cashmere wool dresses in both sections. They made amazing cozy blankets 👍

[@hepcatliz]

I also check the scarves, and the bedding sections! Found some handknit and crocheted gems over the years, some I kept, some I unravelled 😅

[@sassyc4485]

TIP: You can also hold cashmere up to the sun light to spot tiny holes. (Near the store Window) Happy Thrifting!!

[@sothisispermanence1898]

Bug hole cashmere is my favorite!

[@cinemaocd1752]

More on avoiding dry cleaning: the only thing I would dry clean is a blazer or jacket that is tailored with interfacing/lining. These things will shift in the wash and get ruined. I do spot cleaning first and then if that doesn't work submerge just the effected area, first in a weak soap solution and then in cold water. I will gently squeeze the water out. Hanging clothes outside in the sun helps get rid of odors and stains on white fabric. The big trick every person who does cloth diapers learns: there is no stain that won't come out in the sun...

[@e.malloy7530]

Love the sniff test tip! Bonus info - if you have something that is really stinky and vinegar isn't doing the trick, try enzyme based laundry soap (aka Nature's Miracle for pet/animal odors) Humans (and thrift goblins) are animals and sometimes that will do the trick. (Edit: This is super helpful if you live in a place where it's winter and the sun is only out for 10 minutes a day.)

[@dyanalayng5507]

Terrific tip!

[@Cassandra-..-]

If something is delicate or intricately embellished but has stains, there is a detergent called Retro Clean for whitening up vintage linens that works well. Soak the item overnight in Retro Clean in the hottest water the garment will allow, and rinse it the next day. Hang outside if you can. Gentle but effective.

[@MustardSeedish]

I'm addicted to your channel. My tip for thrifting is to go at the end or the beginning of the month. Many people close escrow at that time and tend to donate liberally.

[@KathleenIllustrated]

Ooo love this tip! Also I’m so pumped that you’re enjoying the channel!!! Thanks for being here :)

[@knitsoft]

Last year I thrifted some 1994 print deep red wrapping paper with Christmas instruments and greenery all over it. I LOVE that wrapping paper. It was a real joy to see under our equally vintage looking tree.

[@honeybdream]

Oh I love 90s christmas decor/items!!

[@ZaDussault]

Also ALWAYS Brink some kleenex/towels and hand wash gel. Or wet wipes. Because sometimes, you will touch something absolutely filthy and staying safe is a must

[@CentraalStationK]

Also for delicate natural materials: don't forget hand washing in a sink or basket. Less friction/risk of distortion. Can leave it in only shortly if you're worried

[@sarahkinsey5434]

I gently swirl my cashmere sweater inside out in a bucket. I don't sweat much and wear an undershirt for warmth so it doesn't get that dirty

[@bethknapp4935]

You can use plates and small saucers as wall art as well. Just get some plate hangers, they are cheap and come in different sizes.Yay I'm a goblin!!! ❤

[@KathleenIllustrated]

This is the perfect goblin-y thrift tip! Love it ❤️🥰

[@jbennett3067]

One of my favorite things to do at thrift stores is look for weird stuff. Even if you don't find treasures you want to take home, you can easily find something to snap a picture of and text to your friend for a good laugh.

[@danagoldinger4537]

Spray an odorous item with vodka in a spray bottle , than hang in the sun to dry. It will take care of a lot of different odors. It has worked on smoke smell! Works really well on vintage clothes!

[@MMHay16]

With linen I always do just throw it in the washer and dryer. It's actually super heat resistant so the only thing you have to worry about is wrinkles, but as long as you're not afraid to give it a little iron you should be just dandy!

[@KathleenIllustrated]

Love it! Thank you, m’lady!!! ⛈️

[@no1pinkjellybean]

A spray bottle with ( I think) 2 parts water a 1 part vodka, spray on armpits of clothing to get the smell out. I learned this from theater class for costumes

[@KathleenIllustrated]

Boom! The only good use for that wretched liquid (I’m more of a gin girl myself 😉) Thank you!!!

