Primark - what do I need?

[SheStoodInTheStorm]

I'm off to the big Primark tomorrow and wondering if there is anything I should be looking out for?!

Some a,ready mentioned (mascara, neutral lipsticks, bobbles, underwear, pj's) but also love their vest tops. Lace topped, double lined at the top, I have them in a huge range of colours and use them for bed (double lining means no bra), as summer tops, under wrap dresses and as an extra layer in the cold!

Thanks everyone. Went today and to be honest I wasn't in awe of the clothing. Came away with some of the new skincare stuff and some make up. DC loved the Harry Potter bit though.

I don't have the budget for Next/Hush/Cos/anything deemed "quality" but I don't just go to primark to buy cheap stuff to throw away!

I went to the massive one In Birmingham and it was just too much. There's one closer to me that's usually quieter so will go there.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Their leggings are also awesome

For people who like see through leggings

I love their converse lookalikes, handbags, underwear, socks, purses, most of their stuff really. Great for kids clothes. Suits my budget and that’s important.

For people who like see through leggings

I own several pairs and none of them are see through. I don’t wear leggings or black tights if you can see through them - I dislike it intensely. These are fab and better than ones I’ve paid more for and they’ve lasted years.

Charity shop and thrifting enthusiast here. Sooo much primark stuff ends up thrown away. I'm on a super tight budget. I know second hand isn't for everyone but the amount of crap that ends up in a landfill is shocking. Anywho don't mean to be wanky and preachy. Might be worth a visit? Even if a few items are saved from a landfill

The stripy t shirts, when they are in stock. I bought five long sleeve navy and white stripe tops last year and live in them. No shrinking.

I might be completely wrong about this but from seeing the massive bags of clothes people carry out of Primark and when I went in there a few weeks ago, I get the impression that a lot of shoppers buy so much stuff there because it's cheap, not because they actually need it. It works right into their business model too of selling a high volume of items - which is just not sustainable.

Moominfan - I'm also a charity shop bargain hunter (eg the lovely Wallis dress I found for my upcoming graduation for £2.50) but I supplement those choice items with Primark basics that I don't tend to find in charity shops - or they haven't been looked after or they're overpriced - like stretchy vest tops for layering etc. I can only really afford Primark, Lidl and George clothes but I choose carefully and look after them so they last.

Slave labour, throw away fashion that is poor quality and poorly fitting and ends up in landfill after a couple of wears.

So we should buy haute couture only? Everything else is mass produced.

Agree with Lindormilk about the Converse dupes. I had to throw away my last pair of actual Converse because I just couldn't bear breaking them in. I bought the £6 Primark ones and they were comfortable instantly.

@Moominfan I love shopping in charity shops! However round here often you'll find a top for £5 or so, when it's not in good condition and probably cost £8-10 new. I will always have a look in charity shops but you can't buy make up etc from there!

Some of my Primark clothes are 15 years old and still going strong. I don't buy many clothes, I don't really have a budget for clothes, but a few bits from Primark once or twice a year doesn't break the bank. I make them last and everything gets worn hundreds of times. It's not throwaway fashion if you don't have much money.

Agree!

My favourites:

Bras (so pretty and only £8-10 for the fancy lacy ones)
Knickers (£3 for a 3 pack)
Fancy tights (£3 - the sheer ones with little hearts on or fine mesh ones)
Ballet flats (£3)
Stretchy cami vests (£1.80)
Sun dresses for DD (£3.50)
Knickers for DD (£3.30 for a 10 pack)

I find the clothes rather hit and miss in terms of both style and quality, but I do have some absolutely lovely things that have lasted years.

Oh, forgot - also the Korean sheet masks - only 80p!!

Cami vest tops (they're about £2 each!) I have dozens in every colour and layer them under other clothes.

The towelling turban is great, much better than microfiber, pyjamas, and flipflops.

I've never gotten clothes for myself, apart from pyjamas. sizes are always wrong. I find socks excellent, bedding I had single sheets used every other week they lasted about 10+ years. I like the little peg things you hang socks on great value. I do think kids clothes are good my dd 9 loves going in there shes into gym type gear at the moment.

I have some choice pennys stuff that has lasted for years bought from charity shops e.g a grey fairisle cardigan and a beautiful silk sleeveless blouse I love

I also love buying quality items in charity shops and car boot sales. I bought a lovely Fat Face top in my local charity shop 2 days ago. But when it comes to underwear, socks, nightwear and most footwear I'd prefer to buy to buy those new. I don't want to wear second-hand knickers, thanks.