A Small Guide on Charity Shopping for Concerned and Not So Concerned Consumers

16 February 2024

By: María José Munguía Romero and Leilani van Someren

Charity shopping has become one of my favourite activities in London; hidden gems, vintage looks, and childhood memories are brought to my mind every time I step into a charity shop. For some, buying second-hand is about style and aesthetics - making a statement with a pair of jeans from the 70s. For others, it’s a revolt against the fast fashion market - a small but significant act in the journey towards sustainable consumption.

Whatever the reason, there’s something magical about the experience, something that reminds us that clothes are meant to be worn, not sent to landfill.

My journey into second-hand shopping hasn’t been linear. At first, I pictured crowded rails with musty clothes I wouldn’t wear in a million years. But by jumping into the deep end, I learnt how to hunt through the selections, where to go, how much to spend, what I like – and, eventually, how to love charity shops. I invite you to try it out, using my small guide I wish I had when I started.

This is my eight-tip guide for charity shopping:

1. Buy only what you need – It’s sometimes hard to resist all the beautiful pieces we find, but let’s be honest, you’re unlikely to wear them all.
2. One in, one out – One of my best friends shared this advice: if you buy something you don’t need, you must let go of something from your wardrobe. This helps with deciding if the new item is worth it!
3. Imagine three outfits using the new item and what you already own – Trying new styles is always good, but if it doesn’t fit with the clothes you already have, you’re not going to wear it very often.
4. Read labels – Though we often ignore the labels, they contain important instructions about the materials on our clothes and how to clean avoiding excessive washing (yes, some clothes don't need to be washed as often as you think!).
5. Take care of your clothes – Preloved clothes sometimes need a bit of extra care! By learning about your clothes’ materials how they differ, you can look after each item and keep them for longer.
6. Learn how to mend – When you find something perfect that’s in need of repair or inevitably becomes worn while in your possession, it’s a good opportunity for you to learn how to sew. However, you’ve got to get it done so it doesn’t end up in the pile of things to do at the end of your wardrobe.
7. Upcycle – Second-hand clothes are great for upcycling and mixing the classic with the new.
8. Enjoy! – The best part of visiting charity shops will always be the experience you get out of it and doing it with friends is always more fun.

Are you ready to embrace second-hand shopping? Leilani did an amazing job hunting for the best charity shops around the Mile End and Whitechapel Campuses. She found at least 25 charity shops within a 3km radius of the Mile End Campus! Check out this handy map:

Over time, I noticed that my most beloved items are special because they are attached to memories. I must wonder, what memories do my second-hand clothes hold? How many parties, how many laughs, how many firsts have these clothes seen? Clothes may be objects, but they are precious objects that have a profound impact on our lives and our ecosystem. Consider the resources used in their creation, the water and energy consumed in their washing, the people behind their design and manufacturing, and the environmental toll of their disposal. We need to treat clothes with the care they deserve, sharing them across owners and years.

Remember, there are no small actions – but the big changes start with us.

 

If you like this article, you will love next week’s Climate Action Week events!

Wick Thrift Store

Mon 19^th Feb, 10:30 to 17:00, Mile End Campus

Wick Thrift Shop is popping up on campus with second-hand clothes for sale! QM students and staff enjoy an exclusive 20% discount on all the thrifted treasures.

Fast Fashion Therapy: Darning & Patching Workshop

Fri 23^rd Feb, 15:00 to 16:30, Mile End Campus

Learn practical hand-sewing techniques to mend and up-cycle your clothes. This hands-on workshop covers ‘visible mending’ with all equipment provided, but feel free to bring some clothes in need of an upgrade.

Sign up for these Climate Action Week events here: Climate Action Week 2024

 

María José is a PhD Student working at QMUL as part of the Soft Matter Group. She holds a degree in Textile Engineering and has been working for the industry for the past 5 years. Her research focuses on the challenges of sustainability in the fashion and footwear industry.
María gained experience across the sector working as a Junior Project Manager and Junior Consultant for the fashion industry. She has collaborated with SMEs to develop strategies for sustainability. Recently, María worked in collaboration with London College of Fashion on the creation of a report that highlights the environmental impact of the trainers’ industry.