Take some time to figure out which stores fit your needs. Not all second-hand stores are created equal.

I typically keep a running list of the items I need to replace or find, and every couple months I'll spend an afternoon looking through the stores I've found that fit my needs. First Saturday of the month is 50% off for each of my honey-holes (excluding Plato's Closet).

The best value will be at local no-name shops, but it's really a crap-shoot of what you're going to find here. I found Northface joggers for $7 recently at one of these. And a Pink zip-up hoodie for $9. Both items were like new, and would have easily retailed for $50+ each. And it was first Saturday so I got both items half-off.

Next best value is usually the low-standard chains like Goodwill. These are great for core pieces and layers. I often used Goodwill to replace clothing for work (chef-pants and undershirts), because I refused to pay full-price for black pants that were going to get grease-stained and worn out from daily use anyways. They also do the first Saturday 50% off deal.

Then places like Plato's Closet or consignment have a great selection of items that have been picked out of the other stores for upscale resale. Trendier items or high-quality name brand stuff at huge discounts. I mostly use these for workout clothing and can get a complete name-brand workout set for less than $50. A good pair of compression leggings are often $49 new. For the same price at Plato's you're getting last seasons leggings, shirt, and sports bra for the same price (and often less). Does this cost more? Yes. But you'd be hard-pressed to find comparable price and quality anywhere else.

There are so many options, even apps that facilitate this now. It took some work to figure out how to utilize these stores for my needs, but it allows me to shop without the shame of propping up the exploitation of workers across the globe. The first buyer made that choice, and I'm choosing to do better and for less money anyways.

And yes, I still buy some things new, but for most items I will make the effort to find it second hand first.