I'm a Thrift Expert-Here's One Shopping Habit That Wastes Money

Buying pre-loved clothing has become a full‑blown dopamine sport-from scoring a bargain to stumbling across something nostalgic. But that rush can quickly turn into wasted money.

According to the 2025 Resale Report from ThredUp, 58 percent of consumers bought secondhand apparel in 2025, with younger generations leading the trend. The top motivations: better deals, the thrill of the hunt, and access to higher‑end brands. Yet that same excitement can nudge shoppers into financial missteps.

Newsweek spoke with London-based thrift expert Lissy Clow about the one habit she says is quietly sabotaging secondhand shoppers-and how to avoid it.

"We’re now in a time where buying second-hand is more accessible than ever," Clow said. With countless online marketplaces, shoppers no longer need to dig through racks. But she warns that this convenience comes with a downside.

"That accessibility is wonderful, but it’s exactly what’s quietly turning bargain-hunting into a bad spending habit for a lot of people,” she said.

Biggest Thrifting Mistake Explained

Clow, the community marketing lead at vintage wholesaler Fleek, says the most common error is shopping secondhand the same way people shop for new clothes-chasing trends, buying for one-off occasions, or browsing without intention.

"They go in with no focus and no idea what’s missing from their wardrobe-so they end up ‘saving' money on a fourth white blouse with the same collar/details as the three they already own," she said.

Before heading to the till, Clow suggests asking yourself:

• Is it cute or just cheap-are you reacting to the price, the brand, or the thrill?
• Would you wear it in real life-or are you caught up in the hunt?

"A bargain you’ll never wear isn’t a bargain," she said. "It’s just cheaper clutter, and it’s the fastest way to waste money while feeling like you’re being savvy and shopping sustainably."

How Shoppers Can Avoid Wasting Money

Thrifters save an average of $1,760 per year, according to CouponFollow. But if an item never leaves the hanger, Clow argues it's not a saving at all.

"People start over-consuming with the feeling of ‘I found it, so I have to buy it.’ That’s the opposite of what thrifting is about," she said.

"These are garments that have already lived a life before they reach you. The whole point is to extend their lifespan, not to cycle through them as fast as we cycle through new clothes."

Tips to Prevent Wasted Money While Thrifting

Clow, who shares her thrifting and styling tips on TikTok (@lissyclow), has shared several strategies to help shoppers stay intentional:

• Keep a thrift list - Track what you actually need by reviewing your wardrobe, noting the silhouettes, colors and fabrics you truly wear, and adding only specific gaps or long-term wants. This keeps impulse buys in check and helps you recognize when a trend is fleeting rather than essential.
• Negotiate online - Many sellers are clearing out their wardrobes and open to offers, so don't hesitate to ask for a lower price.
• Slow your pace - Consider each purchase carefully and think about how long the item will last in your wardrobe. The real savings come from buying fewer, more versatile pieces that you'll wear repeatedly-not from grabbing the cheapest item.

Clow emphasizes that there are already enough garments in circulation to clothes everyone for life. Thoughtful thrifting simply ensures those pieces end up with people who will genuinely use them.

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This story was originally published June 2, 2026 at 7:12 AM.