I thrift almost everything I wear — which means sometimes you have to get a little creative with how you shop.
Buying secondhand online isn’t as simple as clicking your size and hoping for the best. Especially when it comes to denim, but I truly think it’s worth it!
Recently, I needed new jeans and decided to use a Christmas gift card at my favorite online thrift store, ThredUp.
I went into the process fully prepared for trial and error… but I ended up with two pairs of thrifted Levi’s that fit perfectly.
So today I’m sharing exactly how I approached shopping for thrifted denim online — plus the tips that made it actually work.
Start With Size… But Don’t Trust It Completely
The first thing I did was narrow my search by general size. That’s still a helpful starting point — but denim sizing is famously inconsistent.
If you’ve ever tried on three pairs of jeans labeled the same size and had them all fit differently… you already know.
One of the biggest things I learned during this process is that a labeled size — for example, “29” — does not mean the waist is actually 29 inches. I saw jeans labeled the same size with waist measurements ranging several inches apart.
So use size to narrow your search, but don’t rely on it to make your decision.
Use the “Heart” Method (aka Save Everything Interesting)
Instead of overthinking each item immediately, I started “liking” (clicking the heart) on any pair that looked interesting.
This moved everything into a separate saved section so I could come back later and evaluate them more carefully.
I’ll be honest — I did this for hours. But it allowed me to compare multiple options side-by-side once I was ready to get serious about narrowing things down.
Measure the Jeans You Already Love
Before making any final decisions, I pulled out the two pairs of denim from my closet that fit me really well.
I measured:
- Waistline
- Inseam
- Overall length
Those numbers became my baseline.
Once I had them, I compared those measurements directly to the jeans in my saved list — and that’s when everything started to make sense.
This step was the single most helpful part of the entire process.
Pay Attention to Rise and Fabric Composition
Two things that matter more than people realize when buying denim online:
Rise:
High-rise, mid-rise, and low-rise jeans sit very differently on your body. Even if the waist measurement is correct, a rise that feels wrong can make a pair uncomfortable.
Fabric makeup:
100% cotton denim behaves very differently from stretch denim that includes elastane or spandex. Rigid denim can feel tighter at first but often relaxes with wear, while stretch denim tends to feel more forgiving immediately.
One thing I appreciate about ThredUp is that they typically include a photo of the tag, which makes it easy to check the fabric content before buying.
Look Closely at Photos and Condition Notes
When buying secondhand, you’re not just evaluating fit — you’re also evaluating wear.
I looked closely at:
- Inner thigh areas
- Knees
- Pocket stretching
- Overall fading patterns
ThredUp also includes condition notes describing any visible wear and tear, which made it easier to shop confidently.
Use Measurements — Not Just the Size Label
Once I compared the measurements of my favorite jeans to the listings in my saved folder, I realized just how inconsistent sizing really is.
Some jeans labeled the same size varied by several inches in the waist alone.
Having actual numbers to compare against made the process far less of a guessing game — and ultimately led me to two pairs that fit perfectly right out of the box.
Look Up Reviews on the Original Brand Website
Another trick that helped me feel more confident was looking up specific styles online.
If you’re considering a particular brand and model, search for it on the brand’s official website or major retailers to read customer reviews. People often mention:
- Whether the style runs large or small
- How much stretch it has
- How it fits in the hips or thighs
Even though you’re buying secondhand, that original feedback can be incredibly helpful.
Think Strategically About Alterations
One mindset shift that helps when thrifting denim: some adjustments are easier than others.
Generally:
- Length is easy to tailor
- Leg openings can often be adjusted
- Waist and rise are harder to change
Buying slightly long can be a safe choice, but make sure the core fit — waist, hips, and rise — feels right.
Was It Tedious? Yes. Was It Worth It? Also Yes.
I won’t pretend this was the fastest shopping experience. It took time to save options, measure my own jeans, and compare details carefully.
But in the end, I ordered two pairs of thrifted Levi’s that fit perfectly — which honestly felt like a small miracle.
More importantly, I learned a system that makes buying thrifted denim online feel much more doable.
Final Thoughts
If you’re willing to slow down and shop a little more intentionally, buying thrifted denim online can absolutely work.
Focus on measurements, understand fabric and rise, and use the tools available — like saved lists, detailed photos, and condition notes — to make informed choices.
It may take more effort than traditional online shopping… but the payoff (for your wallet and the planet) can be well worth it.
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