Many young people today are interested in how and where the clothes they wear are made. For them, the environmental and social impact is more important than the price. Instead of multinational corporations, they choose local, small shops or shop directly at thrift stores.
Of course, it’s
great when you support local manufacturers and retailers and buy a piece of clothing that, while more expensive, will last you for many years. On the other hand, shopping at stores like H&M, Takko, or New Yorker will get you cheap items, but they’re 100 percent low-quality. You can say goodbye to those after just a few washes, because they’ll practically fall apart in your hands.

Find a Unique Treasure in Your Closet
You might think visiting a thrift store is strange, but you can find great pieces there that no one else around you will have. Plus, you’ll save a lot of money and contribute to recycling. Trust me, it’s a win-win for everyone. But you need to know how to go about it so you don’t make a bad purchase.
First and foremost, you need to figure out if this is right for you. If you hate rummaging through and scouring the entire store step by step, you’re better off going to a local boutique. Keep in mind that not everything is clearly labeled, and you should always try on items sold at full price. Even with a cotton T-shirt, you won’t know if it fits you or not without trying it on. Of course, it’s not worth the trouble for small items or discounted clothing that costs ten or twenty crowns.

Everything has its time
Definitely don’t rush. You’ll come across plenty of faded and stretched-out pants, T-shirts, and sweaters, but you’ll find the right one eventually. Don’t buy anything you don’t like 100 percent. If a seam is slightly loose, that’s okay. But keep in mind that items go to the thrift store already washed and disinfected, so any stains on them definitely won’t come out. Of course, because of the disinfection process, you’ll need to wash everything after you buy it, but all you need is a lower-temperature cycle and your own laundry detergent to make everything smell just the way you like it.
Don’t wait
around. Feel free to ask at the store when new merchandise will arrive and head there as soon as possible. The best items disappear quickly, and you won’t have much left to choose from afterward. Before buying, also check the price and double-check it before you go to the register. Not everything may have a price tag, and the cashier can easily make a mistake. We wish you good luck and some fabulous finds.