I started shopping at thrifts as a kid with my mom because she was a super bargain hunter, got in the habit and continue as an adult even though I can afford to shop at new goods store just as well. Thrift stores offer certain advantages over new goods stores, I find. There's greater variety and lots of surprises. Everything is prewashed and preshrunken. And, of course, there's the prices.
There are certain types of clothing I prefer to buy at thrifts and certain things I buy only new. I love to buy woven shirts/tops, jackets and, sometimes, jeans at thrift shops. I rarely buy knitted clothes at thrifts, though. I would never buy underwear or shoes at a thrift shop, though they sell them.
Some thrift store shopping tips: 1) Go often. Good items go fast at thrifts, so you need to make the rounds frequently to scored goodies. If you can find out the days/times they add new stock that can help. You may make 3-4 dry trips before finding something good that fits. 2) I've had the best luck with Goodwill stores. While I've found some good things at Salvation Army, this is rare and prices there can vary wildly. Little independent thrifts can have anything, so it's always good to look (I bought an unopened copy of 1 yr old MS Office Pro for $15 at one once). 3) If possible, wash clothing items warm with disinfectant when you get home, as a precaution.
~ Lyric ~