A Mother-Daughter Thrifting Guide to Getting the Best Clothing Finds
In today’s world, we’re constantly looking for ways to reduce our impact on the environment. One fantastic method is through thrifting — finding second-hand treasures that are affordable, stylish, and eco-friendly. But thrifting isn’t just about shopping; it’s a treasure hunt-like experience, especially when shared with loved ones. Enter the world of mother-daughter thrifting, where sustainable fashion has a meet-cute with bonding and discovery.
My grandmother (and Liv’s great-grandmother) Seena taught us everything about clothes and thrifting. She took me to my first thrift store, The Piggie Bank, when I was about 5 years old. I still remember all the bright colors, the silky (and some itchy) fabrics, and, of course, the scent of mothballs. Seena taught me how to find quality clothes — first by looking at the back of a piece of clothing (was it hand-sewn or machine-made?), as well as how to check the seams to ensure everything lined up, and to look for embroidery or interesting details. She taught me to ask: How much time did I think had been put into making the garment?
Seena explained fast fashion to us long before that was even a term. She would collect clothing from around the world and tell stories about the pieces. She taught us that each time you wear that favorite pair of pants you bought in New Orleans, you have a memory of finding that treasure. (Just yesterday, while thrifting in London, we found a gorgeous silk satin Karen Millen dress that fits us both for 18 pounds — and you can bet we’ll gleefully recall that score whenever one of us wears it!)
Seena died when Liv was very young, and she has few core memories of her. But Liv loves exploring Seena’s closet as a way to connect with her. My grandfather has not had the heart to clean out grandma’s clothes — so there’s a massive collection of 80-plus years of clothing and accessories from other family members, from thrift stores, and from amazing shops she loved all over the world. Grandma Seena loved meeting the people who made clothes and hearing their stories, and would always invest in a pair of Ferragamo shoes.
Thrifting is such a huge win-win-win. It’s a way to get a great bargain, make great memories — for us, engage in some mama-daughter bonding — and shop without harming the environment. Because let’s face it: All new clothes made have environmental impact. The textile industry requires a lot of water, and produces around 10 percent of the world’s greenhouse gases. The textile sector was the third largest source of water degradation and land use in the EU in 2020.
Thrifting and buying used clothes, rather than purchasing new items, is one of the best ways to combat your personal environmental impact. We don’t want to bum you out with a bunch of statistics but… an estimated 11.3 million tons of textile waste end up in U.S. landfills yearly. That’s a staggering 81.5 pounds of textile waste per person per year!
So join us and thrift it up! Below, we’re sharing our best tips to get started on your resale adventure!
Find Your Sweet Spot
When diving into the world of thrifting, it’s important to explore various stores. Each shop has its own unique selection and ambiance. Find a vibe that both you and your shopping partner feel comfortable in. Super-loud House music? Not so much. Mothball-scented instead of Palo Santo? Negative. Consider factors like price, style, and the range of items. One store might be a treasure trove for vintage clothing, while another might have a fantastic book selection.
Shop Your Grandma’s Closet
A wonderful thrifting tip: Do you have relatives with clothes they never wear? Or do they have hand-me-downs from relatives who are no longer with us? You may have a gold mine on your hands! It’s also a wonderful way to connect with family — ask questions about items! It’s so fun wearing things that have been in the family for years; things that may come with an amazing story and be a way to connect with other family members.
Don’t Focus On Labels
One of the joys of thrifting is the possibility of finding thrifting gold: high-quality, name-brand items at a fraction of the cost. We both just found jeans that were originally $300-400 a pair — and got BOTH pairs for less than $25 each!
However, it’s important to consider whether you’ll actually wear the item. Check for see-through fabric, holes, or how the item fits in with your current wardrobe. Don’t just shop the brand.
Beware the Upsell of “Couture Vintage”
While some thrifted items are true treasures, others may be overpriced. A quick online search can help determine if the price is fair. Remember, the worth of an item is subjective and should be measured by your personal enjoyment and use.
Trade Up: Give Away an Item for Every Item You Get
In the spirit of decluttering & Marie Kondo — consider giving away an item for every new one you acquire. Thrift stores like Housing Works and Goodwill often have donation programs. Some shops are a bit more selective but may offer store credit, while others will accept almost anything in exchange for a tax credit. This not only promotes a sustainable lifestyle but also encourages generosity and kindness.
Discover Unique Pieces
In the world of thrifting, one person’s unwanted item is another’s treasure. Encourage your thrifting partner to try on items they wouldn’t typically (like never) wear. You might just stumble upon a unique piece that becomes a cherished part of your wardrobe — or an opportunity for photos to use for future blackmail. Just kidding! I (Alysia) got a furry washable zip-up vest at a swap shop in Venice, California, a decade ago that I never thought I would wear, but it has become a super favorite staple.
More Thrifting Tips
Bring cash: Many thrift stores only accept cash, so make sure you have some on hand.
Check for sales and promotions: Some thrift stores have weekly or monthly sales.
Look for quality items: Check for any defects or signs of wear and tear before purchasing.
Be patient: Thrifting takes time and effort. Don’t rush, and enjoy the process.
Bring snacks & water: a hungry or thirsty shopper is a grumpy shopper.
Thrifting with your mom or teenager is more than just a shopping trip — it’s an opportunity to bond, explore, and promote sustainable fashion. We love to thrift in other cities and countries and now have items from Montreal, London, Barcelona, Los Angeles, New York City, the Berkshires, New Orleans, and more. It’s a hobby we treasure, because not only is there beauty in finding value in second-hand items, there are memories to be made — and we cherish the stories they hold.