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Thrifting has finally become trendy! Now, you don’t need to hide the fact that you bought something at Goodwill or on eBay. Finding good deals and great pieces is something to celebrate, and we love it! However, not all second-hand stores are the same. Thrift shops and vintage stores both sell gently-used clothing, but you’ll quickly find the price and type of clothes in both kinds of shops vary greatly. 

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The Shopping Experience 

The first difference you’ll notice is that the shopping experience is quite different between the two stores. A vintage store can feel like a typical boutique, with everything displayed stylishly and sorted into categories. Some people enjoy shopping like this as it makes the shopping experience less overwhelming and more luxurious. 

A thrift shop is a little more eclectic, but that doesn’t mean the quality of their goods is any lower. You have to take more time rummaging through racks, but some shoppers enjoy the hunt. Luckily, most thrift shops sort their clothes by size, making finding a piece that works for you a little easier. 

Pricing 

Thrift shops are significantly cheaper than vintage shops. They make you work a little harder to find the best pieces, so it’s only fair you enjoy a discount as a reward! If you shop at a vintage store, you can expect to pay a pretty penny for your garment. Due to the wide selection of rare and vintage pieces, these stores can price their clothing much higher than a thrift shop does. 

If you’re on a budget, go to a thrift shop. You’ll be able to find plenty of clothes in excellent condition for a very good deal. 

The Types of Clothes 

If you’ve ever browsed a thrift shop, you know they have a little bit of everything. There isn’t a theme or a pattern in the types of clothes you’ll find there. Thrift shops love the element of surprise! 

On the other hand, vintage stores are usually more curated. They typically don’t accept donations and spend a lot of time buying used clothing they know their clientele will like. This means that regulars at certain vintage stores can develop a relationship with the staff and hopefully get their hands on some really good vintage pieces! 

Why Thrifting Is So Important

Choosing to buy used instead of new makes a huge difference, no matter where you buy your second-hand clothes from. The clothing industry promotes over-consumerism, normalizes and encourages sweatshops, and pollutes the environment. 

Thrift shops and vintage stores both have their pros and cons. If you have, browse through both. You might be pleasantly surprised by what they have to offer!

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