Thrifting for Bags: What to Look For

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In the past year, I’ve tried to go thrifting a lot more for unique, vintage pieces that are also good for the environment. I’ve always loved thrift shopping because the THRILL of finding a gorge piece for cheap is unparalleled. I swear this must be what it feels like to win gambling. I wouldn’t know, I never win anything, ever!

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I’ve been super lucky lately in the bag department when shopping second hand. There are a TON of cute options if you look close enough. But on that note, there are a lot of bad ones too. In my experience, there are a few things that’ll separate the good ones from the rest.

The best part of buying bags second hand is that they’re usually cheap. Unless you’re buying designer, bags usually fly under the radar in thrift shops. So I’m here to share a bit of my habits about what to look for when thrifting for bags at second hand stores.

Aritzia Pants, Shirt, Turtleneck | Thrifted Bag via Goodwill

American Eagle Jeans | Topshop Sweater (similar in red) | Simons Ballcap | Thrifted Bag via Value Village

Aritzia Modern Utility Pant | Zara Faux Fur Jacket | Steve Madden Boots via Hudson’s bay | Thrifted Bag via the Wardrobe Exchange

Thrifted Denim via Goodwill | Aritzia Laboratoire Coat | Steve Madden Boots via Hudson’s bay | H&M Earrings | Thrifted Bag via Goodwill

Aritzia Daria Leather Leggings | American Eagle Puffer Jacket | Sportcheck Hat | Aritzia Diamond Mosaic Scarf | Thrifted Bag via Goodwill

What to Look for When Thrifting for Bags

1. Where is the bag made?

True vintage bags are usually made closer to home. One of my favourite vintage bags was made in Canada and the quality really shows.

It’s good to note here that just because a bag wasn’t made close to home, doesn’t mean it’s not going to be good quality. If it doesn’t have it, all good. But if it does, snatch that sucker up!

2. What is the bag made of?

Look for real leather! These are the ones that are going to last you a long time and probably lasted their previous owner years and years too. They also tend to wear better if you ask me.

3. Is the hardware in good shape?

Hardware includes the clasps, the zippers… basically the nuts and bolts of the bag. It’s important to check these out because this is what will keep your bag useful to you for years to come. If the outside zipper is broken, it’s more likely that other pieces on the bag will break as well and it could be costly to fix.

Those are my top 3 tips for thrifting for bags! I love a good bag and second hand finds are some of my favourite of all the bags I own! How can you go wrong with a $5 bag that no one else has?!

xx Victoria