A woman who learned the knack for finding good second-hand items has shared her top tips for scooping bargains in charity shops – and they’re very easy to follow
Charity shops can be a treasure trove for bargain hunters looking for clothes, accessories, or even toys. With the environmental impact of ‘fast fashion’ weighing heavily on many shoppers’ minds – mixed with the escalating cost of living in recent years – their popularity has skyrocketed and so has the donations.
However, the sheer volume of items available in these stores can be daunting for many, leaving them unsure of where to even begin looking. The large variety of clothes and items, particularly if not clearly organised, can make it challenging to know where to look, especially when dealing with second-hand clothing.
To assist, an avid second-hand shopper named Monica, who boasts that most of her wardrobe is made up of second-hand items, shared her wisdom on how to find gems in charity shops.
“Here are six top tips for finding amazing things in charity shops,” Monica announced at the beginning of her TikTok video.
1. Pinterest is your friend
“First up, we have making a Pinterest board,” she declared.
In the video, she elaborated that this will help you stay true to your style and shopping list, thereby helping to curb impulse purchases.
“Shopping second-hand is a highly visual task,” she clarified, stating it’s not the same as buying clothes in a high-street shop. “You need to be constantly aware of what is around you.
“By creating a vision board, you remain hyper-focused on your style, and it aids in identifying pieces that match your desired look,” she advised.
2. Understand your colour palette
Monica then suggested you should be aware of your colour palette and the colours that suit you and you enjoy wearing, as this will assist you in finding items you’ll adore and end up wearing.
“What’s fantastic about many charity shops now is that they merchandise by colour,” she noted. “This makes it really easy to spot the pieces that will fit your wardrobe and style.”
3. Look for quality fabrics
“Thirdly, and that is searching for quality fabrics. I cannot emphasise this enough,” she stated.
Monica revealed she tends to search for clothing items made of cashmere, silk, linen, leather, and other natural materials.
“Always check the labels of items,” she urged her viewers.
4. Keep a list of items you want
For her fourth point, Monica mentioned she keeps an ongoing list on her phone where she adds items she’d like to add to her wardrobe that she feels are missing.
“If you notice any items that you’re missing in your wardrobe that would really help complete your outfit, make a note of it in your phone. And next time you’re charity shopping, refer to your notes,” she advised.
“This is a brilliant way for second hand shopping strategically and cleverly,” she explained, noting it helps prevent you from feeling overwhelmed when shopping.
5. Be aware of brands
“Number five, and that’s to be aware of brands that carry heritage or that are known for their quality,” Monica said.
She continued by explaining she’s constantly searching for labels that have been established for decades and are renowned for their craftsmanship and durability.
Monica then demonstrated examples of quality brands she’d discovered in her charity shops, which featured Boden, L. K. Bennett, as well as Selfridges.
6. Keep and eye out for sparkles
For her final tip, Monica encouraged people to watch out for any garments that are sparkly, or with gold buttons and fun fabrics.
“Often you’ll find really good and unique funky pieces that would perhaps cost a lot more first hand,” she said.
Comparing herself to a magpie, Monica revealed she always notices items that are fun metallic or glitzy, or simply crafted from vibrant coloured or patterned materials.