Thrift store shopping has always been popular among various groups of people, but it's drawing new fans in this tight economy. Cutting back, however, does not mean you have to forgo your desire for quality merchandise -- you just have to find what you want at a lower price.

"If people go to thrift stores, they can save 60 percent to 70 percent off from what those items will cost in a regular retail store," said Britt Beemer, founder of America's Research Group, an organization that monitors retail buying habits of consumers.

Where do you start? It is often frustrating to filter through unwanted goods before finding what you need. People donate what they don't want for a reason. Some clothes are torn or stained, and jewelry may be tarnished. Although patience is key, finding thrift stores that provide quality products is essential.

"There are a lot of bargains out there, but you have to be picky with where you shop and what you buy at thrift stores since there are no refunds or returns," Mr. Beemer said.

After driving around the region in search of good thrift stores, here is a list of my favorites. Hours vary at each store, so call before visiting.

Thriftique

7400 1/2 Church St.
Swissvale
412-271-0544

Located in Swissvale's business district, this thrift store is like Wal-Mart -- one-stop shopping -- and it's where I found most of the pieces of my new "thrift" outfit. The store carries books, big furniture, small decorations, shoes, clothes and accessories. Furniture is arranged by size, with smaller nightstands and chairs in the front and larger armoires and dressers in the back. Shoes and clothes are arranged by color and size. Clothes also are arranged by style, such as children's, juniors, misses, menswear and plus sizes.

Most of the men's and women's shirts are priced less than $5, while pants and skirts range from $3 to $15. A designer corner is sectioned off and displays high-end brands: Michael Kors, Liz Claiborne, Anne Klein and Ann Taylor, to name a few. Wedding dresses from David's Bridal also are available. There also is an impressive selection of designer shoes and purses from Nine West and Aldo.

The prices in designer corner are slightly higher than the rest of the store but are still bargains compared to their retail value. If you visit the store's Web site at www.ncjwpgh.org you can print out a coupon for 20 percent off.

Thriftique is run by the National Council of Jewish Women in Pittsburgh, and all of its profits support nonsectarian community-service projects. One provides free shopping sprees for homeless or mentally ill clients.

Crimes of Fashion

4628 Forbes Ave.
Oakland
412-682-7010

Shoppers with a taste for floral prints and antique fashions will not walk away empty-handed, if they can find parking. Located near the intersection of Forbes and Craig Street, Crimes of Fashion lives up to its name, with styles ranging from purple elephant print sarongs to hot pink corduroy pants. The clothes are haphazardly hung throughout the store, even on the walls and ceiling, making it difficult to sort through.

Although its clothes may not be suitable for all age groups, its accessories are extensive and chic. It has a variety of both long and short strands of pearls as well as costume jewelry rings and bracelets.

Yesterday's News

1405 E. Carson St.
South Side
412-431-1712

Like the many bars that surround it, Yesterday's News targets adults. Most of the clothes are either too large or too vintage for teenage fashion, but the store is filled with different styles and textures. The clothes are neatly organized by style and texture, making it easy to find a black velvet cocktail dress or denim overall shorts.

Clothes are abundant in this store, but they are certainly not its specialty. Yesterday's News features an interesting collection of hats, from fedoras and berets to bonnets and pillbox hats.

Family Heirlooms

530 Washington Road
Mt. Lebanon
412-531-4750

This is a house-turned-thrift-store and may go by unnoticed by the random passerby, but it shouldn't be passed up. The quaint store is arranged to look like a cozy home with decorations on the wall and cookware in the kitchen. The dining room features fine china and porcelain tea sets, while the bathroom displays a variety of candles and bath salts. Around the corner from the bathroom is a bedroom with a small collection of women's clothes from brands such as Jones New York, Ann Taylor, Liz Claiborne, American Eagle and Calvin Klein.

Unlike many thrift stores that sell mainly clothes and accessories, Family Heirlooms provides an eclectic shopping experience. On the second floor, shoppers will find an assortment of furniture as well as books and children's clothes.

Animal Advocates Thrift Shop

35 Wabash St.
West End
412-928-9837

Although not as quaint as Family Heirlooms, the Animal Advocates Thrift Shop is also a two-story house. The space is small, and maneuvering through the piles of toys and clothes is difficult. There are some recognizable brands such as Old Navy and Gap, but they are scarce.

Selection is small but the prices are low. The thrift store offers shoppers a brown bag bargain: They can purchase a bag for $3 and take home what fits in the bag.

Wearafter Shop

4752 Liberty Ave.
Bloomfield
412-687-2600

In the heart of Bloomfield, the Wearafter Shop could be mistaken for a high-end retail shop. The brightly lit store carries a limited selection of brand name clothing such as Lacoste, Polo, Dooney and Burke and Nine West. Although the prices are slightly higher than those at an average thrift store, they are bargains for these big names. During the fall and winter seasons the store also carries vintage and gently used furs.

A portion of the shop's profit goes toward the Junior League of Pittsburgh, an organization of women that supports volunteerism and community improvement. The Wearafter Shop also supports the Women's Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh and provides free clothing to the program's participants.

The Clothesline

4804 Liberty Ave.
Bloomfield
412-621-2498

A couple of blocks up from the Wearafter shop is another women's thrift store. While it does have some girls' clothes, The Clothesline sells primarily women's fashion with brands such as Michael Kors, St. John Knits, Banana Republic and L.L. Bean. Unlike many thrift stores, most of its clothes are new and given to the store in bulk by generous donors. Recently the store received 32 never-worn St. John suits.

All of the store's profits are donated to Magee-Womens Hospital for breast cancer research.

East End Community Thrift

5723 Penn Ave.
Bloomfield
412-361-6010

This thrift shop almost resembles a Goodwill store. It is spacious, and its inventory consists of an array of clothes as well as household items such as computers. Although it does not refurbish computers as Goodwill does, it offers shoppers a small selection of complete systems with a monitor, keyboard and mouse.

The store is run by volunteers and is connected with the senior citizens of the National Urban League. Every Tuesday is senior citizens day, and all clothing is 50 percent off for people over 65.

Good Samaritan Thrift Store

500 Lincoln Highway
North Versailles
412-829-1898

At first glace, the interior is designed like a typical thrift store. Accessories are in one corner, small furniture in another and clothes racks are spread across the center of the room. However, clothes at Good Samaritan Thrift Store are organized in an unusual way. All of the clothes are arranged by size, style and print. This system allows shoppers to quickly find what they are looking for as well as search for similar items.

The store's profits go to children's programs such as World Vision, Latin America Childcare and Light of Life.

A Child's Wardrobe and Adults Too

2200 Murray Ave.
Squirrel Hill
412-422-3033

The once all-children's thrift store now features clothes for infants, toddlers, men, women, plus sizes and maternity. Because space is limited, the store often displays its clothes outside during business hours. Patience is essential when shopping indoors because the entire store is full of clothes. There are wall shelves above the clothes racks with boxes of socks and boxes of $3 shirts line the walls.

The store is holding its annual summer clearance sale. All clothes and shoes are 30 percent to 60 percent off. The sale ends Friday.