Are charity shops any good?

I've never been to one before, but I want to find some vintage clothes and a charity shop seems like a great place to go.

Would I realistically find much that is 'wearable', or will I have to go to multiple places? Would shoes be a complete no-no, or would it be fine as long as I wash them?

Sorry, a bit clueless here.

Reply 1

Rum Ham

I love charity shops! I've lost count of how many great bargains I got from charity shops. I even got my purple wedding dress from one :h:

Most clothing and other items in charity shops look brand new.

I'd happily wear anything other than bras and underwear from a charity shop. I prefer charity shops to normal shops a lot of the time because you find so many great bargains plus you are helping out a good cause too :smile:

Just give any clothes or footwear a wash when you get home if you feel the need. I don't usually wash anything I get from a charity shop but there's no harm in washing the items you buy if you want to :smile:

(edited 6 years ago)

Reply 2

the bear

you can go online to find the best stuff from Oxfam:

https://www.oxfam.org.uk/shop/vintage?pscid=ps_ggl_shop2014-brand&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwK3airjx1wIVzJztCh1eYg_sEAAYASAAEgINgfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=COKTsI648dcCFdDHUQod6l8OGA

Reply 3

CoolCavy

Volunteer Team

charity shops are awesome, get most of my clothes from there
if you got to one in a really posh area its even better cos people throw out stuff when they have only worn it a couple times so they are basically new just at a far lower price

Reply 4

the bear

i bought my current shoes from a charity shop ?

Reply 5

Napp

It really depends on the charity shop, go to an area with a higher proportion of middle class etc. people you're more likely to find better loot in them.

Reply 6

cameronhb

I worked at a charity shop for a few months and they chuck half the things in a bin at the back without really looking at it

Reply 7

1secondsofvamps

I volunteer at a charity shop and there's usually some really nice things.
They chuck a lot of the stuff that are ripped/missing/broken so although most of the stuff they sell have been worn before, they're usually still in good condition.

Reply 8

SophieSmall

It's hit and miss, and obviously finding something good will take more effort than going into a mainstream store or buying online.

But I recommend it. And pro-tip, charity shops in well off areas have way better stock.