The short answer: fall is the best season to thrift because outerwear and knits hold the most value secondhand. Look for 100% wool, cashmere, or merino sweaters, wool coats with at least 60% wool content, and full grain leather boots with stitched soles. Check the fiber tag first, then seams, then fit.
Key takeaways
- Read the fiber tag before anything else. Natural fibers last longer and resell better.
- Wool coats that cost $300 new often sell for $20 to $40 secondhand.
- Check armpits, cuffs, and hems for wear and moth holes.
- Leather boots with stitched (not glued) soles can be resoled for years.
- Shop early October, when stores rotate in cold weather stock.
When Thrift Stores Put Out Fall Stock
Most stores rotate seasonal clothing from mid September through October. The first two weeks of the rotation offer the widest selection. Pair that with our guide to the best days to go thrift shopping and you will see the freshest racks.
Sweaters: What to Look For
Fiber content
- Best: cashmere, merino, lambswool, alpaca, and 100% wool.
- Good: cotton and wool blends with at least 50% natural fiber.
- Skip: 100% acrylic sweaters that are already pilling.
Condition checks
- Hold the sweater to the light to spot moth holes.
- Check the underarms for felting and stretched knit.
- Small pills are easy to remove with a fabric shaver, so do not pass on a great cashmere for light pilling.
Coats: The Best Value in the Store
A well made wool coat is one of the biggest bargains in thrifting. Look for:
- Wool content of 60% or more on the fabric tag.
- Full lining without large tears.
- Working buttons and zippers. Missing buttons are cheap to replace.
- Structured shoulders that sit right on you. Shoulders are the hardest thing to tailor.
Trench coats, peacoats, and camel overcoats from older brands are often better made than current versions. Our guide on spotting vintage clothing shows how to date a label.
Boots: Leather and Soles Matter Most
- Press the leather. Real leather wrinkles and creases naturally. Plastic looks shiny and uniform.
- Check the sole. Stitching around the edge (a welted sole) means a cobbler can resole it.
- Look inside. Avoid cracked insoles or strong odors. A shoe deodorizer handles mild smells.
- Bring your own socks so you can try boots on properly.
Revive scuffed boots with a leather conditioner and a horsehair brush. Many $15 thrift boots look new after one session.
Flannels, Corduroy, and Denim
Classic fall staples like flannel shirts, corduroy pants, and heavyweight denim are common at thrift stores. Look for 100% cotton flannel and denim with little stretch for the most durability. These pieces also fit easily into a thrifted capsule wardrobe.
What to Skip
- Sweaters with large moth holes in visible areas.
- Coats with torn linings across the back.
- Boots with cracked leather at the flex point near the toes.
- Puffer jackets with flat, clumped fill.
Caring for Thrifted Knits and Wool
Hand wash sweaters in cool water with a wool wash, press out water with a towel, and dry flat. Store with cedar blocks to keep moths away. Read our full thrift clothing care guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to thrift fall clothes?
Mid September through mid October, when stores rotate in cold weather stock. The first two weeks of the rotation offer the best selection.
How can I tell if a thrifted sweater is real wool?
Check the fiber tag first. Real wool feels springy and slightly coarse, and it smells like wet animal hair when damp. Acrylic feels slick and pills quickly.
Are thrift store wool coats worth it?
Yes. Wool coats are among the best thrift values. Coats that cost $200 to $400 new often sell for $20 to $40 secondhand.
Can you resole thrifted boots?
If the boot has a stitched or welted sole, a cobbler can usually resole it, often for less than the price of new boots.
How do I get rid of the thrift store smell in sweaters?
Hand wash in cool water with wool wash and a splash of white vinegar, then dry flat in fresh air.
