I’ve always loved thrifting, but my approach has changed a lot over the 12 years I’ve been writing this blog. I used to be all about hunting for 50% off color tag deals at Goodwill, but these days, I thrift with much more intention—especially online. I’ve shifted from focusing on price to prioritizing quality, and my wardrobe has completely transformed because of it. Now, I search specifically for high-end brands I love and wear often, and it’s helped me build a closet that feels both stylish and smart. Today, I’m sharing my top tips for scoring the best deals on higher-end pieces when thrifting online.
*This post contains affiliate links.
How I Started Thrifting High-End Brands Online with Intention
Every summer when the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale rolled around, I used to browse the preview and mentally bookmark all the pieces I loved. I’d watch other influencers share their try-ons and style the cutest outfits, but at the time, the sale just wasn’t in my budget. One year, instead of just window shopping, I had the idea to search for some of those same brands in the sale, second-hand online. I was shocked at how many options I found. I could score similar, and sometimes exact, styles from past seasons for a fraction of the retail price. That was the moment my thrifting journey really shifted.
Thrifting has been part of my style journey for years. Back when I was a preschool teacher, it was a great way to keep my closet stocked with cute, affordable clothes I didn’t mind getting messy at work. But after I left the classroom and started being more intentional with my wardrobe, I realized that thrifting could be about more than just saving money—it could be a way to build a wardrobe full of quality, elevated pieces I truly love.
These days, online thrifting is my favorite way to shop. I get to find the brands I love without paying full price—and with a little patience, I’ve scored some incredible pieces. In this post, I’m sharing exactly how I do it: where I shop, what I search for, and how you can start building a wardrobe you love—one great thrift find at a time.
Where to online thrift shop
- Poshmark – Poshmark is my personal favorite place to thrift. I find the app easy to navigate, and all my sizes are saved, which cuts down on the time spent searching through a bunch of listings. It’s simple to search for exactly what I’m looking for, and I like that I can message sellers with questions if I have them. Best of all, I sell clothes on my own Poshmark closet and usually have a balance in my account—so I often just use that money toward my purchases. You can shop my Poshmark closet HERE and if your new, make sure you use my code: THRIFTYWIFE for $10 off your first purchase.
- ThredUP – I’ve been shopping on ThredUP for years. It’s easy to navigate and search for exactly what you want, and they often run sales. I’ve found some great deals there. I’ve also sold to them in the past, which is a nice perk—though they can be pretty selective about what they take. I love that they list measurements in the item descriptions, and they have a huge selection. The photos can be a little hard to see clearly, but you can zoom in for a closer look.
- The RealReal – If you’re looking for a higher-end thrifting experience, The RealReal is worth checking out. I haven’t bought jeans from them yet, but I do have two Kate Spade handbags that I purchased through the site. While their prices are on the higher side, they frequently offer discounts and run sales, so you can find great premium pieces—including jeans—at a much more affordable price.
- eBay – I haven’t personally used eBay yet, but my sister-in-law finds great jeans on there all the time. I always forget it’s an option when it comes to secondhand shopping. eBay can be a great place to score deals thanks to its auction-style listings. I’m definitely planning to give it a try myself soon!
Tips for Intentional Online Thrifting
1. Create a Wishlist
The first step to any intentional shopping is knowing what you’re actually looking for. Go through your closet and identify any gaps or pieces you’re missing. Maybe it’s a classic trench coat, a good pair of dark-wash jeans, or a great pair of tall dress boots. Once you’ve taken inventory, create a wishlist and use it as your guide when thrifting—it’ll keep you focused and help avoid impulse buys.
2. Know Your Measurements (Not Just Your Size)
Sizing varies so much between brands, especially with secondhand pieces from past seasons. Many online thrifting platforms include measurements in the item description, so keep a soft measuring tape on hand and jot down your key measurements—waist, hips, inseam, bust, and shoulder width. This makes it easier to shop confidently and avoid returns.
3. Use Filters and Saved Searches
Most resale platforms let you filter by size, brand, price range, and more. Use those filters to narrow your search and save time. Many sites also allow you to set up saved searches or “favorite” items so you can keep tabs on price drops or restocks of your favorite brands and styles.
4. Do Your Homework on the Brand
If you come across a piece you love, take a few minutes to look it up on the brand’s website. Check the original price and read any available reviews to get a sense of fit, fabric, and overall quality. This helps you make a more informed decision and ensures you’re actually getting a good deal.
If you want to get an even better feel for the brand, when you have a chance, go to the mall and actually try on the clothes. There is nothing better than actually getting to see and feel the items in person.
5. Read Descriptions Carefully
Before you hit purchase, read the item description in full. Look for condition notes, fabric content, and any flaws the seller may have disclosed. On platforms like Poshmark, you can also message the seller directly if you have questions or want more photos.
6. Don’t Be Afraid to Make an Offer
While some sites like ThredUp and The RealReal have set pricing, others like Poshmark allow you to make offers. My personal method on Poshmark is to “heart” the items I’m interested in and wait for the seller to send me a private offer. Most of the time, the offer is even better than what I was going to suggest, and often includes discounted shipping too!
*Bonus Poshmark Tip!
