Top Brands, Bargains and Hidden Gems: 8 Thrifting Secrets from Local Pros

Thrifting turns an ordinary browse into an adventure. Clothing racks are packed to the brim, there’s no colour-coding and trends are tucked between decades old, one-of-a-kind finds. Consignment shopping can feel more like a treasure hunt than a shopping trip, and for many, that’s exactly the appeal. Once considered niche fashion, thrifting, consignment and vintage shopping have now gone mainstream.

Thrifting is more than scoring a designer deal or finding a unique statement piece. It’s also a conscious choice for both the planet and your budget. According to a recent study by Value Village, in 2024, 90 percent of consumers shopped or donated at a thrift store. Gen Z is leading the shift, with more than 40 percent identifying as thrifters. While price and personal style are key motivators, the ethical resistance to fast fashion is growing. Here are the best insider tips from local experts on how to score fashion-forward styles the planet will love you for.

The Early Bird Gets the Deals

“Go early in the day, early in the season and if you can, make a day of it,” says Elizabeth Bull, founder and lead stylist at GetStyled. “Approach thrifting with an open mind and give yourself enough time to really check out the store, because you’re always going to find a hidden treasure,” adds Joy Mauro, founder of Turnabout Luxury Resale. Savvy insiders will find out when stock is replenished at their favourite vintage store, and plan to visit when the racks will be fresh.

Plan Ahead

Christina Florencio, owner of REVIVAL, a vintage store in Vancouver, advises starting outfit curation at home. “Take an audit of your closet and decide what you truly need. This allows you to be specific and prescriptive when you’re at a store that’s filled with distractions,” she says. “A Pinterest board piece you already own or outfit inspo photo for reference is great for staying focused. Understanding your season and colours is also a great way to be sustainable as it allows you to gravitate to colours that bring out your best.”

Shop Your Fit

To avoid closet clutter, buy only what you’ll actually wear. “Buy what fits today and what suits your current lifestyle,” says Bull. “Don’t buy for 10lbs from now or 20lbs from now and don’t be swayed by the label. You want clothing in your wardrobe that works in the moment.”

Luxury Brands, Accessible Prices

Some items all the experts advise looking for secondhand before ever buying new. Coats, leather handbags, belts and tall boots from high-end brands can be pricey when they’re the latest styles but they wear well and stay in fashion. “The quality of winter coats can be very high,” says Bull. “The silhouette of coats is fairly uniform year to year. Shopping consignment, you’ll get more for your budget and won’t have to compromise on style.”

“Luxury handbags are huge sellers,” shares Mauro. “If you’re shopping for a Chanel bag, pull out your phone, do a price comparison and make sure you’re confident it’s authentic. Ask all the questions you need to before investing in a bag.” 

“Vintage costume jewellery is fun to hunt for,” adds Florencio. “It’s often ignored at thrift stores and you can find some incredible statement pieces at great value.”

Look in the Men’s Section

With the current oversized trend, the men’s section can be a goldmine for quality, unique fashion statements. “With YSL Spring/Summer 2025 styles like the oversized suit, it’s the perfect time to raid the men’s section for oversized trench coats, suits and belts,” encourages Bull.

Mix Vintage with Modern

If you’re new to thrifting, start simple and mix vintage with modern. “A vintage patterned silk scarf is a great way to accessorize a basic outfit,” says Florencio. “Try adding pieces further away from your face, like a vintage skirt or pants with a contemporary top. Once you get more comfortable, you can have a lot of fun mixing vintage prints with contemporary styles to make a statement.”

Try It On

Another reason you shouldn’t rush when thrift store shopping is that you want to leave time to try things on. “You need to watch sizing, because sometimes items have been altered and all brands fit differently,” explains Mauro. “When shopping, wear shoes and an outfit you can easily slip out of to try everything on and ensure a good fit.” Some shops may not have fitting rooms, so wear simple clothing that allows you to try items on over them, or ask about returns and hang onto your receipt.

Have Fun!

Vintage shopping is best done in the right mindset. If you’re not in the mood to browse, dig or try things on, it can feel exhausting. When you show up with a good attitude and some curiosity, the treasure hunting experience is part of the fun. Also, get to know the staff at your favourite stores. They often have a great sense of what’s currently on the floor and can keep you in mind when something you’re searching for comes in. Building relationships can turn your vintage hunts into personal shopping experiences.