Imagine stepping into a pool of apparel where every rack screams opportunity and value that you can upscale. If you’re looking to learn how to re-label thrift store clothing like a pro, you’ve landed on the right page. We’ve narrowed down a list of expert strategies to save you from the hassle and help you transform thrift store finds into professional, rare finds. Read on!
Why Re-Label Thrift Store Clothing? The Pro Benefits
#1. Enhances Brand Identity
Custom labels can transform generic items into signature pieces, aligning with your niche and exuding a sense of increased brand value.
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#2. Boost Resale Value
Professional/ custom-curated tags can make your apparel look more polished and signal quality, making your pieces stand out in a pile of outfits – Imagine earning up to 40% more for well-presented secondhand gems.
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#3. Eco-Conscious Edge
Re-labelling also helps upcycling by extending the life of an outfit, reducing waste, and making it appealing to fashion connoisseurs who are passionate about sustainability and make smart decisions by thrifting rather than splurging on a piece that they’d only wear twice in their lifetime.
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#4. Practical Perks
Nobody really talks about these practical advantages that come with thrifts – fresh & professional tags ensure the wash care, safety, and material information is up to date, reducing liability in resale.
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Materials You Need To Turn Your Thrift Into a Valuable Gift
Before diving deep into the list of materials you will need to re-label your thrift store clothing like a pro, here are a few things you should have handy:
#1. Label Removal Kit
Adhesive remover, Seam Ripper, and lint roller
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#2. Custom Label Supplies
Fabric markers, iron-on transfers, or printable woven labels from suppliers like Etsy
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#3. Attachment Tools
Washable fabric glue, sewing machine, or heat press
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#4. Branding Extras
Price tag holders, high-quality hangers, and digital design software
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Step-by-Step Guide: How to Re-Label Thrift Store Clothing
Inspired by proven clothing business launches and secondhand curation tactics. We’ve curated this
7-step blueprint that you can copy and paste to scale and re-label your thrift store clothing. Check them out!
#1. Inspect Your Thrift Haul
Skim through offline stores or online for high-quality fabrics from timeless brands like COS. Make sure to check for damages (if any), and focus on pieces with a strong ‘resale lifespan’.
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#2. Define Your Niche
Research about what your brand tone and strategy should be and how you want your brand to be perceived by customers. Whether it’s an upcycled streetwear or eco-vintage ensemble – revive your thrifts with a modern flair.
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#3. Remove Old Labels
Sewn-in tags can be a bummer. To remove them gently, use a seam ripper. Make sure to steam the area before starting to remove the seams, and avoid cutting to preserve the clothing from damage and maintain its quality.
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#4. Prep The Ensembles
Prepping the outfits is an essential part of re-labelling thrift store clothing. Ensure you perform a colourfastness test before proceeding with any customisation. Followed by giving the outfits a proper clean up as stated in the wash care.
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#5. Design Custom Labels
Design a minimal logo, material, and washcare tags using free design tools like Canva, and include touching phrases like “Hand Rebranded Sustainable Fashion” for storytelling.
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#6. Add Pricing & Package for Sale
Your packaging should convey your story – so to highlight that, be sure to add a little thank-you note with branded tissue paper to make it more thoughtful. Add a ‘yes’ while calculating the price; don’t forget to add a 2x markup for all the efforts you took to make that thrift clothing more appealing.
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#7. Market Your Re-Labelled Collection With A Sass
To stand out from the crowd, ensure that you add high-resolution images showcasing tags. Utilise trendy hashtags on Instagram, such as #ThriftFlip and #RelabelPro, to increase your visibility and reach more customers in your niche.
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We hope this list of How to Re-Label Thrift Store Clothing Like a Pro gave you a good starting point for you to build something that stand the test of times. If you are looking to start a clothing brand, we recommend that you read our guide – how to start a clothing brand.
If you have already started a fashion brand and you are looking for suppliers, do read our guide on how to find clothing manufacturers and do not forget to download our checklists. If you want to get in touch with us, please connect with us here.
We also have a separate section – Commonly asked questions about the most expensive clothing brands, it is worth checking out.
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