How to Spot Quality Items

How to Spot Quality Items – The Goblin's Guide to Thrifted Treasure

Alright, treasure hunters, we’re diving deeper today. You’re not just looking for items; you’re hunting for hidden gems. And trust me, once you learn the ins and outs of quality, you’ll have a sixth sense for spotting the real deal. We're talking about fabrics, craftsmanship, and maybe even some "unethical" tricks that might help you score a killer find. Ready? Let’s go.

Silk & Leather – The Underrated Treasures

Goblin Tip: Silk and leather are the unsung heroes of the thrift world. Real silk? It glides through your fingers like water. Leather? Thick, heavy, and durable—like a second skin that only gets better with age. These materials are natural, timeless, and sadly, harder to find these days. Why? Because fast fashion and synthetic fabrics have flooded the market. But when you find them—oh, it’s worth it.

  • Genuine Leather: Here’s the deal—real leather is becoming harder and harder to spot, thanks to the rise of faux leather and synthetic materials. But here’s a hot take: if the leather has already been created, why let it go to waste? Sure, leather may have come from an animal, but instead of tossing it in the trash or throwing paint on it, why not respect the animal’s life by letting that leather keep you warm in winter? Good leather doesn’t just keep you warm; it molds to your body over time, becoming uniquely yours.

  • Fur: Fur’s controversial, I get it. But here’s the thing—if it's already in circulation, what’s the harm in giving it a second life? That animal’s life was given up, and its fur was crafted into something that can keep you warm. In the thrift game, don’t let that go to waste.

  • How to Spot Real Leather:

    • Weight: Real leather is heavy. Pick it up, feel the weight in your hands. Fake leather will feel light and flimsy by comparison.
    • Texture: Real leather has natural imperfections—tiny variations in the grain, slight wrinkles. Faux leather? Too smooth, too perfect.
    • Smell: Yep, give it a sniff. Real leather has that distinctive, earthy smell. Fake leather smells like chemicals.

  • Silk: Smooth, delicate, but strong. Real silk has a luster that synthetic satin just can’t replicate. It's breathable, keeps you cool in summer, and warm in winter. And yet, fast fashion has nearly erased it. That’s why when you find real silk, it’s a Goblin-approved treasure.

Natural vs. Man-Made Fabrics – The Goblin’s Take

Goblin Tip: Cotton and linen are natural fibers that have been keeping humans comfortable for centuries. They breathe, they’re durable, and they don’t trap heat. But as time goes on, man-made materials (plastics like polyester, nylon, and rayon) are pushing these classics aside because they’re cheaper and easier to produce. Man-made fabrics have their place (rain jackets, anyone?), but here’s a dirty little secret: plastic fibers can actually seep into your skin when you sweat. Cotton and linen? Nope, they won’t do that. They keep things natural, and let your skin breathe.

  • Man-Made Fabrics: Synthetic fabrics like polyester, rayon, and nylon are often cheaper, and they hold up in certain situations like sportswear. But if you’re wearing them every day, it’s worth noting that plastics don’t breathe like cotton or linen. Stick to natural fibers whenever possible—they’re better for you and the planet.

  • Refer to the Textiles and Fabrics Guide: Check out the "Textiles and Fabrics" section under Tips and Tricks for more detailed breakdowns of what makes natural materials superior for everyday wear.

Denim & Stitching – Weight is Everything

Goblin Tip: Denim’s an art form, and the weight of the fabric is a good indicator of quality. We’ve talked about selvedge denim—the crème de la crème of jeans—but let’s get into why weight matters. The heavier the denim, the more durable it is. Real, quality denim has a weight to it that synthetic blends just don’t.

  • Stitching: When you’re hunting for denim, always check for double stitching—especially in the seams and hems. This is a hallmark of a quality pair of jeans. The rare single-stitch items from older generations? Those are even better. But beware of reproductions—modern clothes designed to look vintage. A single-stitch tee from the 80s has a natural wear and tear that just feels right. A reproduction? Not so much. If it seems too pristine for its age, it probably is.

  • How to Tell if Denim is the Real Deal:

    • Flip the cuff—selvedge denim has a tightly woven strip along the edge. If you find it, you’re looking at premium-quality jeans.
    • Heft it—good denim has weight. It should feel substantial, not flimsy.

Know Your Brands – Knowledge is Power

Goblin Tip: Brand names matter in the thrifting game. Not all brands are created equal, and learning about which brands produce quality clothing will help you set your expectations. And here's a little trick: when in doubt about an item's value, search for the brand and product on eBay's sold listings. Seeing what similar items have sold for will give you a rough idea of how much an item is worth and how often it sells.

  • Levi’s, Pendleton, Dr. Martens, and Patagonia are just a few of the reliable names. Vintage Levi’s? That’s gold. And Dr. Martens’ leather boots are practically immortal.
  • Refer to the Brand History Section: Head over to the Brand History section of the site for a more detailed rundown of which brands are worth your time—and which ones aren’t. Knowledge is key, and the more you know about these brands, the better you’ll be at figuring out prices on the spot.

The Weight Test – Real vs. Fake

Goblin Tip: The weight of an item says a lot about its quality. Heavy items, like real leather jackets or wool coats, are built to last. Fake leather, on the other hand, is light and flimsy—a dead giveaway. The same goes for wool and sheepskin—fake materials just don’t have the same heft.

  • Jackets & Coats: Real leather weighs more than faux leather. A good wool coat? You’ll feel it. If it’s too light, you’re probably dealing with a knock-off or synthetic blend.
  • Shoes & Bags: The same rule applies—leather shoes and bags should feel substantial. Fake leather just doesn’t hold up the same way.

Unethical Goblin Tricks – Use at Your Own Risk

Goblin Tip:

  • Digital Codes Hack: Keep an eye out for digital codes in games, CDs, and Blu-rays. Most people ignore these, but you can build a massive digital media library for free.