Thrifty Thriving 30

We all love shopping, but the price tags on some items can be very discouraging. With that being said, thrifting is a great option for those who enjoy shopping without having to spend an enormous amount of cash for quality clothing. Many people are now switching from buying retail and thrifting either online or at their local thrift stores. Thrifting is not only budget-friendly, but also a fun activity to do all while creating a diverse closet. It’s a fun way to experiment with different styles without feeling bummed out about buying a ton of clothes that just do not fit right or that isn’t your style. But I can tell you firsthand that not all used items are worth buying. Knowing which brands to look for can change your thrifting from just browsing to finding real treasures! This guide will help you spot valuable brands in different types of items, so your next thrift store trip gets you things that will last.

Top Clothing Brands

The best finds at thrift stores are often designer pieces at much lower prices. You can build an entire capsule wardrobe on a budget if you know what type of clothing to look for. Before heading out to the thrift store, make a plan. Create a collage of different brands and their logos so that you have some sort of visual to work with. You can use Canva or other free tools to create a board and print it out to take to the store. Keep on the lookout for the following brands:

High-End Brands

• Burberry: Burberry is known for their raincoats and checkered pattern, and they last for years.
• Ralph Lauren: This brand is known for making classic American styles that stay in fashion.
• Max Mara: Their well-made wool coats are worth grabbing when found at thrift store prices.
• Diane von Furstenberg: Her famous wrap dresses are both comfy and always in style.
• Vintage Gucci, Chanel, or Louis Vuitton: Real pieces from these brands can be valuable, but make sure they’re not fake.

Good Mid-Range Brands to Look for While Thrifting

• Pendleton: Their wool products, especially blankets and jackets, are very strong and look better as they age.
• Nation LTD – They create relaxed, minimalist, casual clothing which are really sought after these days. 
• Levi’s: Old jeans from this famous brand can be worth more than new ones, especially those made before the 1980s with red tags.
• M.M Lafleur: They are famous for high-quality business casual clothing.
• Patagonia: Their outdoor clothes are made to last in rough weather, and the company will repair them for life.
• Arc’teryx – Another great option for outdoor apparel. Arc’teryx is one of the most respected names in outdoor apparel.
• Eileen Fisher: Known for good quality, earth-friendly basics in natural fabrics that keep their shape and color over time.
• Brooks Brothers: Their business clothes and casual pieces are well-tailored with good fabrics.
• Alo: Their clothing is comfortable, functional, and should be easy to mix and match with other clothing pieces.
• Free People – You can usually find quality jumpsuits, jackets, and coats from this brand at thrift stores.

Older Fashion Brands to Look for While Thrifting

While today’s cheap fashion often falls apart quickly, older pieces from these brands were usually made better:

• Peruvian Connection (founded in 1970s) – They create durable luxury clothing made to standout.

• Vintage Gap (1990s and earlier): Their older jeans and basics were much better quality than what they sell now.
• J.Crew from the 2000s and earlier: Look for their sweaters, wool coats, and jackets from before they started making lower quality items.
• Eddie Bauer (vintage): Their older outdoor clothes were built to really last.

Home Goods and Kitchen Finds

Cast Iron and Cookware

Some of the best kitchen items come from thrift stores:

• Le Creuset: These coated cast iron pots are family heirlooms and often show up in thrift stores at big discounts.
• All-Clad: Chef-quality stainless steel cookware that lasts for generations.
• Vintage Pyrex: Especially patterns from the 1950s-1970s, which many people collect.
• Lodge Cast Iron: These nearly unbreakable pans get better with age and can be fixed up no matter how bad they look.
• Staub: Like Le Creuset, these French-made pots work great and look beautiful.

Quality Home Items to Look for While Thrifting

• Fiestaware: These colorful, strong dishes have many fans and old pieces can be quite valuable.
• Waterford Crystal: High-quality crystal glasses that look stunning in any home.
• Mikasa and Noritake: These nice china brands offer pretty patterns that make everyday meals special.
• Vintage Scandinavian designs: Look for items from brands like Marimekko, Arabia, or Iittala.

Furniture Brands That Last a Long Time

Finding good furniture at thrift prices can save you thousands while giving you pieces that last longer than new ones:

Mid-Century Modern Favorites

• Herman Miller: Makers of the famous Eames chair and other well-known designs that keep their value.
• Knoll: Their classic furniture pieces are some of the best modern designs.
• Eames: Any real Eames piece is worth buying, even if it needs fixing up.
• Danish Modern makers: Look for names like Hans Wegner, Finn Juhl, or simply “Made in Denmark” stamps.

Traditional Furniture Brands to Look for While Thrifting

• Ethan Allen: Especially their older solid wood pieces, which are very well-made.
• Stickley: Known for mission-style furniture that shows great craftsmanship.
• Henredon: High-end traditional furniture that keeps both its value and style.
• Lane: Their cedar chests and mid-century pieces are often sought after.

Electronics and Media Worth Getting

• Vintage Audio Equipment: Brands like Marantz, Pioneer, Technics, and McIntosh often sound better than new equipment.
• Videogames and Consoles: Old gaming items can be valuable collector’s items.
• Film Cameras: Brands like Leica, Hasselblad, Rolleiflex, and vintage Canon or Nikon models still work well and keep their value.
• Vinyl Records: Besides the music itself, first pressings from certain companies can be valuable.

How to Check if Your Finds are Real

Finding a designer label doesn’t mean it’s real. Here’s how to avoid fakes:

1. Learn brand details: Each luxury brand has special stitching patterns, hardware, and label designs.
2. Check material quality: Real luxury items use good materials with even stitching and feel solid.
3. Look at hardware: Zippers, buttons, and clasps on real items are usually heavy and well-made.
4. Check serial numbers: Many luxury brands have systems you can check online.
5. Trust your gut: If something seems off or the price is too good to be true, be careful.

FAQs About Brands to Look for While Thrifting

Q: How can I find the best thrift stores for good brands? Thrift stores in wealthy areas usually get better quality donations. Also, many cities have vintage or consignment shops that pre-select better brands, though prices will be higher than regular thrift stores.

Q: Is it worth buying damaged items from good brands? It depends on the damage. Simple fixes like replacing buttons, fixing hems, or cleaning can make items like new for much less than buying new. But big damage to furniture or very worn clothing might not be worth fixing.

Q: How often should I visit thrift stores to find the best items? Regular visits work best. Many thrift stores put out new items daily, and the best things usually sell quickly. Learning when a store restocks can help you find better items.

Q: Are there certain days that are better for thrifting? Many thrift stores have discount days (often mid-week) when certain colored tags or types of items are on sale. But selection might be better right after weekend donations or on days when new stock is put out.

Conclusion

Knowing which brands offer lasting quality makes your thrifting trips more likely to find items that save you money and might even grow in value. Besides helping the environment by reusing items, thrifting lets you own well-made pieces that might otherwise cost too much. Next time you go to a thrift store, look carefully, thinking beyond current trends to find truly valuable items. Remember that patience helps—the perfect item might not be there every time, but when it is, you’ll know it’s worth buying. Happy hunting!