[@rixanoz]

As a moss grown thrift goblin, this is exactly what I thrive on 🥰

[@KathleenIllustrated]

grow big and strong, mossy friend!!! 🌱

[@dashamanshina]

I've got a few for you! All are knit-related 1) if you're unsure what to do with your knits, google how knitters block their knits. it's the same thing that you can do for any knits you've bought 2) if you're looking for sweaters to unravel, look on the inside. best option is no seams. it means a few things: makers took a lot of care to actually design it to size. and also you'll get a long continuous piece of yarn 3) if the knitted piece has a seam with thread ends poking out, don't bother to unravel: it means pieces were cut from a bigger piece and you'll get many short pieces of yarn you can't really use for knitting 4) if the knitted garment is seamed, and the seam looks tidy, then you can def use it for knitting. but first carefully cut the seam. it most probably will be seamed with a thin polyester/cotton thread you'll be able to see. take care to only cut the seaming thread though 5) before you start unravelling, google how people wind skeins of yarn. for example 'wind yarn with a chair' (trust me!). also, then take care of your yarn the same way that spinners do it

[@bygoditsfullofstars]

3:47 I know you said to avoid hanging clothes whilst drying to avoid shrinking but, as someone who is very small and has a lot of trouble fitting even XS clothes at times im keeping that tip! Now im gonna start hanging my clothes while they dry so theyll fit me a little better. You just provided me with an accidental life hack, thank you so much for that!

[@modernghost0]

My mom and I always measure pants by wrapping it around our waist and hips. It should go a little past the center. If you're going from belly button to spine, you actually want it to go probably to the opposing edge of the spine to account for weight fluctuation (hate getting pants that fit perfect until you eat a good meal) and the material it's made of. Definitely encourage going around the hips and butt too, especially for my friends who have more curves. You can always pull in a waist but it's so annoying buying something cute and not being able to get it past your legs. If you have large legs and thighs, you can also measure the legs this way (I do personally), or bring a measuring tape and measure the pants while flat. Again, make sure there's some extra room because you're measuring the outside of the piece but will need to fit on the inside.

[@snowyalice]

Myself and my mum buy a lot of vintage patterns from thrift stores, most unused. They usually fall into three piles: to make, to keep and to flip. There are a lot of people willing to buy vintage patterns (especially 60s and older) and its a great way to find interesting clothing, I just have to make it.

[@xDeydeyxtartelette]

Actually you can get rid of cigarette smell with 90% rubbing alcohol! But alcohol can also remove dye so I would use this tip only for plain and natural coloured items. For the rest, vinegar works but you have to soak them for like 24 hours, which will eat at any metal so be careful with that too.

[@willowshearer9260]

For decor, don't pass up the book section, sometimes there are really pretty books (without dust jackets) that are pretty for decor. Also if you have a friend that's handy with jewelry, don't skip interesting pieces with cool elements. I have really neat upcyled/repurposed jewelry pieces.

[@TheMagnoliaWitch]

Square fabric shelving drawers and plastic storage bins are great to thrift. Also seconding the thrifting of bedsheets for fabric and sweaters for yarn tips, and even if the sheets are stained you can still use them for mock-ups instead of trying to buy muslin. Another yarn tip is that the thicker yarns that are 4-ply (four strands twisted together) can be unraveled further to make sock yarn (2-ply) or lace yarn (single ply), and that can make the yarn in the sweater stretch further.

[@erinvanhandel]

Love this! The thrifting goblin brain trust is S-M-A-R-T. I have a tip: Leave your thrifted treasure in the sun to blast away funky odors. The sun also can brighten fabrics, too!

[@kblier]

For the fit of a pants, there is also the forearm tips! You put the opening of the pants (sorry, I don't know the right word for it) around your forearm (so that your closed hand, your forearm and your elbow is encircled by it) and that it fit, it means that the pant will fit your waist. My mom used it all the time when I was little and so do I now! However, it is more accurate for people that are less curvy, because it's only accurate for the fit of the waist...

