What does thrifting mean?
Thrifting is the act of shopping at second-hand stores, charity shops, vintage boutiques or other resale locations to find pre-owned items. Although "thrifting" is an American English term, it is now used around the world to describe the experience of hunting for second-hand treasures, whether in UK charity shops, European vintage stores or local flea markets.
Thrifting is often compared to a treasure hunt because you never know what you might find. From vintage clothing to books, furniture, homeware and collectibles, every shop has the potential to offer something unexpected and full of character.
Thrifting Meaning
Thrifting is shopping for second-hand items in charity shops, thrift stores, flea markets and vintage shops.
People thrift for many reasons, including affordability, sustainability, quality and the thrill of discovering one-of-a-kind items.
Where People Go Thrifting
Thrifting can take place in many different types of shops and markets:
Charity shops: Affordable, locally run shops that support good causes.
Thrift stores: Common in the US and Canada and known for low prices and large inventories.
Vintage boutiques: Curated collections of older or higher-quality clothing and accessories.
Flea markets and car boot sales: Great for homeware, vintage decor, books and collectible items.
Online resale platforms: Apps and websites where individuals sell pre-loved goods directly.
No two thrifting locations are the same, which is part of the excitement.
What You Can Find When Thrifting
Thrifting offers an incredibly wide range of items, including:
vintage clothing
denim, jackets and knitwear
books and vinyl records
furniture and decor
bags, jewellery and accessories
sportswear and trainers
kitchenware and home essentials
kids’ clothing and toys
Many of these items are significantly cheaper than buying new, and often higher in quality.
Why People Love Thrifting
Affordable shopping - Thrifting helps people save money while still accessing great quality items.
Unique and one-of-a-kind finds - Many thrifted items cannot be purchased anywhere else.
Sustainability - Buying second-hand gives items a second life and reduces waste.
Better quality - Older pieces often have higher craftsmanship or longer-lasting materials.
Creativity and personal style - Thrifting encourages experimentation, upcycling and styling new looks.
The thrill of discovery - Finding an unexpected gem can feel incredibly rewarding.
Supporting good causes - Purchases from charity shops help fund essential community services.
Why Thrifting Feels Like a Treasure Hunt
Part of thrifting’s appeal is the surprise factor. Stock constantly changes because shops rely on donations, so there is always something new to discover.
A single visit can result in:
a designer piece at a fraction of the price
a vintage jacket from a past decade
a rare book or record
unique homeware
something you never knew you needed
This unpredictability makes each thrifting trip feel exciting and different.
Tips for a Great Thrifting Experience
Bring a friend: Friends help with opinions, spotting items and making the experience more enjoyable. Just make sure they don't have the same style and are not the same style as you (otherwise you might fight over the pieces you find 😜)
Keep an open mind: The best finds often come when you browse without a specific item in mind.
Check quality: Look for fabrics, stitching and signs of wear to make sure items will last.
Try things on: Sizing varies, especially with older clothing.
Visit regularly: Stock rotates quickly, so frequent trips increase the chance of good finds.
Explore new areas: Different neighbourhoods have different types of donations.
Thrifting and Sustainability
Thrifting is one of the most accessible ways to shop sustainably. It:
reduces textile waste
cuts down on new production
supports circular fashion
helps items stay in use for longer
encourages thoughtful consumption
Every thrifted purchase reduces the demand for fast fashion and helps protect the planet.
Thrifting as a Social Activity
Although thrifting can be done alone, many people enjoy going with friends because it adds:
honest feedback
shared excitement when someone finds a great piece
new perspectives on style
a fun day out exploring different shops
the chance to grab a coffee and compare finds after shopping
For many, thrifting is not just shopping but a social and creative experience.
Related Terms
Start your thrifting journey with Ganddee. Discover nearby charity shops, vintage boutiques and second-hand events today.