How to start shopping secondhand

Secondhand & vintage shopping has become really popular and on trend recently which is brilliant obviously for the environment and cutting down on clothing waste, however I’ve often been asked ‘how do you start shopping secondhand?’ Ever since I can remember I’ve really enjoyed and shopped mainly secondhand and vintage, but I totally understand that if you have never shopped that way before it can be overwhelming. So I have collated all my top tips and advice to anyone new to secondhand shopping. 

Go with ideas of items to look out for ~

A great way to not feel so overwhelmed is to have an idea of some items you would to love to find before going to a secondhand shop. Maybe a certain piece of staple clothing, something vintage, some home decor, fabrics for a craft project etc. I often enjoy thrift shopping when I am looking for something particular because then it feels more like a treasure hunt. 

Have an open mind ~ 

It’s also really helpful to go thrift shopping with an open mind, so that everything becomes a possibility. For example looking at fabrics/bedding for up-cycling projects, or clothing you can alter into something new. Wander around every section even if you wouldn’t normally buy something from that section, as you never know what you might find or what you could use for a project. Or you could end up finding a great gift for someone that’s really unique from items you would see on the high street. 

Look for labels/designer pieces ~ 

If you’re not into vintage fashion, another great thing you can do is keep a record of pieces you like from high street stores or designer fashion labels and then look for those items secondhand on sites like Depop, eBay, Vinted, Vestiaire Collective. This way you can still get the high street and designer pieces you love without adding to the carbon footprint of buying brand new clothing.

Become a regular ~ 

I always use the phrase ‘the more you look, the more you’ll find’ when it comes to secondhand shopping. To really get into shopping secondhand on the regular it is important to not give up and to always have a good rummage either in person or online. I tend to visit charity or thrift shops in person around 2-3 times a week and online pretty much daily! By going to my local charity shops regularly I have also got to know the managers who have become more than happy to look out for certain items I’m interested in or even let me have a look at items before they go onto the shop floor. (Obviously these are more specialised items, not general clothing or accessories that mainly fill a charity shop). You never know if you don’t ask! Another reason why going regularly is helpful, is that it really helps you become very skilled and often fast at looking and finding the gems you are after. 

So those are my top tips, if you like, for starting out in secondhand shopping. If done right and effectively, you will be able to find some beautiful and unique items that you treasure for a really long time.