Become a thrift shopping master with these essential tips

Want to get into buying more clothes the thrifty way but feel a bit overwhelmed? Don't worry, we've got you covered with our deep dive into how to thrift shop and find all those hidden gems. You'd be surprised how much money you can save as you save the planet!

Go in with a plan 🤔

So the first mistake most people make is walking into the store with no real clue about what they actually want/need. With the number of clothes you can usually get, you will just find yourself buried under the options. Follow these steps to leave a thrift shop with everything you need at a good price:

1. Check your wardrobe 👗

Identify what's missing. Make a list of the items of clothing you want to prioritise so you don't have to spend time browsing through racks of stuff you don't actually need.

✅ A new top

✅ A summer dress

✅ A bigger bag for uni 

Write a note on your phone, and you can tick off each gem as you find it. It also helps to bring a friend whose fashion sense you trust - they can help you judge if your new outfit is right for you.

2. Know your measurements 🧠

A simple one, but crucial. Know what size suits you, and take advantage of the fitting room! We know it might feel awkward at first, but it's always better to try before you buy! And let's face it, it's frustrating when you've found a top you like, you've come home and found out it's two sizes too small. 

3. Budget 💰

It's so easy to spend money when you're thrifting - whilst you are saving money, you might forget to look at how much you've spent. That's why it's best to come up with a budget to limit overspending. You can do this by checking your finances and knowing how much money you are able to spend on clothes for the month.

You can choose to be as strict as you want on yourself, as sometimes it's not the end of the world if you spend that little extra on that special number...you should. 

4. Have a plan B 🛍️

Annoyingly, there are times when you don't find anything you want or need, so it's time to change plans. There's no point in spending all day trying to find one item. Set yourself a time limit and come up with a list of potential other thrift shops you could try next.

5. Sell/donate your own pre-loved items! 👕

The cycle can only continue with contributions from its community. That's why donating and selling your own stuff you don't wear anymore is so important. Start by identifying and organising your unused clothes into what is in good enough condition to be passed on and what you can recycle at your nearest textile bank.

The clothes that are in good nick can then be sold or donated. Don't feel pressured into donating everything away. It's understandable if you want to earn at least something back on a high-quality item:

• Vinted: sell your second-hand clothing (amongst other unwanted items) online. 

For a more authentic touch, you can sell your clothes in person through car-boot sales. These are weekly events held where you can set up shop with all your old chic and get to selling. You choose all your own prices, so take some time to think through what's reasonable. Remember, you are a buyer who wouldn't want to get ripped off, so don't do it to other people! You will likely have to pay for your spot at the car boot sale, so factor that cost into the prices of your items. 

So, where is close to LSE? 🤷

You're in luck! There are a bunch of thrift shops at your doorstep! Here are the top ones for students:

• Rokit - A hub for all types of fashion, run with sustainability in mind. Offers/discounts for students are available and have multiple stores around London, with one that's only 10 minutes from campus.
• Beyond Retro Soho - One of the biggest vintage retailers in the UK, expect to find your new look that can be decades old. They have invested a lot into upcycling products to reduce as much waste as possible.
• Oxfam - Dedicated to ending poverty around the world and helping out in any crisis through donating their profits to various causes, you can feel good doing your thrift shopping here (some of the cheapest items available here as well!).

You will find lots more spots for thrifting, so don't be afraid to explore and bargain hunt to your heart's content!

Now it's time to take all these tips and put them into practice! If you're looking for more ways to increase your sustainability, then check out how you can be a recycling expert in your hall.