I've read a few posts lately from people looking for inexpensive wool clothing and thought I would share my finds from the last year. I frequent many of the area thrift stores because of my addiction to junk but never used to look at the clothes. I thought that these stores only carried clothes that had been worn out by someone before they were donated.
A couple years ago I decided to start looking through the clothes to see if I could find something good enough to wear to the woods. I was surprised at what I found. It's not hard to find decent quality stuff and you can frequently find "like new" stuff.
I thought I would post a few pictures of the wool that I've bought from various thrift stores over the past year to show those of you who are skeptical like I was. I'm pretty picky about what I buy and I've passed up a lot of stuff that had small holes or looked worn. All of the stuff pictured is in "like new" shape and could have easily come from a department store.
Everything pictured below was bought for less than $10 each and many items were under $5.
Coats – the Filson was actually bought two years ago for $9 and looked like it had never been worn, the Woolrich I found last week for $6:
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/bctgrad/P1010031.jpg)
Vests:
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/bctgrad/P1010034.jpg)
Shirts – the two Pendeltons in the front were $8 each and look brand new:
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/bctgrad/P1010040.jpg)
Pants – the bottom two are heavy weight German military, the middle two are mid-weight Eddie Bauer and Gap cargo, and the top par is light weight US Military:
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/bctgrad/P1010037.jpg)
If you are cheap like me and have a real hard time paying $300 for a coat or $100 for a shirt stop by a couple of thrift stores and check it out, you might be surprised.
Brian
Im right there with you. Ive even found predator camo on the rack. Its a great place to look for inexpensive quality items.
WOW! Great find, I have had some luck with a department store that get's rejects and seconds and overstocks from Cabelas....got my GF a pair of BN filson mackinaw pants for $45 and some winsheer wool sweaters for $35. will be hitting the thrift stores next chance i get!
Good finds ya have there!!!
I've been looking around thrift stores around here and got a couple of sweaters. Doesnt seem to be alot of wool down this far south. But I'll keep lookn, cant hurt!!
We call it "The Getto Store". I have some Woolrich and other wool shirts and several polarfleece vests and jackets that came from there. Never seem to find wool pants or bibs, however.
Re-use is the best recycling.
I'm pretty sure that a couple of the stores around here get unclaimed clothes from dry cleaners. I've bought several items with the cleaner's tags still on. I guess if they are left too long at the cleaner, the cleaner donates them instead of throwing them away.
Brian
Then there's the brand new $550.00 down bag I got for $14.00. I get most of my hunting clothes at thrift stores. Big parkas, down vests, wool sweaters galore!! I call Value Village "my favourite hunting store.
the chef
My wifes a consignment store shopper and all my kids are quite well dressed thank you. Saves a ton of money and many clothes still have the tags on them....Phil
I just got back from lunch and found another Pendelton. This one has a couple of small holes, but I really liked the color (and price):
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/bctgrad/IMG00077-20101122-1259.jpg)
Brian
WHEN I do find wools they are always l and xl not what I need ---where can I find XXL's? L.O.L.
I have recently came across some good deals on a few heavy Pendleton classic wool jackets in earth tone plaids. These are by far my favorite wool jackets and something you always have to be on the lookout for! Even if they are older than me, if you look you can find them still mint, I have. Some arn't cheep though! I've paid up to $60.00 for one, but usually more like $15.00 to $35.00
If your looking for some custom made wool at a great price, take a look at http://www.spirithorseenterprises.com/
I can attest to the quality of there product. I have a pair of there cargo pants, 21oz. wool that is a very tight weave. $79.00 isn't bad for a super nice pair of 100% 21oz.wool pants.
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I wish our thrift store would have some of that "junk" LOL Good for you!
Cheers
Yep, your are right on. A lot of good old usable wool clothes out there if you check out the thrift shops. bctgrad, looks like you never pass one without stopping. ;)
Good thread...pun intended.
Brian-just started this year doing just that and have come up with a couple of nice wool sweaters and one shirt! the most I paid for any one item was $7! thanks for the encouragement!
WOW,you hit a gold mine.I've been useing wool all my life,got it from my grandfather & bean boots,but i,m always looking for good stuff at thrift stores and flee markets.I think its funny when your standing around with frends when they are funning you about wool and freezing at the same time.
Where I live in Louisiana has an Air Force base. All the military people donate their good winter clothes to Goodwill once they get here to LA. That makes for some AWESOME wool clothes finds.
I have to admit that I sucked it up and went in to Good Will, only to then find my favorite wool Pendelton wool shirt. However, a small word of advice that comes not only from the saleslady but also other reliable sources: Get it cleaned first before you mix it in with other clothing or wear it. Insect infestation like bedbugs are now more rampent than ever, and will cost you a lot of time and money to get rid of the problem that came along with the " bargain".
Here in N Alabama there is very little wool in the thrift stores, too warm for the area I guess.
I agree have found some great finds at thrift stores. **** is another great place for wool shirts. I have picked pedelton up for $5 and wool army pants for $15. I just got the tip from here to try looking at the german military pants. I ordered yesterday from sportsman guide. I am looking for brown but ordered grey $30 for 4 pair.