[@jadajaeda]

I love using the forearm, even if you're curvier you can just extend a finger and take note of where the best fitting pants should fall Personally I've found that if my forearm and pinky fit comfortably inside the waistband, the pants will fit my waist and hips!!

[@kblier]

@@jadajaeda that’s a nice idea! I never thought of this. I’ll try!

[@willowshearer9260]

I always pay attention to if a piece of clothing wrinkles easy. I hate when I have to unwrinkle stuff. So I always pass on them.

[@cltinturkey]

Agree 100%. The only time I'm willing to iron is either when I have a calculus exam to study for (ahem, procrastinate) or, if someone is holding a gun to my head.

[@briannacreates8476]

I recommend going to the lingerie section to find slip dresses and corsets, I’ve gotten 5+ from using this tip!

[@presleyjacobs7803]

Came from the first thrift tips vid, and I came back for more! For thrift goblins who look for jewelry: look inside the band of rings! It could tell you what kind of metal it’s made of, where it was made, etc.! There might be a cool engraving inside! c:

[@jennalblackmore]

I'm so glad the tip about off-season items could help! 💖 Since we're talking a bit about cleaning and shoes in this video, I learned a tip lately that can help prolong the life of leather shoes. Cleaning a pair of leather shoes and putting clear shoe shine on them can restore the appearance of them greatly, and if you get the clear shoe shine, you can use it on all of your leather shoe pairs no matter the colour of them. I did this with a 2.5 year old pair of shoes I've worn constantly for work lately, and now they only look a few months old. So, if you see a pair of leather shoes at the thrift store and they'd be perfect if they were a bit newer looking or less faded, or if you already have a pair of leather shoes you really don't want to replace (very important to prolong the life of what you already have if you can) this may help! I got the shoe shine I did for less than ten Canadian dollars, which is so much less expensive than a new pair of leather shoes often is, even at some thrift stores.

[@mandyrice6481]

This reminded me of a tip I got from a cobbler who repaired some leather shoes for me recently- a dab of olive oil makes a fantastic and cheap shoe polish that can condition and rejuvenate old/worn leather

[@ApoptosisNecrosis]

I mainly thrift for cosplay items these days (an artform in and of itself lol) but my mom raised me on goodwill trips so a ton of my closet growing up and to this day is thrifted! my area really only has (overcrowded) goodwills unfortunately but you can still find great stuff!

[@omaryland5039]

The first gold wristwatch I ever had was found in a jeans pant I bought and I used the watch for almost 15 years before I gave it to my younger sister.. THRIFTING is therapeutic for me❤ thanks for the video I just found your channel and I subscribed......

[@KathleenIllustrated]

aw wow! i love that, what a treasure :'o) so glad to have you here!!! thanks for joining the club

[@cltinturkey]

Went with my sisters to Filene's Basement (25 years ago, they had giant bins for hunting treasures). My oldest sister was wearing her gold anniversary watch, and it slipped off in one of the bins. When we met 15 minutes later, she was distraught, since she had been to a ton of bins. We asked one of the security guards and were blessed to learn that an honest soul had turned it in as lost and found. We were SO lucky that day!

[@omaryland5039]

@@cltinturkey So kind of that SOUL that is rare to find.

[@susanma4899]

Oh, speaking of road trips!! Last summer I visited a charity shop in Florida and bought a white fur hat, a brown fur hat, and a black fur hat (fake fur, if you're wondering). In the Goodwill I found some good sweaters too. Those grandmas that move down to Florida don't need their winter stuff anymore!

[@smarmasaur]

A tip for removing cigarette smoke from fabrics: tie up instant coffee into pantyhose and put it inside the fabric, then put the whole thing either in a sealed bag for a while, or outside for like a week if you can (I use my covered balcony). I was able to save a vintage silk velvet purse this way.

