If there is one thing that I hear over and over again, it’s “How did you find that at Goodwill? I never find anything!” Whether you are shopping at Goodwill to find unique vintage pieces or to discover investment pieces at a VERY reasonable price, you can accomplish that and MUCH MORE at your local Goodwill Retail store! Following these 10 Tips will hopefully help you navigate your next Goodwill shopping experience and finally have that great ‘find’ to brag about!
10. JUST BECAUSE THE TAG SAYS SIZE 12, IT DOES NOT MEAN IT’S A MODERN SIZE 12!
Vintage dress
While sorting through merchandise, please remember that the size on the tag (women’s clothing) is not always the size of the garment. Vintage sizing is VERY different from modern day sizing. Unfortunately, there is not a standard sizing chart (that I’m aware of) that can be used as a reference, but there are some general rules that you can use when shopping vintage:
- 1950’s – 1960’s: Add 6 to your current modern day dress size
- 1970’s are similar, but slightly less drastic. I estimate about 4 sizes larger than your normal modern day size
- 1980’s – 1990’s may run one to two sizes larger.
This leads us into Tip #9…
9. TRY EVERYTHING ON!
This is not only because of the sizing issue in Tip #10. A garment may look GREAT on the hanger and end up looking terrible on you once you get home. You may also miss out on a great item if it has no hanger appeal. Don’t be afraid to fill up your basket with merchandise and try it on in the fitting room. You never know what you might discover!
8. SET ASIDE TIME and BE PREPARED TO DIG
Thrifting takes time and can be exhausting! In order to get those ‘fabulous finds’, you have to plan to look through everything. Believe me, it’s totally worth the time and adrenaline rush when you come across an amazing item!
7. PATIENCE IS KEY
Coach Bag
There are going to be times where you leave a Goodwill store without finding anything. Do not let it discourage you! Items are dropped off on a daily basis from donors. The merchandise changes regularly, so keep on trying!
6. NEVER GO IN LOOKING FOR SOMETHING IN PARTICULAR
It is a very rare experience to walk in and find exactly what you want. Shop with an open mind! You never know what treasure might be hiding on the next rack.
5. FIND YOUR FAVORITE GOODWILL RETAIL LOCATION(S) AND SHOP THERE OFTEN
Prada flats
After visiting nearly every location of Goodwill Retail Stores around the area, I have found a few favorites. I have discovered that certain stores are great for vintage finds, while others are great for newer designer items and home furnishings. It’s truly up to you, your schedule and the items you like to shop for on a regular basis.
PS: YELP is a great resource!
4. SET A BUDGET
Yes, we know. This does not sound like fun. However, it IS fun to brag when you set a budget of $20 and walk out with 4 great items while staying within your budget! If you feel the need to impulse buy, Goodwill is a great place to go! The low prices do not make you feel guilty AND the money you are spending is helping to support the Goodwill of Great Washington’s mission of transforming lives and communities through the power of education and employment.
3. SHOP FOR THE MAN IN YOUR LIFE AT GOODWILL!
Christian Dior blazer
As long as you know the size of your man, he too can experience what great items can be found at Goodwill! From my experience, men do not frequent Goodwill as often as women do for those ‘one-of-a-kind finds’, which leaves a great assortment to rummage through. I have picked up a Burberry Prorusm Blazer, Oscar de la Renta Cashmere Jacket as well as Christian Dior and Giorgio Armani Suit Jackets!
2. BRING YOUR PHONE AND GOOGLE AWAY!
If you have questions about a designer, look them up! Having my iPhone with me has introduced me to several vintage labels that I would not have known about otherwise.
1. GIVE BACK TO THE GOODWILL STORE(S) WHERE YOU SHOP
There are 14 Donation Centers in the Goodwill Greater Washington Region. Clean out your closet and donate your items! When you donate clothing and other items, your donations are sold in Goodwill stores giving them a “second life” and keeping them out of landfills. Plus, money from the sale of your donated items helps Goodwill provide job training, job placement and other opportunities for people and families in your community.
Abbey Slitor is the Owner of Social Market, a communications firm that specializes in marketing, public relations and social media. She is also the Editor of DCprGIRL, a blog about life and style in our nation’s capital. Follow Abbey on Twitter @SocialMarketDC and @DCprGRL and on Instagram for her on-site Goodwill finds at DCprGIRL
