Thrift shopping tips

It's time to become a thrift shopping master with these essential tips on the pre-loved clothing market!

Want to get into buying more clothes the thrifty way but feel a bit overwhelmed? Don't worry, we've got you covered with our deep dive into how to thrift shop and find all those hidden gems. You'd be surprised how much money you can save as you save the planet!

Go in with a plan

So the first mistake most people make is walking into the store with no real clue on what they actually want/need. With the number of clothes you can usually find in these stores, you will just find yourself buried under the options. This is why you need to follow these steps in order to leave a thrift shop with everything you need at a good price:

• Check your wardrobe - Identify what's missing from your current selection. A new top? Colour? Preparing for the summer? Make a list of the items of clothing you want to prioritise so you don't have to spend time browsing through racks of stuff you don't actually need. Write a note on your phone and you can tick off each gem as you find it. It also helps to bring a friend whose fashion sense you trust, they can help you judge if your new outfit is right for you.
• Know your measurements - A simple one to remember but crucial. Know what sizes suit your body and if you have the option, try before you buy! You might find the perfect piece but unfortunately, it's two sizes too small. Don't waste your money as it will just end up collecting dust in your wardrobe (when it could've gone to someone who would've worn it every week). This may be a reoccurring issue as it's unlikely you find multiple sizes of the same item of clothing so be quick if you do find the right item in your size. You have the option of tailoring your treasures if you either have the skills, links or money to do so.
• Budget - It's easy to get carried away when you feel as if you're saving a tonne of money on everything you buy (because most of the time you are). That's why you should come up with a budget to limit overspending. Times are tough in this cost of living crisis so it's even more vital to prevent any wasted pennies. You can do this by checking your finances and knowing how much money you are able to spend on clothes for the month. You can choose to be as strict as you want on yourself, as sometimes it's not the end of the world if you spend that little extra on that special number...
• Have a plan B - If you don't find what you want then it's time for a change of plans. There's no point in getting hung up on one item, and spending all day trying to find it. Set yourself a time limit and come up with a list of potential other thrift stores and charity shops you could try next. These stores often sell accessories alongside clothes so this could be a nice little treat to replace the plan A you had.

Sell/donate your own pre-loved garments!

The cycle can only continue with contributions from its community. That's why donating and selling your own stuff you don't wear anymore is so important. Start by identifying and organising your unused clothes into what is in good enough condition to be passed on, and what you can recycle at your nearest textile bank.

The clothes that are in good nick can then be sold or donated. Don't feel pressured into donating everything away, it's understandable if you want to earn at least something back on a high-quality item!

So if you go down the route of selling you might want to start by signing up for Vinted. A free service where you can sell your second-hand clothing (amongst other things) online. Make sure to take lots of photos and accompany them with a detailed description, your items will likely sell faster with a bit of extra effort! The site/app already has a bunch of users so you can use it for purchasing new old clothes too.

For a more authentic touch, you can sell your clothes in person through car-boot sales. These are weekly events held where you can set up shop with all your old chic and get to selling. You choose all your own prices so take some time to think through what's reasonable. Remember you are a buyer who wouldn't want to get ripped off so don't do it to other people! You will likely have to pay for your spot on the car boot sale so factor that cost into the prices of your items. 

So where is close to LSE?

You're in luck, there are a bunch of thrift shops at your doorstep! Here are the top ones for students:

• Rokit - A hub for all types of fashion and run with sustainability in mind. Offers/discounts for students are available and have multiple stores around London, with one that's only 10 minutes from campus.
• Beyond Retro Soho - One of the biggest vintage retailers in the UK, expect to find your new look that can be decades old. They have invested a lot into upcycling products to reduce as much waste as possible.
• Oxfam - Dedicated to ending poverty around the world and helping out in any crisis through donating their profits to various causes, you can feel good doing your thrift shopping here (some of the cheapest items available here as well!).
• PICKNWEIGHT Vintage Kilo Store - The price of each item varies based on weight (kg) and workmanship. Check the colour of the tags to know what price category it fits in.

Further afield you will find lots more spots for thrifting so don't be afraid to explore and bargain hunt to your heart's content!

Now it's time to take all these tips and put them into practice! If you're looking for more ways to increase your sustainability, then check out how you can be a recycling expert.