[@helpfulcommenter]

I'm amazed you referred to not finding things in a thrift store as "getting skunked" lol because I thought I was the only one who said that. It's a fishing term meaning you didn't catch anything. I'm assuming you knew that but I'm still impressed. Incidentally it's also a term in cribbage when you don't make it around the last row of holes before your opponent pegs out. That means you got skunked. (And your loss counts as a double-win for your opponent!)

[@KathleenIllustrated]

ha, i must have absorbed it through osmosis! we're a big fishing family :o)

[@pnbw98]

I had my colours done and it saves me a lot of time and money in thrift stores because I don't bother looking at clothing if it's not one of "my colours". I save even more when my colours are not on trend at the moment.

[@deleteusername]

Same! A tip about this: If you know your color season, you can make yourself a travel-sized palette to shop with, using free paint sample cards from the hardware store. Go collect your colors at Home Depot or wherever, hole punch them, and attach them together with a binder ring. Then bring it to the thrift store with you (along with your tape measure)! This helps me when I'm not sure if a color is exactly in my palette or not, and sometimes makes it easier to quickly shop the racks for my colors

[@danceBRdance]

As someone who loves wild patterns, I turn clothes inside out to look for stains that are not obvious under florescent lights

[@jwwatches]

If you love the pattern of a shirt dress, but HATE shirt dresses, you can take it home, hem the bottom and use the extra fabric to make matching accessories!

[@lauriepops2783]

This is kind of a committment for good thrifting but seriously if you can find the time, volunteering at charity shops/thrift stores is an amazing way to get to the good stuff first. Probably goes without saying if you're a regular charity shopper but those places are so desperate for volunteers and you only need to give as much time as you have. Where i volunteer there's no need to commit to a regular schedule, and i get most items half price! I've even got a few free items if they're not sellable (laura ashley skirt with broken zip - easy fix but not a lot a charity shop can do with it). Volunteering is so chill in my experience and ive always been allowed to put stuff aside for myself during shifts! So find your favourite local thrifting spot and ask if they're looking for volunteers, would highly recommend

[@KathleenIllustrated]

Love this, Laurie!! Would love to volunteer at a thrift store some day 💕

[@kaoticracoonx2236]

I HAVE ANOTHER TIP TO SEE IF PANTS WILL FIT!! if you make a fist, the length from your elbow to the end of your fist is about the same length as your waist!

[@moldypotatochip]

Honestly I still am adamant about the measuring tape. Not only can you take accurate waist measurements of clothes you can measure picture frames, furniture, etc. My husband needs the mens tall shirts and specific inseams so it is a lifesaver. When my stepson was growing up it was super helpful as well because he was very thin with long legs.

[@nataliavanhelsing640]

Hey, I’m a knitter and came to say, Woolite is still too harsh harsh for some cashmere, wool and silk pieces, try Soak or Eucalan wool washes, these do not need to be rinsed out so it saves you a step as well. Also! Dryer sheets and fabric softener will break down your fabrics over time! If you’re worried about static toss a felt ball in the dryer and you can add essential oils to the ball to add scent if you really wanna but the oils are what breaks down the fabric.

[@PurpleTechWiz]

something I thrift by is to go in with ideas of things you are looking for in mind, but keep your eyes peeled for other goodies. I've been in the 're-working my bedroom' process and going in thinking about items that might look good as decor or furniture, whether it be pictures or paintings, shelves, mirrors, anything! also don't be afraid to re-paint items if necessary!

[@Li-ck8ek]

Using the scarves to wrap gifts reminds me of the Japanese furoshiki. I think I’m spelling that right? But yeah they use beautiful fabric to wrap gifts and there are special ways to wrap them.

[@KathleenIllustrated]

Yes, exactly!!!

[@goldengrace2833]

Great tips. The only thing I hesitate with washing is leather. I don't even own a dryer and I handwash everything precious. Leaving things hanging in the sun a few days takes our stains and smells. For silk and linen I handwash and don't wring out, I just hang very wet and then they don't need steaming!

