Have you ever purchased something simply because it was cheap, rather than because you truly liked it?

With prices continuing to climb amid the cost-of-living crisis, that instinct is understandable. But according to thrift expert Lissy Clow, focusing on value rather than just price can make all the difference when shopping secondhand.

In 2025, 72 percent of 3,268 American adults said rising prices were directly impacting their apparel spending, according to Thredup data. Meanwhile, 27 percent said they planned to increase their secondhand purchases to offset further price increases.

The 32-year-old—who has worn pre-owned clothes for as long as she can remember—told Newsweek that shoppers should only buy a thrifted item if at least one key criterion is met.

Clow, the community marketing lead at vintage wholesaler Fleek, encourages shoppers to focus on fewer, more versatile pieces—items that won’t need a “third life after yours.”

Here are four signs an item is actually worth bringing home.

1. The Materials Are High Quality

One of the clearest indicators of value is fabric.

Natural materials such as 100 percent cotton, linen, or wool tend to last significantly longer than many fast-fashion alternatives. These are the types of pieces that can stand the test of time, both in durability and wearability.

2. You Can Style It Multiple Ways

Versatility is another key test before making a purchase.

London-based Clow said: “My rule of thumb is, ‘Can I wear these five different ways?’ If you can't picture three-five outfits using things already in your wardrobe, leave it.”

Being able to integrate an item into several outfits ensures it won’t sit unworn in your closet.

3. You Know Exactly When You’ll Wear It

Impulse buys often come from imagining hypothetical occasions that may never arrive.

Clow said those days should be left behind: “If you can't name the occasion, don't buy it—it'll sit in your closet forever.”

Having a clear purpose for an item increases the likelihood it will actually get used.

4. It Gives You That Unmistakable 'Yes' Feeling

Finally, Clow says instinct matters more than many shoppers realize.

She shared: “My mom calls it my ‘happy feet’—when I was a teenager she could see my feet under the changing room door at Goodwill, and if they were skipping around she knew I'd found something worth buying.

“That full-body YES—where the item fits well, you feel comfortable, and you can fully express yourself in it—is real, and worth trusting.”

Thoughtful Thrifting

For Clow, thrifting is about more than finding bargains or chasing trends. Instead, it’s an opportunity to shop more intentionally, support sustainable practices, and build a wardrobe that truly reflects personal style.

By focusing on quality, versatility and genuine connection to what you buy, she suggests shoppers can avoid unnecessary purchases—and get far more value from the pieces they choose to keep.