How Much Money You Actually Save When You Thrift
If you’ve ever stood under the fluorescent lights of a big-box store holding a pair of jeans that cost more than your electric bill, congratulations — you’ve already discovered the first reason thrifting is the real hero of your wallet.
But today we’re not just talking vibes.
We’re talking real numbers — the kind that make your budget do a happy dance. Let’s break down exactly how much money thrifting saves (spoiler: a lot), why it matters, and how to get the absolute most bang for your secondhand buck.
How Much Money You Actually Save When You Thrift
Let’s compare real retail prices vs average thrift prices.
These are realistic national averages across major retailers and thrift sources.
1. Jeans
Typical retail: $40–$80
Common thrift price: $6–$12
Savings: $34–$68 per pair
Buy 5 pairs a year?
That’s $170–$340 saved — literally one grocery run or a month of gas.
2. T-Shirts & Tops
Typical retail: $15–$40
Thrift price: $2–$6
Savings: $13–$34 per item
Grab 10 over the year?
$130–$340 saved.
3. Jackets & Outerwear
Retail for decent brands: $60–$150
Thrift: $10–$25
Savings: $50–$125 each
One good thrifted winter coat can save a full week's worth of groceries.
4. Shoes
Retail: $50–$130
Thrift: $7–$20
Savings: $43–$110 each pair
Two pairs a year? You’re saving a car payment.
5. Kids’ Clothing
Kids grow like they’re trying to win a race.
Retail for a full outfit: $20–$35
Thrift: $4–$8
Savings: $16–$27 per outfit
Multiply that by how many sizes they blow through?
You’ll understand why thrifting is a parenting superpower.
What This Looks Like Over a Full Year
Let’s break it down into a realistic yearly wardrobe refresh.
| Item Category | Retail Cost | Thrift Cost | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 jeans | $250–$400 | $30–$60 | $220–$340 |
| 10 shirts | $150–$400 | $20–$60 | $130–$340 |
| 2 jackets | $120–$300 | $20–$50 | $100–$250 |
| 3 pairs shoes | $150–$390 | $21–$60 | $129–$330 |
| Kids’ outfits (10) | $200–$350 | $40–$80 | $160–$270 |
Total Annual Savings: between $739 and $1,530.
That’s enough to:
Pay off debt
Replace a major appliance
Take a weekend trip
Start an emergency fund
Buy literally anything else but fast fashion
Why Thrifting Is a Budget Win Beyond the Price Tag
1. You Get Higher-Quality Clothes for Less
Thrift stores are full of:
Brands that actually last
Natural fibers
Better stitching
Items that have already proven they don’t fall apart after two washes
Why buy a $22 fast-fashion blouse when you can grab a once-$89 quality one for $6?
2. Your Wardrobe Lasts Longer
Clothes that survive long enough to make it to a thrift store are usually:
Better made
Better materials
Better fit
You’re essentially getting “pre-tested” clothing.
3. You Avoid Trend Burnout
Fast fashion is designed to go out of style so you’ll rebuy.
Thrifting gives you:
Classic pieces
Rare items
Unique finds
Styles that don’t look like what everyone else grabbed off the same rack
Uniqueness is priceless — and cheap.
4. You Can Resell Your Finds Later
One of the best parts?
If you’re smart, you can make your money back.
Buy for $8. Resell for $20.
You just got paid to shop.
Tips to Maximize Savings When You Thrift
Go on Sale Days
Most thrift stores have:
Half off days
Color tag discounts
“Dollar Sundays”
Senior days
Student days
Stack the deals. Your budget will high-five you.
Check the Fabric
If you want the longest-lasting wardrobes, look for:
Linen
100% cotton
Wool
Silk
Denim
Cashmere
Avoid:
Thin polyester that pills
Anything that feels flimsy
Learn Brand Value
Knowing the difference between:
Target → $
Zara → $$
Banana Republic → $$$
Lululemon → $$$$
…helps you spot a deal fast.
Don’t Fear Tailoring
A $6 pair of jeans + a $12 hem = jeans that fit like they were born for you.
Retail could never.
Use Thrift Stores That Curate
If you want higher-quality items fast, shop at curated online thrifters (like ours, here is our shameless plug: badplaidthrift.com).
The work is already done for you.
So… Does Thrifting Really Save Money?
With real numbers in hand, the math speaks for itself.
Thrifting saves the average person between $700 and $1,500+ a year.
That’s not a small difference — that’s a whole financial glow-up.
Affordable. Smart. Sustainable.
And honestly? Way more fun.