Whether it's Marie Kondo-inspired minimalism or the increased awareness of the environmental impact of fast fashion, the clothes resale market is on the up.
According to a report by CNBC, the second hand apparel market was worth $24 billion in the U.S. in 2018. Interestingly, it's predicted to grow to $64 billion by 2028 which would mean it would outperform fast fashion (set to be worth $44 billion).
Keen to shop second hand? We have searched our whole little island for the very best charity shops to do so.
Think charity shops are full of dusty aisles of stretch-nylon dresses? Well, you’d be severely mistaken. Take our word for it – venture to any one of these vintage havens and you’ll even have enough money left for a flat white on the train home. What more could you possibly want?
Mary’s Living and Giving, Edinburgh
The only store out of the London area, the Scottish offering from her majesty, Mary Queen of Shops, is well worth the 4-hour train journey. Colour-coded rails of pre-loved designer swag are housed in the retro- styled store. Expect to find Missoni suits, Aquascutum macs and a selection on pretty chic designer scarves for a “wee” fraction of the original price-tag. Oh, and sometimes they have cake.
Mary's Living & Giving Shop for Save the Children, 34a Raeburn Place, Edinburgh, EH4 1HN
Shaw Trust, Thame, Oxfordshire
If you've ever been to Thame, a little chocolate-box town on the boarder of Oxfordshire, you'll know there are quite a few charity shops dotted along the high street. One that stands out in particular is Shaw Trust, with it's ever-changing and interesting window displays, you can't resist but pop in! Also, word to the wise, make sure you check out the gold label rail, where all the best designer pieces are placed.
Shaw Trust, 95 High St, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3EH
British Red Cross Vintage Shop, Mardol, Shrewsbury
It might be a bit far (and farmer-y) for a fashion pilgrimage, but if you happen to find yourself wondering the streets of Shrewsbury then check out this British Red Cross branch for purchasing pleasure. Great for vintage era-defining pieces that don't have questionable stains down the front and smell like jellied eels. Think 80’s Westwood pinafores and sleek 90s tailoring from the likes of Nicole Farhi and YSL.
British Red Cross Vintage Shop, 14 Mardol, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 1PY
Cancer Research UK, Hampstead High Street
A personal favourite, with my many hours of mindless procrastination spent devouring these rails, I would thoroughly recommend a visit to this unassuming charity shop on one of the UK’s wealthiest high-streets. What is one Russian Oligarch’s trash is a writer’s treasure. From J Crew cashmere, to Ralph Lauren wool trousers, to McQueen pussy-bow blouses – they’ve got it. Be prepared for some serious rummaging action and you will not be disappointed. Just remember to steer clear of all the other shops as you’ll probably go bankrupt the minute you step inside.
75 Hampstead High Street, Hampstead, London, NW3 1QX
Oxfam, Henley on Thames
Take full advantage of this riverside town’s wealthy inhabitants in this pretty awesome Oxfam branch. Amongst the 1970s bric-a-brac lays Miu Miu handbags, Prada wool coats and classic vintage scarves courtesy of Liberty London back in the day.
Market Place, 26 Market Place, Henley-on-Thames
Barnardo’s, Alderley Edge, Cheshire
With donations as grand as eight pairs of designer sunglasses in a single woman’s daily offering, you’re almost guaranteed to get lucky. Expect WAG staples such as Mulberry handbags; sky-high Louboutin’s and Cavalli slut dresses – all for a mere twenty odd squid.
Barnardo’s 35 London Road, Alderley Edge, SK9 7JT
Oxfam, Westbourne Grove
This Notting-Hill shop is most likely to provide a constant stream of off-the- catwalk designer gear. Moschino coats, Chanel 2.55s and a shoe selection that you never thought achievable are all well within your financial reach here. It may be Oxfam, but the decor is no different to that of the rest of the royal borough. So, you're shopping a'la K- Middy and you're nabbing a Dior skirt for a tenner.
245 Westbourne Grove, London, W11 2SE
British Red Cross, Weymouth
If you find yourself down by the Dorset seaside, make sure you take a trip down Weymouth way to seek out this little beauty. It's only 55 minutes from Bournemouth; 45 minutes from Poole and well worth the train fare. With nearby Sandbanks named one of the most well-to-do places to live in the UK (it’s often referred to as “millionaire’s row”), imagine the gems that have been hiding inside the residents’ gazillion pound wardrobes.
Red Cross Shop Weymouth, 96 St Mary Street, Weymouth, DT4 8NY
Salvation Army Shop, Oxford Circus
Okay so when you hear; 'salvation army', you think trumpet blowers; church choirs and men in uniform, right? Well, take a slight de-tour from Oxford Street’s Topshop this weekend to the Princes Street Salvation Army store, and you may be surprised. In fact, this is the charity shop blessed with Vogue magazine's cast-offs - no Condé Nast aren’t British military activists - the office is just around the corner so it’s in prime dumping vicinity.
9 Princes Street, London, W1B 2LQ
Oxfam, Western Road, Brighton
The Western Road Oxfam shop is one of three insane Oxfam “boutiques” in the generally insane town that is Brighton. Navigate your way through the crazy paths of Kemp town and you’ll find yourself in Brighton’s cutesy quarter, home to quaint tea shops – which generally means there’s a great vintage shop within walking distance.
136a Western Road, Brighton, BN1 2LA
RSPCA, Northern Quarter, Manchester
The manager of this adorable little thrift store is a bit of a babe. Stephanie Thornton configures the layout of her charity shop to create a boutique vibe – making sure all her precious garms are in colour order and displayed next to matching accessories. She even upcycles some of the old designer gear herself and recalls selling Stella McCartney, Calvin Klein and Ted Baker pieces to her following of loyal customers.
15 Oak Street, Manchester, United Kingdom