Charity shop tips

[BatleyTownswomensGuild]

Anyone got any really good tips for charity clothes shopping?

Really want to do my bit to stop so many clothes going to landfill and I'm keen to recycle proved clothes. But whenever I try charity shops I'm left floundering....A lot of charity shops near me seem to be full of really knackered old Primark stuff that looks like it's already falling apart. I've got a tricky figure to dress - big boobs, big hips, so I have fewer options in terms of what fits/suits. Plus, I'm not good at visualising how to style something.

Hit me with your all your nuggets of wisdom. How can I do this and still look good?

Sorry, that should say 'preloved clothes' not 'proved clothes'. Annoys the crap out of me that MN doesn't let you edit posts...

I think charity shop shopping will always be hit and miss, depending on where you live. Obviously the stuff available will correspond somewhat to the affluence of the area you're shopping in e.g. I went into a charity shop in West London years ago and found a whole rack of Versace shoes (i didn't buy any, they were pretty horrible tbh!) The charity shop fare in my town by contrast was pretty downmarket, so mostly Primark and supermarket brands. Nowt wrong with that but you get my point.
I think, from friends who do it regularly, you just have to be dogged and go in regularly and you'll have lucky finds.
Personally I'm very devoted to ebay- you can target and search for brands that suit you and you pay a fraction for quality items that last. Often they are 'BNW' so bought and not worn which is even better. Of course, it doesn't always benefit charity although there are a lot of charities selling on there, but again you're cutting down on your choices.

I'd second looking on eBay too, although you obviously can't try them on. Over the last year a lot of charity shops have switched to selling their higher value stuff online via eBay. A friend of mine has been volunteering - steaming, photographing and listing clothes for them!

You will often see listings being sold 'on behalf of XYZ charity etc - you may even be able to search for only charity items?

You have to go on a day that you have the time and patience to sort the wheat from the chaf. I avoid shops like Oxfam who sort the clothing by colour rather than type and size (really can't be arsed with this).

I agree with the previous pp the quality of the clothing can really depend on the location of the charity shops. (I live in a fairly cosmopolitan student town and have found some really beautiful stuff but you still have to sift through the primark crud to find the designer gems.)
However some charity shops such as Barnardos have a main donation center and then locate donations in regard to type and quality. We used to have a store near us that all the fancy dress went to. So its worth scoping them out a on a few visits to get an idea of the quality of stock. If you go regularly you get a really good idea of what shops are worth it and what aren't.

Its important to remember that size varies massively so I also look at clothing a size up and down..also if you love something in a bigger size you always have the option of having it altered my local tailor charges about £15 to take in a dress, its worth knowing how much it would cost before you buy anything that needs altering.

I'm quite used to a good old charity shop rummage so I go in and scan the rail for fabric/ colours that I like the look of rather than leafing through evey item but it is more thorough to do it this way if your really serious about it.
I try to avoid primark / fast fashion as if its already been worn a good few time your not going to get alot of wear out of it.
Make sure you check the stores return policy all charity shops vary and keep hold of the receipt.
You can get a bit carried away in charity shops so I always go in with an idea of what I'm looking for. I also donate at least one item back for every item I buy so i dont end up with too much.

I'd suggest mentally listing brands that you like, and know what size fits you in those brands, then rifle through the racks just stopping at the labels you are looking for.

I struggle too but suspect I’m looking in wrong town. Someone once told me to run my hand along garments to find the fabrics you like the feel of which helps a bit.

I go in looking for specifics, with tape measurer.

I don't know how to browse for random unspecific things in regular retail or charity shops.

I've got a tricky figure to dress - big boobs, big hips, so I have fewer options in terms of what fits/suits.
I think that this is part of the problem. I have trouble finding clothes so if I find something I like then I hang on to it! Charity shops seem to be full of the cast-offs of the smaller sizes who fit/suit everything and churn a lot.

I agree that it is like most things - it rewards dedication and effort. Go often and you will find which shops are likely to have stuff you like. Every now and then you will find someone having a clear-out who is the same size as you and has the same taste. Happy days!

Locate your nearest ‘quietly affluent’ towns for there you will often find treasures. It’s worthwhile doing a bit of prowling around likely places in your area and then checking any likely shops regularly. Patience and a willingness to be open to something you hadn’t been looking for are key: you’ll be annoyed if you go looking for something very specific. Look for a theme, yes, but keep it broad.

Go to affluent areas. I’ve had cashmere jumpers from Notting hill.

Scope shops get stuff donated from shops so can be good quality and never worn.

You can get bargain jeans as no one likes to try them on.

Patience and a willingness to be open to something you hadn’t been looking for are key: you’ll be annoyed if you go looking for something very specific.
This in spades. It's not a shop that has the current It item in multiple colours and multiple sizes. Look at what's there. Don't go looking for what you wish was there.

I'm a prolific charity shop shopper. It started about a decade ago out of need and now it's a choice because I love it so much. I have some clear rules for me (I suggest you make some that fit you):

1. I never buy cheap brands - I'm not against them but if I'm going to consume them I'd rather get them new (Primark / supermarket)
2. I rarely spend more than £10 on a single item in a charity shop - excluding coats (no logic to this)
3. Look at the charity shops in more affluent areas and you'll find less of the tat

As an aside, I get a real kick out of people saying "I LOVE your skirt, where did you get it?" (Oxfam )

In terms of pricing, smaller local charities can often be a lot cheaper than the big national ones. I have found great bargains in local hospice/animal shelter shops.

Go regularly and don't look for anything in particular. It's worth visiting an area with a few in the vicinity that can be visited in quick succession

If you just want Preloved not necessarily to support X charity there's plenty of online options but returns are trickier. Facebook, eBay, Sphock, Vinted, Loopser, iSecondThat

Omg, you Ladies are awesome! Have learnt of a ton of new stuff today!

Have sussed out my nearest 'quietly affluent' town and will be making a pilgrimage ASAP. Had never considered getting high end stuff in larger sizes and then taking to a tailor to get a good fit, but that could be a total game-changer and help solve the 'tricky figure' issue.

Have browsed EBay a fair bit but was put off by not being able to return if it's not a good fit/flattering. Bought a beautiful jewel-green Boden dress off EBay a few months back that clings in exactly the wrong place and makes my arse look like a planet. It's such a gorgeous colour, I could honestly weep that it doesn't fit.

A couple of people have recommend Vinted so will have a look. Personally I prefer to try stuff on in shops but it may be a good option for staples like cardies, belts, bags etc. I'm never too porky for a beautiful vintage bag.

I love the idea of donating one item for every item I buy too. Feels like good karma

Thank you all!