This is just a general list of tips and tricks that I’ve been picking up, synthesized into one post for my own reference, with a few of my own tips added. Feel free to save if you find it helpful!
Dress upper middle class. People are less likely to suspect you this way. Clean, simple makeup, nice clothes- a nice t-shirt or sweater and some jeans is the way to go. No baggie hoodies, don’t wear all black. If this isn’t your usual style of dress (it isn’t mine), maybe try lifting a couple new pieces to use for that look while lifting. DO NOT wear the same outfit every time- you will be recognized.
In relation to the previous tip- purchase or lift a good bag. A knock off of an expensive brand purse is a great option if you’re not confident lifting a nice bag. You can also try DNA-ing your cheap bag. You want an expensive-looking bag, and you want a medium-sized bag. Big enough to conceal in, small enough that it won’t draw attention.
Personal trick I use a lot- wear a snug pair of boots for an extra place to conceal small items. One exception to this rule, in my opinion, is specialty stores, or stores that cater to a specific aesthetic. Hot Topic, for example.
The tied sweater-inside jacket trick is a godsend. Just try not to jostle too much if you have a few things in there.
Don’t look at cameras, or over-explain yourself to SAs. While you’re scoping out cameras, never tilt your head, only move your eyes themselves. Talking to SAs and asking regular shopping questions is a good idea, but don’t over-do it. Also, always be nice to SAs who approach.
If you see a camera, assume it is on and someone is watching it.
Try to not allow yourself to be seen several times by SAs walking away from product displays with something you intend to conceal. They will start to notice if they’ve seen you walk away from a display three or four times with something in your hand and suddenly you have nothing.
The “cutting a hole in a cup and shoving small items” trick is also genius. I pretend to take sips of mine while reading product info- this is easier with a straw. Related, but you can bring a whole ass drink and lightning conceal into the cup. Your items are gonna get wet and/or sticky, so make sure you do this with items that come in airtight containers or won’t be ruined this way.
When it comes to the aforementioned lifting bag- I cut a hole in the seam of mine and installed the thinnest zipper I could find. I also have a few big keychains on that side of the bag to conceal the zipper. I would recommend only using squishy or plushy keychains to minimize jingling. I only conceal in this compartment, and both sides on the insides are padded to reduce the risk of someone feeling items they can’t see if my bag is ever searched.
If you have breasts, wear a lower-cut shirt and a supportive bra. This is even better the bigger your chest is- it is very easy to conceal items between your boobs. However, this can look bulky quickly- keep it to two or three items, preferably very small.
This may be just me but- I find concealing to be easier if my hands look full. If I’m holding my wallet or phone, it’s easy to drop it by my side or rest my hand on my collarbones and drop something into my shirt or pocket.
This tip is not a necessity, but I find it helps- Buy one or two things. You can always return them at a different location, or the same one if you wait long enough.
Act. Like. A. Regular. Customer. I cannot stress this enough— pretend you’re like every other shopper. Leisurely work your way through the aisles, try not to double back too much, pick up things you have no intention of lifting and put them back.
Keep ALL important and identifying items on your person. Phone, keys, wallet, etc etc etc. Bring NOTHING you don’t need, and make sure everything in your lifting bag are things you are 100% okay with losing forever. I keep a few cheap decoy items in mine in case they ever check my bag— a shitty pair of headphones, a cheap pair of sunglasses, hair ties, menstrual products a decoy wallet with unactivated credit cards (THAT DO NOT HAVE YOUR NAME ON THEM), etc.
Edit: I may add more to this as I see new tricks/think of more of my own!
