9 Expert Tips for Getting the Coolest (Real) Vintage Clothes

You can spot a vintage-shop vet from their keen eye, impeccable taste and sore triceps (picking through racks upon racks of used clothing is a serious workout). Thanks to a growing collective consciousness around consuming sustainably and a city buzzy with thrift, consignment and curated second-hand shops, new old clothes are all around us… but finding a fit ’fit that fits can still be a pain. We tapped Liz Krebs, operations manager at The Only, and Lydia Okello, content creator and model, for their advice.

1. Define Your Store

You can find vintage clothing in many types of second-hand shops. Krebs explains that (in general) thrift stores depend solely on donations, consignment stores rely on the public to bring items in (and then split profits with the consignor) and vintage stores buy and curate their product from ragyards, wholesalers or other collectors.

2. Get in the Mood

Sometimes, second-hand shopping is a state of mind. “You definitely have to be in the right headspace for it,” says Krebs. “I have 100 percent walked into a thrift store and walked immediately back out feeling overwhelmed.” So grab that matcha latte, bring your best hype-friend and chill: good vibes equal good finds.

3. Always Check the Tags

Fast fashion can find its way to thrift and consignment stores, and your cute “vintage” trousers might just be hot garbage. “I am notorious for checking the tags,” says Okello. “I’ll look up brands, and I’m always going to look at the fibre content.” Cotton, wool, linen and silk are green flags, Okello shares.

4. Bring a Measuring Tape With You

Both Krebs and Okello suggest knowing your own measurements and bringing a measuring tape with you. Sizes on tags won’t be consistent across brands, and this way you can get a sense of how something fits you even if change rooms aren’t available. Krebs adds that many vintage shops will have a measuring tape on hand if you forget—just ask.

5. Go Early and Often

Krebs recommends shopping early, as slow mornings on the sales floor allow staff more time to put new items out. “Most places get new product daily or weekly,” she adds, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t find anything you like: there’s always next time.

6. Be a Respectful Customer

Duh. These folks are working their butts off to give you the most style-forward sustainable shopping experience, and we all know retail can be hell. So respect the work and be kind. “Putting your clothes back on the hangers instead of leaving them in a pile is always nice,” Krebs suggests.

7. Try Small Shops and the Wide Web

Okello leaves no stone unturned when it comes to shopping second-hand: besides your cool neighbourhood vintage shop, they also recommend small thrift stores (“Hospital auxiliaries are always great!”), apps like Poshmark, Gem and Lucky Sweater, sites like eBay and Etsy and social platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Instagram.

8. Don’t Forget the Accessories

There’s more in store than clothing, and Okello never skips the racks holding bags, belts, scarves, ties and jewellery. “You’ll find very high-quality goods tucked in the depths of an accessory bin, and incredibly unique things as well,” they say.

9. When in Doubt, Head to the Suburbs

Have car, will thrift. Second-hand shops outside of the cidty are full of (often cheaper) possibilities. “Day trip to smaller towns—they’re often less picked-over,” says Krebs. Okello agrees: “I grew up in the Fraser Valley, so I also try to hit up the thrifts when I’m out that way. Many treasures to be found.”