[@smarmasaur]

Linen is actually more durable than cotton- it can really take a beating, especially when wet, so wring away!

[@goldengrace2833]

@@smarmasaur the reason I hang super wet is because then it doesn't look very wrinkled, I won't have to steam after it dries!

[@carrieamoreno]

Ah, the rhythmic screeching of hangers sliding across metal bars!

[@KathleenIllustrated]

Lol the song of our ancestors 🫠

[@NoOneWinsHere]

If you are on the lookout for fabric, make sure to check out the curtain section for nice big swaths of fabric, vintage-y or otherwise.

[@Gus.Martin.Rollerblading]

She's BAAACCKKKK!!!!!! After watching Part 1.. I wasn't sure how you could up your game.. but you did! I really enjoyed these tips, especially the ones our fellow thrift goblins shared.

[@KathleenIllustrated]

yes! couldn't do it without the help of this stinky stonky thrift army

[@ezerstudio9195]

I think I really need some illustrations of us all as thrift goblins

[@KathleenIllustrated]

@@ezerstudio9195 I will die happy knowing the fanart for this channel is of fashionable goblins 👹

[@jessmstephens]

One tip that's more a general give-yourself-good-thrift-karma suggestion is to keep an ear out for other people who seem to be new to the store where you're shopping. I've done this a few times in my current city, and it's always felt good and never cost me anything. One woman I chatted with was looking for maternity clothes; I know every thrift store in the city inside-out, so I could tell her which ones have separate maternity sections. In one case, I told a few women visiting town what other stores were nearby. Last month, I overheard that a group was visiting from out of town for one of their birthdays, and I gave them my phone number to use at checkout to get that day's loyalty discount. One of my favorite places to donate is one I wouldn't know about if a neighbor hadn't recommended it to me. Obviously, this one only works if you're comfortable doing it, but if I get benevolent-fellow-weirdo-vibes from a stranger in a town I don't know, usually that person gives the BEST recommendations. So I just try to be the helpful local because of how often I get the helpful local's advice.

[@ihartdiamonds]

My tip is to thoroughly clean or even sanitize any shoes that you would wear without socks that you buy from a thrift store! I once caught athlete's foot from a pair of slides and it was not fun

[@JMorrill]

I love looking in the jackets and coats!! I've found cash, a promotional sticker for my favorite lemonade shop, pens, and most recently inside a Very nice wool jacket: a receipt for a biplane??? Not for travel but for the plane itself

[@KathleenIllustrated]

WOAH. That jacket holds GREAT POWER (and maybe a plane ghost?!)

[@cltinturkey]

You win the treasure hunt! For no good reason I learned to say the follow in a couple of languages: "Must run. My hovercraft is waiting." So useful when you want to leave high tea or a presidential reception early. (Just being silly and envious of a biplane owner!)

[@foxylovelace2679]

It is your biplane now. You can prove it.

[@robynbirde]

What is the protocol for items you found in a pocket or purse? Do you put it back then buy the item without mentioning it? Do you take it out and ask to buy it separately? Do you just take it as a freebie??

[@JMorrill]

@@robynbirde the way my thrift stores have operated when I have asked about it is to check and see if there is a sign that it had a price tag- and if not, treat it like it's part of the item you found it in.

[@chaoscontrolled4131]

Check the belt section! I have found some incredible belts, such as a tire-rubber seat belt belt from the 80's that had beer bottle caps attached to it. It's my favorite piece EVER and it's an awesome conversation starter.

[@Paris.HasFallen]

Something I've always found helpful is for flea markets especially. Generally since each stall is its own thing, you can't take stuff with you. If you're not quite sure on something yet, ask the owner to keep the clothing on hold or whatever and they will generally be happy to for a short time. I once found this beautiful leather jacket with incredible hand embroidered flowers on the shoulders and it fit me perfectly. I stepped away for about two minutes to go find my friend to show her and when I came back it was gone. I still regret not asking someone to watch it for two minutes so much.

