Anyone buy clothes from charity shops?

scorza · 24 Nov 2013 at 20:22

Yeah I'm in the squeezed middle, so thinking maybe instead of doing my usual and spending the equivalent of $50 on a t-shirt brand new it may make more sense for me to "pop some tags" down my local charity shop. I've never been to one before except to drop stuff off so just wondering what I can expect if I can be arsed to do it.

I'm hoping that since I live in a fairly affluent area there might be some good designer stuff in there or is that unrealistic? Can you try stuff on? What sort of money does stuff go for in there?

'Harry · 24 Nov 2013 at 20:40

Pro tip - can't afford a 50quid t-shirt, buy a 10quid t-shirt.

Redz · 24 Nov 2013 at 20:43

I've never done it, but buying a designer suit from a charity shop and then getting it tailored to fit isn't such a bad idea.

Muffin` · 24 Nov 2013 at 20:44

I've always found it hard to get a particular something, I have to settle with 'that'll do mantra'. i.e. I want to go out and find a plain black hoody, end up with a dark grey with a wierd logo on it. But it's £7 instead of £20 or whatever

Em3bbs · 24 Nov 2013 at 20:44

Not normally but I was looking for some clothing for a 90s themed party I was going to (friend's 40th) and I was shocked at the good quality of clothes there - some brand new with tags! It was the Age Concern (or whatever it's called now) one.

Muffin` · 24 Nov 2013 at 20:45

Edit, I've just given the guardian a search for you, some useful tips:

http://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2012/dec/04/students-advice-for-students

'Harry · 24 Nov 2013 at 20:50

Anyone who needs tips for shopping needs removing from the gene pool.

dowie · 24 Nov 2013 at 20:52

scorza said:
I'm hoping that since I live in a fairly affluent area there might be some good designer stuff in there or is that unrealistic? Can you try stuff on? What sort of money does stuff go for in there?

I used to, in my 20s, not long after uni... Went to a few in Islington - Thomas Pink shirt for £4, yes please... Obviously you can't go in looking for anything in particular - but if you're in need of some t-shirts, work shirts, tops etc.. and are happy to just come away with only a few things in one particular visit then you can likely do very well in these shops.

Gogl · 24 Nov 2013 at 22:03

'Harry said:
Anyone who needs tips for shopping needs removing from the gene pool.

Nothing wrong with shopping tips at all, that the gene pool is frequented by that which would have fallen by the wayside long ago is evidenced by your posting.