Make sure to check how active the Poshmark seller account is. At the top of the page, there’s an “About” button that will take you to the seller’s profile. There, you’ll find all sorts of helpful information—like the last time they were active on the app, how many listings they’ve sold, their average shipping time, and reviews from past buyers. This is important to know because some sellers on Poshmark are no longer active, and you may never receive the item you purchase.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Even though online thrifting is a great way to score high-end items, there are a few things to watch out for, especially when you’re spending a little more. Here are some red flags to keep in mind:
No Returns
Most secondhand sites don’t offer returns unless the item is misrepresented. So if you’re making a bigger purchase or buying a brand you’ve never tried before, be extra cautious. Read all the fine print and don’t be afraid to ask questions before buying.
Stock Photos Instead of Actual Images
Always make sure the seller includes actual photos of the item, not just stock photos from the brand. You want to see the exact piece you’re buying, from all angles. If it’s a bag or accessory, check for photos of the inside too.
Vague or Missing Size Info
If a listing doesn’t clearly state the size or the measurements, it’s a good idea to pass or message the seller for more info. You want to be confident it’ll fit before buying.
Overpriced for the Condition
This is a common issue, especially on Poshmark. Sometimes sellers try to get full retail price (or even more!) for used items. Be sure to research what the item originally cost, and don’t hesitate to skip listings that aren’t priced fairly for their condition.
Fake Designer Items
Unfortunately, fakes can pop up—especially for designer bags and luxury pieces. This is something to watch for on eBay and Poshmark. If you’re shopping for high-end designer brands, I recommend The RealReal or ThredUp, since they authenticate items before listing them.
What Brands to Online Thrift
When I talk about thrifting quality brands, I’m not necessarily referring to designer labels. While I’m open to thrifting high-end designer pieces, I’ve found that many of the ones I have my eye on are still out of my price range—even secondhand. Instead, I focus on brands that I could afford at retail but prefer to buy for less by shopping used.
Some of the brands I like to look for when thrifting online include: J.Crew, Madewell, Mother, Paige, Good American, Anthropologie, Kate Spade, Vince Camuto, Adidas, Nike, New Balance, and other brands in that price range. Here are a few of the pieces I’ve found over the last five years.
Denim:
I love thrifting high-quality jeans online. I truly believe that a great pair of jeans can make a huge difference in your outfit, but some brands are a little pricey for me, so finding them online for less is how I like to shop them!
This past spring, I thrifted a pair of Mother Jeans on Poshmark. I had been on the hunt for a pair of Mother denim for years. The retail price for the Mother Denim Rambler Ankle Fray jeans is $288 (currently on sale for $201.60). I paid $56.
These slim, wide-leg jeans from Madewell have been one of my most-worn pairs this year. I just love this style of jeans, and they hit me at the perfect length, especially when pairing them with boots in the wintertime. A similar pair of Madewell Perfect Vintage Cropped Wide-Leg Jeans retails for $138. On Poshmark, I found them for $40.
I also have two pairs of Paige jeans—one in white and the other in a medium-wash denim. I found the white pair on Goodwill Finds for $9.99. (Goodwill Finds is no longer open, but you can check out all my thrift finds in my blog post Everything You Need to Know About Online Thrift Shopping at Goodwill Finds.)
I bought my other pair of Paige jeans on Poshmark. The same style, Cindy High-Waist Ankle Straight-Leg Jeans, is currently on sale during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale for $139.99 (originally $239). I bought my pair for $44.
I also have a pair of Madewell shorts that I thrifted on ThredUp. The retail price for shorts like these is $78, and I paid $24.
Shoes
I find thrifting shoes to be a great way to score name brands for less. My Adidas Sambas came from Poshmark. Even though they weren’t the greatest deal, I paid $90, they were still slightly cheaper than the full retail price, and I used some of the credit in my Poshmark account to help cover the cost.
Another pair of shoes I love are my Vince Camuto tall suede boots, which I thrifted for just $15 on Poshmark. My Hunter boots also come in handy when the weather is bad—I thrifted those on Poshmark too, for $30.
Coats and Jackets
Nice coats are always a great item to look for when thrifting online. I recently scored a J.Crew trench coat on Poshmark for just $20. The other coat I have that gets a lot of wear is a wool coat from Gap that I thrifted a while back on ThredUP for only $20.99.
I also have a decent amount of thrifted blazers. One of my favorites is my J. Crew Factory navy blazer. It has such a classic look to it. This blazer was $19.99!
Handbags
I have quite a collection of thrifted purses and handbags. One brand in particular that I always look for while thrifting is Kate Spade. I love the classic designs of these purses, and I find them to be at a very reasonable price point compared to other designer handbags. Kate Spade bags typically retail anywhere between $150 and $500.
My tan patent leather shoulder bag is from The RealReal, and I paid $32 for it. My pink quilted chain purse is from Poshmark, and I bought it for $38. I also love my Kate Spade black satchel bag, which I found on The RealReal for $32. And my black quilted crossbody Kate Spade bag came from Poshmark for just $22. All of these bags have been great accessories to have in my closet!
Hopefully, my online thrift finds have inspired you to start shopping for high-quality brands secondhand. You might be surprised by how much these pieces can elevate your wardrobe, without breaking the bank. Intentional shopping is the key to building a wardrobe you love on a budget!
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