If you’re anything like me, you like money. And while money may not get you everything, it is a gateway to a lot of important things. For the stylish gentleman, it is our clothing. When it comes to our wardrobe, who doesn’t like to buy the clothes they want AND have money left over for extracurricular activities? The majority of us love to shop at your favorite retailer for a new shirt, shoes, pants, or accessory. Even more so, how great a feeling it would be to get all the above at once, without breaking the bank? Well, my friends, here’s the not so secret way to expand your wardrobe.
Thrift stores and consignment shops have been around for many years. Recently they have become an infamous treasure trove of one-of-a-kind pieces to those looking to incorporate more individual, stylish and vintage pieces to their wardrobe at a fraction of the price. The majority of men I know and have had acquaintance to wouldn’t step foot inside a thrift store or consignment shop for one of three reasons: Firstly, they believe everything in these stores are used and/or worn. They believe the clothing to be from dirty, old and unstylish people who’ve donated their dirty, old and unstylish clothing. Secondly, they wouldn’t be caught dead shopping at a thrift store. They believe shopping for such items is beneath them, wanting everything in their closets to be “new” and name brand. Lastly, they lack the patience. They believe thrift stores aren’t as organized as ‘regular stores’. Now, let’s ponder that one for a minute. You mean to tell me you can go to a busy mall and shop for hours on end, but not have the patience needed for a few unorganized racks of men’s clothing in one store?
Before we go any further, let’s address the difference between consignment shops and thrift stores. Consignment shops are more like regular retail stores, usually geared toward a specific target audience. Items they offer for purchase are hand-picked, meaning better quality merchandise, and tend to be more organized. Thrift stores, however, do need a bit more patience. They tend to be more overloaded, disorganized and overwhelming to shop in. Thrift store items are donated, meaning they won’t be as scrutinized like a consignment shop’s merchandise would be. Lastly, Thrift store merchandise, because it’s donated for charitable causes, will be cheaper than consignment shop’s merchandise.
Now that you have a store to shop in, remember this: it wouldn’t be wise to have your mind set on a specific item, because you never know what you may come across. The options may be overwhelming, but well worth the reward… even if you find only one good piece.
I use a method where I quickly skim through the merchandise to see if something catches my eye. If I see a color or pattern I like, I stop and inspect it. Remember to inspect every inch of the merchandise that attracts you. Check for stains, tears, and yes, even smells. After purchasing merchandise, be sure to wash it before you wear it, just to be safe.
Some merchandise is used, but also some items are new. Merchandise may still have the original price tag or even be inside the original package, depending on the store. Some people, even myself, may like the look of broken in $3 brogues and a slightly used, one-of-a-kind $10 blazer. Some stores let you negotiate the price, some do not.
Thrift shopping is all about how comfortable you are with wearing used clothing. It’s a great resource for those willing to step outside the lines of style and expand their wardrobe. Yes, the clothing may have been someone else’s from another time. But isn’t style timeless, and fashion just recycled ideas waiting to be worn again?
Skin of Society 