4 Tips for Revamping Thrift Store Clothing

Thrifty shoppers know that Ohio Valley Goodwill is the destination to score great deals on gently-used clothing and accessories. Part of the fun of shopping in Goodwill is the thrill of ” treasure hunting” and combing the racks for one-of-a-kind styles you can’t get anywhere else! Best of all, your Goodwill finds can easily be refashioned into completely new styles with just a little work and creativity. Here are a few easy ways to upcycle thrift shop clothing and create your own custom wardrobe.

No-sew solutions

Everyone knows the feeling of falling in love with an item of clothing only to find that it doesn’t quite fit once you try it on! Luckily there are some simple alterations you can make to almost any piece of clothing to improve its fit ““ with no sewing skills required! For a no-sew approach to fixing pants that are too long for you, use iron-on adhesive tape to hem them to the right length. You can also easily transform a loose-fitting, shapeless dress into a more flattering silhouette by adding a belt to highlight your waist. To revamp a baggy button up shirt, try rolling up the sleeves or tucking it into form-fitting trousers or a skirt.

Fashionable jeans from Ohio Valley Goodwill

DIY high waisted shorts

High waisted denim shorts are a hot trend for the spring and summer months. Stay ahead of the curve by crafting your own high waisted shorts from a pair of jeans found at a thrift store like Goodwill. Look for jeans in thick denim that’s made without any stretchy materials, like spandex. The sturdier the denim, the better your final product will be! Before cutting the jeans, mark the desired length of your shorts with pencil or chalk. Then, cut along the lines, cutting each of the pant legs individually instead of in one straight line. For a distressed look, try rubbing a pair of scissors or sandpaper on the shorts to fray the edges and create a worn-in style.

Button upgrades

One of the easiest ways to give your shirts, sweaters, or jackets a fresh new look is by switching out the buttons. Instead of inexpensive-looking plastic buttons, upgrade your thrift store finds with unique buttons made from metal, wood, or shell. With a few simple stitches, you can replace the buttons and create a totally new look!

T-shirts at Ohio Valley Goodwill

T-shirt transformations

T-shirts are incredibly versatile pieces of clothing. With just a few snips and cuts, you can turn an ordinary t-shirt into something brand new! We found several great DIY projects from Goodwill Industries International that you can create with a simple t-shirt, but there’s also a wealth of tutorials you can access online. Once you know the project you want to try, head to your local Goodwill store, where you can find a huge selection of t-shirts in all different sizes and colors.

With an inventory that’s updated daily, you never know what’s in store for you when you go thrift shopping at Ohio Valley Goodwill. We hope these ideas spark your creativity and give you even more reason to schedule your next Goodwill shopping trip!

And remember, when you shop at Goodwill, you’re directly supporting our mission to provide job training and employment services to people facing barriers to employment. Find your nearest Ohio Valley Goodwill retail store location and check out our monthly sales calendars to take advantage of even more great savings.