Martinizing’s Ultimate Thrifting Guide

Thrifting is thrilling! It's so exciting to find that diamond in the rough or a piece you can bring back to life! And knowing which fabrics hold up and if stains, blemishes, and tears are fixable will make it even more fun!

The Martinizing Cleaners' Ultimate Thrifting Guide helps you navigate the world of secondhand clothing.

Here are some pointers to begin:

● Designer doesn't mean better. Designer brands are meant to look nice on certain occasions more than they are for standing the test of time.

● Know your fabrics ahead of time. Some fabrics need a lot of upkeep - others don't. Some must be professionally cleaned. Others don't.

● Some things aren't worth the hassle. Professional cleaners can help solve some issues, but not all.

AVOID TRYING THINGS ON BEFORE THEY'RE CLEANED

You don't know where those clothes were before you got them.

Seams, Stitches, & Stains

Turn clothes inside out before you bring them to checkout. Here's what you're looking for:

Loose Stitching

Loose stitching (~an eighth of an inch) signifies something that's hand-sewn. Usually, this applies to designer clothing and also means a higher cost to restore or alter. Hand-sewn likely requires professional cleaning.

Tight Stitching

Tight stitching means that a piece of clothing was made by a machine and is more likely built to last your washer and dryer.

Seams

A loose seam isn't a problem. Your average dry cleaner or tailor can handle this and shouldn't deter you from a piece you really like.

Stains

Some stains can be repaired- some are permanent. Yellow stains or discoloration under the armpit are examples of permanent issues.

Fabrics
Here is a guide to the fabrics you will be looking at:

Cotton - Cotton is fairly durable and extremely easy to maintain. Check to see if it's stretched out or "baggy," as one of the most notable signs of aging in cotton is when it loses its shape.

Denim - Denim fades and shrinks with every wash, even if handled by a dry cleaner. If you find a denim piece that fits a little snug, know that it's only going to get smaller. Also, remember that fading is permanent.

Leather - Leather and other animal skins are notoriously difficult to restore but you. If you notice cracks, tears, or scratches on a leather piece, it's best to avoid it. Cleaning should be done professionally.

Linen - Linen is one of the most fragile fabrics. It typically requires dry cleaning after each wear. It will shrink quickly if dried at home. Stains can be particularly stubborn in linen, and discoloration cannot always be fixed. The strength of the fabric can vary from item to item depending on how tight the stitching is.

Polyester - Nicknamed "the invincible fabric," polyester is built to stand the test of time. It's wrinkle-resistant, relatively stain-proof, and will maintain its shape after multiple washes. Be wary of ironing or using high heat on polyester. As a synthetic fiber, it can release toxic fumes if not dealt with properly. Polyester is also more prone to hold onto odors and can oftentimes be difficult to wash out normally.

Rayon - Rayon is a delicate fabric that typically needs regular dry cleaning or can only be hand washed. The biggest challenges with rayon are wrinkles and stains. Wrinkles can be handled with the proper care; however, you likely won't be able to remove a splash or spill stain from this fabric.

Silk - Silk is a finicky fabric. It's one of few fabrics that can rot and it can also easily be permanently discolored. Before you buy something silk, stretch it a little and see if it falls apart. If it does, it's rotted. It will need to be professionally cleaned.

Wool - Wool is one of the most durable and easy-to-maintain fabrics you can come across. Frays and loose stitching can be easily fixed, but be wary of discoloration, as this tends to be permanent. Moths are also particularly drawn to wool, and holes in a wool piece could be a telltale sign of a moth infestation.

Before you throw that thrifted piece you love in the wash, take it to a Martinizing Cleaners location and let them bring it back to life!

GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR THRIFTING JOURNEY!