Buying second-hand items can come with mixed emotions. There’s the moral dilemma of purchasing goods that people less fortunate might need, a sense of shame for not being able to afford everything brand new, and even superstitions—especially if you grew up in an Asian household where secondhand goods might have been seen as bad luck or bad energy. Plus, the question lingers: “What happened to these items before they got to the store? Who owned them? What did they do with them, and why did they get rid of them?”
But here’s the thing: with so many things pulling at your budget and endless pressures to keep up the latest fashion trends, op shopping (or also called thrifting) can be a smart, eco-friendly, and incredibly fun way to stretch your dollar further. And, as I’ve learned over time, many items end up in thrift stores barely used—sometimes brand new with tags still on. As the saying goes, “one woman’s trash is another woman’s treasure.”
Some of my best finds to date include:
- A pair of black Ferragamo Vara pumps: RRP $1290 for $20
- A near new pair of Hoka Clifton 9 trainers: RRP $189 for $30
- The Daily Edited Saffiano leather passport holder: RRP $159 for $5
- A high waisted pair of pink gingham pants: paid $10 – get compliments all the time
- An Armed Angels long sleeve wrap dress: paid $20 – get compliments all the time
In this beginner’s guide, I’ll share tips for making the most of your thrifting adventures and help you get over any of the mental barriers that might hold you back from second-hand shopping. Let’s dive into the world of thrift stores, where sustainability meets style!
1) Types of thrift stores
When you’re first starting out, it’s helpful to know the different types of thrift stores and what you might find in each.
- Charity shops (Local op shops)
These are the most common type of thrift store, where people donate their unwanted goods. Whether someone is moving, cleaning out their closet, or upgrading their items, charity shops get a variety of donations. Pricing can vary depending on which suburb the shop is located in, but prices are usually low, and proceeds go to a good cause. For example Sacred heart are committed to providing support to people experiencing homelessness, deep disadvantage and social exclusion. St Vincent de Paul aspires to offer a “hand up” to people in need etc. These are the places where you’ll find a mix of everything—from clothing, shoes to homewares, books, toys, furniture, music (CDs/vinyls), kitchenware, craft supplies, bedding and Manchester, seasonal decor and electrical appliances.
- Vintage/Specialty stores
These stores focus on curated, often higher-end secondhand items. You’ll find pieces with a bit more history and flair, typically from a certain era or designer. These shops often have a more selective range and, because of that, prices tend to be higher than in charity shops. However, the quality and uniqueness of the items can make them totally worth the investment.
2) Limit yourself to one section to avoid overwhelm
When you first start dipping your toes int the world of thrifting, walking into a thrift store can be overwhelming with so many racks and aisles to explore. To avoid burnout, focus on one section at a time. For example, if you’re shopping for clothes, narrow it down to just dresses, pants, or tops—whatever you’re looking for. Or, if you’re interested in homewares, set your sights on that section and don’t stray. Limiting your focus helps you stay focussed, avoid overwhelm and makes it easier to spot the gems!
As you get more experience thrifting, you’ll develop a higher tolerance and more patience, so you can look at more sections without feeling overwhelmed.
3) Quality over quantity
While thrifting is all about finding affordable items, it’s important to prioritize quality over quantity. Many fast fashion branded items make their way into thrift shops, but those items won’t last as long. Instead, look for high-quality fabrics like 100% cotton, linen, silk, and real leather. These materials tend to last longer and age beautifully.
Make sure to inspect each item carefully for any flaws—check the stitching, look for stains, holes, pilling, out of shape, strange smells and make sure all the buttons and zippers are intact and working. You don’t want to end up with something that’s going to fall apart after a few wears or expensive to fix.
4) Try everything on
A common mistake when thrifting is buying something that seems like a good idea but doesn’t quite fit right when you get home. Sizes vary between brands, and vintage clothes can fit differently than modern ones, so always try things on. It’s better to find out in-store whether an item fits well rather than take it home, only to regret the purchase later.
If you’re visiting a store that doesn’t have fitting rooms, consider wearing a fitted tee and leggings to make trying on items easier in front of a mirror.
5) Visit often and be patient
Thrifting is a lot like treasure hunting—you never know when you’ll find something truly amazing. Sometimes, you might come across a ton of cool stuff; other times, the shelves might feel bare. The inventory in thrift stores changes frequently, so it’s worth visiting often. And remember, patience is key. With enough visits, you’ll start to find those special pieces that make your heart skip a beat.
6) Opportunity to be adventurous and expand your style
One of the most exciting aspects of thrifting is that it allows you to experiment with your style. You can pick up items that you wouldn’t typically consider in regular retail stores at a fraction of the cost. Want to try a bold colour or a new silhouette? Thrift stores give you the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone without breaking the bank. And because many second hand items are unique, you’re less likely to run into someone wearing the same thing!
Thrifting is an excellent way to define your personal style, whether you’re into vintage pieces, eclectic designs, or simply hunting for something one-of-a-kind.
7) Know when to leave it
Sometimes, it’s hard to walk away from an item that seems like a good deal. But just because something is cheap doesn’t mean you should buy it. If an item doesn’t fit quite right, has noticeable damage, or doesn’t align with your current style, it’s okay to leave it behind. Trust your gut! Thrifting is all about finding things you truly love and will use, not about impulse buying or feeling obligated to purchase.
8) Shopping etiquette
Lastly, remember that most workers in charity shops are mostly volunteers, so be kind and respectful. Thrift stores can get busy, especially on weekends, so make sure to leave things in the right places and tidy up after yourself. If you try something on and decide against it, place the items back neatly on the rack.
Be courteous to other shoppers as well. Thrift stores are community spaces, and it’s important to share the love by being respectful of others’ time and space. Don’t rush through the aisles, and if someone else is looking at something, be patient and wait your turn.
Final thoughts
Thrifting is a fantastic way to save money, reduce waste, and discover unique items that you won’t find anywhere else. Despite some of the initial mental barriers you might have—whether it’s concerns about who owned an item before or cultural beliefs around second hand goods—op shopping is an experience that can be both exciting and rewarding.
As I’ve gotten deeper into thrifting, I’ve learned that the vast amount of waste in today’s never-ending consumer culture means that many things end up in second hand stores almost brand new—sometimes even still with tags on them! So, go ahead, grab your reusable tote bag, and start your thrifting adventure. With a bit of patience, an open mind, and these tips in your back pocket, you’ll soon be finding treasures you never imagined.
Happy thrifting!
