Fall is the season for jackets, and thrift stores are full of them. On the @Sherane YouTube channel, a thrifter invites viewers to “come thrift with me for fall fashion,” with a hunt for oversized leather jackets, including vintage ones, and other favorite pieces to thrift.

Along the way, two finds stand out: a moto jacket the thrifter had been looking for, priced at $40, and a wooden dresser for $24.99 that looks like an easy paint project.

The Moto Jacket

The moment comes when the thrifter spots the jacket on the rack. “But look at this jacket. The details on this is so pretty. These are so cute. And I have been looking for a moto jacket just like this.”

Then comes the price and a small twist. “It’s $40 now. That’s cute. It wouldn’t fit me, but it’s for 40.”

That last line is a lesson in itself. Even a piece the thrifter had been looking for would not fit, and the thrifter said so plainly. The jacket is a reminder that a good price and a favorite style do not matter if the fit is wrong.

The Dresser That Wants Paint

The other find was not clothing at all. “It’s different for $24.99. It looks like the drawers are wooden. That can easily be painted.” A wooden dresser at that price is an invitation to a weekend project, and wood is one of the easiest materials to paint.

How To Shop For A Leather Jacket Secondhand

Leather jackets are one of the best secondhand buys, since good leather lasts for years and tends to look better with age. Here is what to check before you pay.

• Try it on with a layer. Wear a sweater or whatever you plan to put under it. Check the shoulders and sleeve length, and make sure you can move your arms comfortably.
• Look at the leather. Run your hand over it. Small scuffs are normal, but deep cracks, peeling or dry flaking are a bad sign.
• Test the zipper and snaps. Zip it up and down a few times, and check every snap and button.
• Check the lining and cuffs. Linings can tear, and cuffs and collars wear first. A torn lining can be replaced, but it adds to the cost.
• Smell it. Strong odors can be hard to remove from leather, so a quick sniff before buying can save regret.

Oversized styles, which the thrifter mentions, are forgiving, since a little extra room is part of the look. Moto jackets are usually cut closer to the body, so the fit matters more.

Caring For Leather After You Buy

A secondhand leather jacket may need a little attention at home. Wipe it with a soft, slightly damp cloth and let it air dry away from heat, since direct heat can dry and crack leather. Hang it on a wide, sturdy hanger so the shoulders keep their shape. If the leather feels dry, a conditioner made for leather can help, and it is wise to test a small hidden spot first. For a vintage jacket in particular, go slowly and gently, because older leather can be fragile.

How To Paint A Wooden Dresser

If a thrifted dresser catches your eye, painting it is a project most people can handle. The basic steps are simple.

1. Clean it. Wipe away dust and grime with a mild cleaner, and let it dry.
2. Remove the hardware. Take off the knobs or pulls so you can paint around the holes.
3. Sand lightly. A light sanding helps paint grip a glossy finish. Wipe off the dust afterward.
4. Prime if needed. A primer helps with dark wood, stains and glossy surfaces.
5. Paint in thin coats. Let each coat dry before adding the next, and finish with a protective topcoat if you like.
6. Add new hardware. New knobs can change the look as much as the paint.

Before you buy, pull out each drawer to make sure it slides smoothly, and look inside for signs of water damage or strong smells. Solid wood is easier to repair and paint than a thin surface that is peeling.

A Budget Plan For Thrifting Fall Pieces

Thrift prices are low, but they can still add up, and anyone who has loaded a cart knows the feeling. A few habits help keep spending in check. Decide before you go what you are looking for, such as a jacket, a sweater or a decor piece. Set a budget for each item. If something is not right, like a jacket that will not fit, leave it on the rack even if the price is low.

The $40 jacket and the $24.99 dresser were both reasonable prices for pieces that caught the eye. But a bargain only counts if you will actually wear it or use it.

The Takeaway

Fall thrifting rewards patience. Walk the racks slowly, look for details you love and be honest about fit. And if you spot a wooden piece with good bones, remember that a coat of paint can change everything.

More Stories You May Like

• Ruined Mid Century Modern Dresser Gets Brought Back to Life in a Transformation That Shows What Furniture Is Worth Saving
• Couple Restoring A 100 Year Old House Learns The Odd Gap Under The Ceiling Was An Original Picture Rail And Uses It To Hang A 1943 Newspaper Found Inside
• Chunky Plastic Bracelets In A Thrift Store Bin Could Be Bakelite Worth Thousands And A Warm Water Smell Test Can Help You Tell