Why I shop second hand and 4 reasons you should try it
I’ve been shopping second hand for roughly a decade. When I started it had nothing to do with sustainability. I was a teenager who wanted to find interesting clothes that not everyone else was wearing but I didn’t have a lot of money.
Initially, I was put off at the thought of wearing other people’s old clothes but these days it doesn’t bother me at all.
In terms of where I shop for second hand clothes, it’s mostly shop in charity shops but I’ve previously attended vintage kilo. I’ve never purchased from Depop, Vinted or Ebay, all of which are quite popular options but don’t tend to have the option to return an item that doesn't fit which is what puts me off. Plus, I enjoy walking around charity shops and being able to see and feel the clothes.
When I shop second hand I look for blouses, shirts and jackets the most. I find that trousers can be a little more difficult without trying them on. However with tops it’s much easier to estimate what will fit and if it’s a big, it can just be worn as oversized or carefully shrunken in dryer.
Shopping second hand has really helped influence my personal style as it’s where I first started buying oversized clothing and menswear. Both of these things are key parts of my current style.
I know that some people are put off by shopping in charity shops because it takes more effort to find things you want, they don’t want to wear peoples old clothes or they just prefer Selfridges over St Johns ambulance. However, there are so many benefits to shopping second hand which is why I continue to do it.
Spend less, get more
I once bought 2 hand bags and a purse for under £10. One of the bags was originally from Marks and Spencer and showed little to no wear and I still have it 4 or 5 years later. If I’d have bought these 3 items full price I’d have had to spend at least 4 times as much.
Plus, as someone that loves to shop, charity shopping enables me to get more for my money. I have more money to spend now than I did as a teenager but I’m more than happy to buy a dress for £7 instead of £67.
Money for charity
From cancer to skin and heart conditions. There’s a charity shop out there for everything and the added bonus of shopping in these shops is that you’re also supporting great causes.
Good quality, low price
From bags to blouses, there are so many great quality items I’ve bought second hand, some just costing a few pounds. I once bought a pair of jeans in great condition, originally from Marks and Spencers for £1. One of my most worn items used to be a navy blue oversized shirt that I must have worn around 500 times over 6/7 years and it only cost me £6.
Try trends for a small cost
As much as I enjoy reading or watching videos about trends, I don’t really care enough to keep up with them. However, charity shops are a great way to try out trends or styles outside of your comfort zone at an affordable price.
