Walking into a packed thrift store can be overwhelming. There are racks and racks of clothes, and most of it is stuff that isn’t worth a second look. But hidden in those racks are gems from brands like Prada, Burberry, or Lululemon. The trick is knowing how to find them without spending five hours in the store.
Here is my system for spotting designer clothes in a sea of fast fashion.
Trust Your Hands
The fastest way to find quality is by touch. Designer clothes use better fabrics. After you’ve spent enough time in thrift stores, your hands will learn to recognize silk, heavy wool, and high quality cotton. If you feel something that feels smooth, heavy, or just different, pull it out.
Look for the Hardware
Cheap clothes have cheap zippers and buttons. Designer brands usually use quality hardware. Look for sturdy YKK zippers or buttons with the brand name engraved on them. If the zipper feels like it’s going to break just by looking at it, it’s probably not a luxury item.
Check the Stitching
Flip the garment inside out. Designer clothes have clean, straight seams with no loose threads. If you see messy stitching or unfinished edges, it’s a sign of mass production. High end brands take pride in the construction of their clothes, even the parts people don’t see.
Go to the Right Locations
Not all thrift stores are created equal. If you want designer gear, go to stores in wealthier neighborhoods. People tend to donate locally. You’re much more likely to find a Gucci belt in a shop near a high end shopping district than in a rural area. For more tips on where to find valuable items, see our Goodwill finds worth money guide.
Know Your Labels
This is the part that takes time. You need to learn what the labels look like. Not just the name, but the font and the way the tag is attached. Sometimes the “Made in Italy” or “Made in France” tag is a bigger clue than the brand name itself. For a complete breakdown of authentication techniques, check out our guide to authenticating designer items.
Finding designer clothes for resale is a skill that gets better with every trip. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find a treasure on your first few tries. The more you look, the more your eyes will get trained to spot the good stuff.