[@teetaloo]

on finding treasures: i've found two of the cutest little wood framed thin mirrors (one with a candlestick shelf attached!) in the picture frame section! they have a mirror section but these little dudes were in with the empty frames, not the mirrors. now i always check there for lil mirrors, and art that they deemed "not good enough" for the art section. everyone's taste is different and i've found some of my fave art there. tldr: always check related sections (ie. looking for mirrors and art in the empty frames section)

[@KathleenIllustrated]

Love this, arie!! We gotta stay creative while hunting to find the best stuff 👀

[@JennsCorner777]

I've found some really nice robes which are awfully expensive shopping retail. I love shopping for pajama sets, the nice, super soft kind from great brands. Sometimes items in a set are spread across the store in other areas. For example a pajama set might be broken up with the bottoms in the pajama section and then the top might be in the long or short sleeves section. Pajama sets are not cheap but at the thrift they're so affordable.

[@Baaikha]

College towns are a great place to thrift! Especially if the college is a big name or a major university. These thrift stores are often surrounded by high end stores and people who make the kind of money that they seasonally change their wardrobes, with the thrift store getting all the gently used goodies. And if you happen to be into college sports, you'll be able to find team gear on the cheap. My goodwill has a section just for team gear. And if you have kids who need to wear school or scout uniforms, the thrift shops are a good place to find them.

[@KathleenIllustrated]

100% to all of this!

[@YanickFM]

I do a lot of paintings, and I almost always get my surfaces to paint on from the thrifft store. all those "gather" signs make great canvases for me, it costs way less than buying new stuff to paint on, and it's not contributing to any more manufacturing. If you're like me and you're open to painting on whatever size and shape canvases are available, i highly recommend getting them second hand. the only ones I avoid are the cheaply printed canvas photos because the canvas itself isn't as nice most of the time but obviously make that judgement case by case for yourself. But any of the wooden sign art is usually good. i also find a ton of what usually looks like someones school project or DIY attempt on canvas that was originally bought at an art supply store, and those are pretty reliably good to paint over too.

[@susanma4899]

The belly button tip sounds so good. The neck trick only works if you're slim around the waist. I do it, knowing that if it doesn't go around my neck, there's no way in H*LL it will fit, so I can eliminate it easily. But if it passes that test, it will still need to be vetted further.

[@KeaIrene23]

Just sharing ODOBAN is laundry friendly and gets rid of every smell (that I’ve found so far.) cat pee, dog pee, (puppy training/animal accidents) cig smoke. All of it gone with a bit of odoban in the wash.

[@Allycat101010]

One tiny thing I WILL say is.. well, the village outlet near me DOES have great glassware selections. I just got a 1940s fire king fridge dish that's normally 20+ dollars for a dollar fifty there! And now it will be doted on and loved, lol. So I don't know about furniture, but I ALWAYS check the dishes. You never know- and it's the most eco-friendly way to start cheaply reducing the plastic items you use even if you aren't hunting for antiques like me. After all, the super super cheap ones are a reusable item that may cost less than a disposable one!

[@-azr-5832]

tip for glassware that my grandma taught me! whatever edges feel sharp on the design cuts in glass plates or bowls or things like that, they were hand cut. They can get reaaal expensive when they're handcut, so definitely a steal!! The designs that feel dull are most likely from a mold or something like that. so if you're aiming to resell glassware, definitely look for sharp edges!

[@sandrachalmbacher3726]

I’ve learned that going to the rich side of town you find better quality stuff

[@qveenissac]

Books make amazing decor items and can be covered w/ linen or fabric to match your vibe. I like to give baked cookies or treats on cool thrifted dishes (I also use clearance Anthro dishes when they're like $3.95).

[@KathleenIllustrated]

I love this!!! Super creative and I'm all for customizing your space to be 100% YOUR VIBE.

