10 Thrift-Shopping Tips, According to a Frequent Bargain-Hunter

(SPOT.ph) Kimmy first started thrift shopping using money from her allowance about ten years ago. Before the pandemic, she thrifted once or twice every two months (even more). Now, with the surge of online thrift stores on Instagram—and sadly, with the physical thrift stores she used to frequent closed—she still takes every chance to check out the shops she can find; after all, going through rows and rows of clothes and finding a gem can't be beat. 

Kimmy is one of the many Filipinos who do and enjoy thrift shopping, and understandably so. When asked why she thrifts, she gave us three reasons: Sustainability, low prices, and uniqueness—like most of the reasons stated in this last year’s study from Singapore-based Milieu Insight, which also showed that 62% of Southeast Asian consumers shop for secondhand fashion—most of them coming from the Philippines, with 8 out of 10 (83%) saying they've done it.

“Secondhand clothes are cool again,” it says.

Everyone shifted to online shopping when the pandemic began, but nothing beats going to a physical store and getting to see, feel, and try the items firsthand. Whether you’re an ukay-ukay first-timer or a veteran going to physical stores for the first time in such a long time again, here are some tips to keep in mind on your thrifting adventures.

Also read: Making a Case for the Pre-Loved: Why Secondhand Shopping Is the Better Online Habit

What is thrift shopping?

The term commonly used is ukay-ukay, which is from the word halukay meaning " to dig." It’s literally what you’ll be doing when you get to an ukay-ukay store—dig, dig, and dig into piles and racks of clothes, bags, shoes, and other secondhand or preloved accessories that are also sold for much, much cheaper prices for good finds. Say, for as low as P50. Heck, even lower. As long as you know where to look. An ukay-ukay store is a treasure trove filled with hidden gems, after all.

“I have a habit of looking through all of the items in the rack. I do it fast and I really do focus on the material and style more, not the brand. So if it's something that catches my eye, regardless if it’s really my style or not, I'm willing to buy and experiment,” Kimmy shares.

Tips

Before

1. Wear something comfortable. For example, leggings and shirts. They will allow you to easily wear or patong and do a quick check on the items. You won’t have to change in and out of your outfit. And of course, alcohol to disinfect and wear your mask.
2. Bring a big bag. As we’ve said, an ukay ukay store is a treasure trove filled with hidden gems. You’ll never know what you’re going to get. A big bag is a must, especially if you plan on purchasing a huge haul. Or you know, just in case you spot a few styles you’re willing to buy and experiment on like Kimmy does.
3. Bring cash. “I don’t think most thrift stores have shifted to digital wallets, so yeah, bring cash to be safe,” she says.
4. Decide what it is you’re after. It’ll help to narrow your search if you have a specific outfit or fashion peg in mind, say, like fashion and celebrity photographer and ukay queen Shaira Luna; or if you’re casually shopping, decide if you’re in it for quality over quantity, or the other way around (we’d vote the former).

She adds, “I don't know if it's being smarter with my money, but I've organized my entire wardrobe during the pandemic and this helps me control what I buy from thrift stores. If I have something similar, then I really don't need it—even if the item is such a steal at P50.”

During

5. Make a quick scan of the shop and decide how you want to attack it. A game plan is important if you want to make the most of your visit. Decide which section of the shop you want to focus on and how you’ll go row by row. There are usually signs (whether by style or by budget) on where everything is to make things easier and more efficient for you. Shaira Luna, in an interview with Preview way back, said she looks for signs with the cheapest amount first, then move the priciest last.
6. Stick to your goals. Don’t be distracted by other items unless they fit a different kind of your want.
7. Check the items thoroughly. Manage your expectations, sure, but you should still check for holes and other damages on the item you want.
8. Don’t check out without trying to haggle. Depending on the place, and the vendor’s mood, you might just be able to get discounts at the counter. If you’re buying bulk, you’ve got more chances they’ll be willing to lower your total price.

After

9. Wash them. Washing the items is an absolute no-brainer. Kimmy uses detergent for hers. “I’ve heard of people using salt but I’ve personally never tried it!” Who knows where the clothes came from or how long they’ve been out there? Make sure to pay attention to the type of material and decide accordingly whether to chuck it in the washing machine or if a good long soak is in order. Be sure to add a few drops of bleach, color-safe of course if they’re not white, to the mix.
10. Bless the items. No, really. Now that you’ve got them physically clean, it might do you good to add another layer of cleanliness. Call it a cultural or a religious thing, either way, as Kimmy shares, “It’s better to be safe than sorry!”

There are a lot of ukay-ukay stores, flea markets, and vintage-slash-secondhand stores in flea markets dotted around the Metro if you want that firsthand experience.

But for ukay-ukay places, there's the Makati Cinema Square along Don Chino Roces Avenue in Makati; or Anonas Mall in Sta. Mesa; and of course, the ever-famous Divisoria Market, among others. Hey, there might be bargain spots around your neighborhood that you never even know were there—ukay-ukay is all about finding hidden gems, after all. There are also online thrift stores you can sift through in the comforts of your own home. You can even sell your pre-loved items online when you want extra cash and have just Marie Kondo-ed your way into your wardrobe.

Also read:
Cop Leather Jackets From This Hole-in-the-Wall Thrift Store in QC
This Under-the-Radar Secondhand Store in Baclaran Hides All Sorts of Gems