Thrifting, vintage, pre-loved, second-hand – whatever you call it, over the last few years we’ve fallen in love with taking someone else’s wardrobe and turning it into your style must-haves.
With more focus on the negatives of fast fashion, investing in a piece that’s not going out of style before you even wear it is the best way to have fun with your look without compromising on sustainability or your budget.
As the 90s and 00s looks enjoy a comeback, it’s clear that fashion is all about reinvention, and second-hand clothes are the basis for creating a sustainable and stylish wardrobe.
Why shop for second-hand clothes?
It’s better for the planet
Second-hand shopping is the antithesis of the fast fashion phenomenon. New styles at very low prices might be good in the short term but it’s not so great for the planet. According to a 2000 EU study, textile production is estimated to be responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions – more than international flights and maritime shipping combined.
They also found that only 1% of clothes were being recycled into new clothes. The second-hand shopping trend is helping to turn the tide. Buying pre-loved clothes helps to reduce fashion waste, conserve resources and minimise the environmental impact of the fashion industry on the planet. Helping the planet and getting a new look? It’s guilt-free shopping!
It’s more cost-effective
While fast fashion may have made clothes cheaper, second-hand shopping gives you quality for less. Second-hand clothing isn’t going to fall apart after one wash and you can also find second-hand designer and high-end items for a fraction of their original price, meaning you can enjoy a little luxury while also protecting your bank balance.
This is great for budget-conscious shoppers, or those looking for lasting quality over quick fashion trends. You can create your own unique style When everyone is buying from the same fashion brands it can be a struggle to find something unique or a one-off to build your own style identity. Second-hand shopping lets you dive back into the fashion vaults and discover one-of-a-kind pieces that can’t be found elsewhere. Perfect for building your own distinct look or picking back up on a style you used to love.
Where to find the best second-hand clothes?
Try thrift shopping online
Second-hand shopping doesn’t mean traipsing around the shops desperately hunting for a bargain. Shopping for second-hand clothes online is just as easy and straight-forward as it is for fast fashion. The British Red Cross shop has recently launched its very own pre-loved section, so you can browse for some gems and get them delivered straight to your door.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, there are many other reputable places to check out. Platforms like eBay, ThredUP and Vinted have all been credited with revolutionising shopping online for second-hand clothes, making it simple and accessible to both buy and sell.
Many second-hand stores, like Beyond Retro and ROKiT London have their own websites where you can search through their archives. Even ASOS is getting in on the trend, with its Marketplace section allowing you to both buy and sell second-hand items from a range of brands.
Hit the charity shops and independent shops
If you’re more of an in-person shopper, it’s time to get down to the high street. While many big chains have disappeared, charity shops are booming and if you’ve got the patience and commitment, you can uncover a bargain.
Charity shop-shopping requires different skills to perusing your usual high street stores, where you’ll be used to an overwhelming amount on offer that changes every few weeks. Charity shops are different. Here you rely on what’s been donated so it’s best to go with an open-mind and not have a plan beforehand of what you’d like. Frequent visits, a bit of patience and you’ll be rewarded with the best finds.
Getting to know the staff in the shop will help too as they can look out for any pieces you might be interested in. It’s also worth broadening your scope of shops, so you’re visiting a few different ones rather than always trying the same place.
Vintage boutiques and independent shops are also an untapped resource for quirky and unique items. Again, you will need to go with an open mind and a lot of patience but with a little bit of perseverance you can uncover some great finds.
You can also try car boot sales and second-hand markets where people without stores or an online presence will sell their items.
Tips for finding the best second-hand clothes
Once you know where to look, how do you find what you want? Second-hand clothes shopping is very different to buying from big brands where there are endless variations of similar styles and, usually, clothes available in every size. Here are a few tips to make your thrifting pain-free:
Know your own style
“I liked it on the hanger but not on me!” It’s an age-old shopping pitfall of buying something that looks great but doesn’t suit your personal style. Make sure you have a clear sense of what you like and what looks good on you.
Identify the gaps in your wardrobe
It might be great quality, but do you need another white t-shirt? Before you decide to buy anything make sure you’ve looked at your wardrobe to really understand where the gaps are and what you might need.
Check for quality
The condition of the clothes is going to vary so it’s good to give each piece a thorough check before purchasing. Look for any stains, tears, rips of the fabric. It’s also worth checking all poppers, zips, buttons to ensure they’re working properly, or not missing. It doesn’t mean you can’t buy the item. If you’re buying online the description should include details of any issues.
If you really want the item and you think the issue is fixable you can always haggle for a lower price, it’s just worth making sure you know the condition before money changes hands.
Be patient and persistent
The opposite of fast fashion, second-hand clothing hunting needs commitment and patience. You might not find what you want or like on the first few tries, but don’t give up. Persistence is the key, and it will all be worth it when you do find something you will cherish and enjoy for years to come.
Choose timeless pieces
Great style never goes out of fashion, so look for pieces that will stand the test of time. A little black dress, trench coats, and denim jackets are always fashionable whatever era they come from.
Tips for shopping for second-hand clothes online
Use filters wisely
It’s best not to be too specific when shopping for second-hand clothes. Don’t overuse filters as you might be eliminating clothes or items you would have liked if you’d seen them. It’s always good to narrow down your search by “deal breakers” like size as while it might be look great, but if it’s too small there’s no point buying it.
Read descriptions carefully
Make sure you know what you’re buying and what conditions it is in before you checkout and pay. Descriptions for second-hand clothes are likely to include more information than you would usually find, including any details about damage.
Buy from trusted sources
Make sure you buy from trusted sources, like the British Red Cross where all our preloved items are managed by our team. Other platforms like eBay and ASOS Marketplace also provide protection to buyers, so if you don’t receive your order or it doesn’t match what you expected, you can feel secure in the knowledge that you’ll be supported.
It’s always good to familiarise yourself with the returns policy just in case you want to return it later.
Try pre-loved shopping with the British Red Cross
Now you’re an expert at second-hand shopping, your first stop should be the British Red Cross’s pre-loved collection where you can find clothes, accessories and homeware looking for a new home. Make sure to follow our tips and you’ll uncover second-hand treasure in no time! Happy thrifting!