[@angelinanichols4282]

Great video as always, so many fantastic tips! Lately I've been trying to lessen my consumption, which can be tough since I love thrifting so much. Something that's helped me is thinking of the store more like a museum. Turns out it can be really fun to dig through weird vintage items without needing to take anything home. It also helps to remind myself that if something is really great someone else will pick it up: it's not going to waste if I don't buy it.

[@icejadechica]

I'm always reminding my self that some one else will love it too. I'm at college, and I definitely just go to get off campus sometimes; so I'll just take pictures of the neat things I find to face-time and show my Mom later. Taking a picture, but not picking the item up helps me feel like I've recorded it. And then I don't get as attached to it as I would carrying it around.

[@ninacarlenecomputer]

I recently went to a goodwill near me and there was a kikis delivery service painting that I really regret not getting now!!! I don't think it's still there but I want to go back and see if it is.

[@KathleenIllustrated]

Oh my gosh!! That sounds so cute!! 🥹 fingers crossed for you

[@ankomitarashi-488]

I have quite a collection of hoodies and t-shirts from things like pre-order/limited order events and concerts that you just can't replace when they get worn out, so I often just spot clean if it's not particularly dirty otherwise. People think you're a crazy person if you don't wash every garment after wearing it once, so I don't ever tell people that's what I do xD

[@worm_slop]

The scarves idea is genius, i used to love the knot wraps from lush but I can't justify buying that many and there's so many beautiful scarves but I'm not a scarf wearer

[@hellomehi6692]

Also if you're like me and get tiered of bringing clothes home only to find out they're too sheer and you have to layer up (it's just too much of a hassle for me sometimes) wearing a hair tie or bracelet the opposite of your skin tone and pressing the fabric on top of it to see if you see a color difference before you buy it is a quick and easy way to avoid that.

[@misss7777]

😂😂😂 I just understood you saying "Karen instructions and Drag Queen only tags" - then it hit me what you acutally said. But you got me confused for a few moments...🙈

[@CreativeLifeMisfits]

After a dry cleaners ruined my favorite thrifted silk blouse, I was EVERYTHING myself - even cashmere - I found out that my washer has a hand wash and it works wonders on cashmere and nothing ever shrinks. Sweaters dry flat, blouses - on a hanger, then iron or steam.

[@LIMABN]

I like Caldrea brand delicate wash- white clover.

[@amethystalexander5758]

Theatre costuming cleaning hack: vodka spray. If you have things you’re too scared to fully wash super often, I believe the mixture is 50/50 water and straight plain vodka. Mix um up in a spray bottle and get all the expected areas (pits, crotch, butts, you get the deal). It’s not a replacement for washing but it’s cheaper than expensive cleaners and gentler than them usually as well!

[@aurorabrigade8649]

I love just autoplaying your videos while I clean! Or relax...or pretty much anything. I feel like I'm absorbing important info even if I'm just barely watching.

[@KathleenIllustrated]

aw this makes me happy!!!! so glad you enjoy the vibes

[@leifmeadows3782]

I'm doing the same thing lol

[@starveilvalley]

I recently went to the thrift store! The last video helped me a lot. I found DEMONIAS!!!! I found beautiful curtains I like to use as backgrounds and I never ever look at the curtains or well linens. But sadly I found a cashmere shirt, and it has a hole in it :/

[@sunny02bunny]

i really reccomend trying your hand at sewing or some visible mending (it can end up looking so cool and may even add to the piece) when it comes to finds like that. You can get some really awesome pieces that others will pass on just because it takes a bit of effort to fix. Its also great for extending the life of pieces you already have.

[@susangodejohn315]

Men’s section! If you love 100% silk shirts you can find great short sleeve silk button ups that work great as a coverup over a tank top on hot summer days.

[@anna.elise.5]

Kelsey from The Sorry Girls recommended bringing a little tape measure with you to measure size of home goods, waistbands, inseam, etc etc etc :)

[@ninjalectualx]

Scarves as wrapping paper! Brilliant