I always buy from the charity shop, apart from underwear of course. Mostley pay about £3 for a top, and some very expensive brands in my main shop.
Words you don’t often see now.
Good Morning Monday 29th June 2026
I have lost two stone and gone down two dress sizes. I donated a lot of clothes to a couple of charity shops, but also had a look to see what they had on the rails. Not much in my size and nothing I liked. No luck in other nearby charity shops either, so I had a look on eBay. I have bought 12 items, averaging £10 each and have been really pleased at the quality. I love my clothes and usually wear them out, but the clothes I bought were all in nearly new condition. DH was horrified at first, but came round when I reminded him that I used to hire ballgowns and other formal outfits years ago and if I wasn't bothered, why was he? Does anyone else buy and wear pre-owned? I will definitely continue this way of shopping.
I always buy from the charity shop, apart from underwear of course. Mostley pay about £3 for a top, and some very expensive brands in my main shop.
I used to get quite a bit off ebay but I prefer charity shops now.
The one I volunteer in (and no, we do not get first dibs!) only puts out clean stuff, sometimes get a whiff of fabric softener but that's all.
As someone with variable weight - was 26, now 14, aiming for 12 - it's a great opportunity to experiment with what suits without paying a fortune.
Yes, absolutely. I’ve been on a weight loss journey over the past three years, and also taken early retirement so money is tight. Love buying from eBay and charity shops. Do buy shoes and undies new. Also donate a lot.
I thought it was just ladies of a certain age doing this, but witnessed a couple of trendy young ladies spending big in a charity shop this week. Love it.
Yes. Most of my stuff comes from charity shops also have been known to buy a few from jumble sales before Covid took that joy away. I always give new clothes a good wash even if I bought them from a shop as even in the poshest shops you do not know who has tried them on before. If I get fed up of them I then pass them back to a charity shop or cut them up as rags. Eco friendly here.
I love a good Chazza shop. I have got some lovely blouses, handbags scarves, shoes and coats from them. I draw the line at undies though
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Don't let the 'charity shop' smell put you off. Giving the items a wash soon puts paid to that!
I never seem to get any bargains in charity shops (and the smell puts me off - sorry) and whenever I've looked at clothes on eBay I'm just completely overwhelmed by what's on offer and don't know where to start! However, a friend of mine keeps urging me to try - she lives in a poorer part of London and about once a month goes to charity shops in some of the richer areas - she's had LOADS of amazing bargains; labels that usually sell for hundreds of ££ and some with their labels still on, so I guess it depends where you live. (Some she keeps, some she sells on eBay!)
I have particular slightly quirky labels that I like but they're very expensive so I get them via eBay. There've been one or two mistakes but mostly it works for me.
Half of my wardrobe is second hand from EBay. Wouldn’t dream of paying full prices for labels but there are some really good quality clothes on EBay. Love East clothes and they have vanished now but still about in EBay.
Twice a year I have a clear out and donate to charity. Cheap and sustainable, what’s not to like? Scratches the retail therapy itch very cheaply!
Yes, many times. I've bought loads of great clothes, tops and trousers and coats, from charity shops. As long as they are in good condition and I wash them before wearing, why not? There's too much waste in the world, and the money goes to good causes. I wouldn't buy underwear from there though. And probably not shoes.
Just a tip , I had to sell a Barbour jacket(too big) and pair of Raybans and a very expensive pair of Chanel sun goggs when my eyes Finally packed up! I sold them via a site: HEWI (hardly eve worn it) and got top dollar!!! It's a fantastic site but only major names and designer but for selling and buying of those special items it's by far superior to usual haunts
Like yourself I used to get designer(sometimes) and top label (Laurel, Mandy Marsh,Yarell, alexon) from dress agencies in the 80s and 90s when I was working and needed smart stuf for work! I still have a mooch now and then and found that upmarket charity shops in places like Lytham Cirencester and city centre Manchester are rich hunting grounds! eBay has some astonishingly good stuff fora pittance and I have no qualms in buying , I have an eye for what is 'right'or 'wrong' after50 years of fashion! It's great also that today literally anything goes!! Jeans with silk shirts supermarket buys wanted with top label stuff and keeping to a few rules -who can tell!? I also have loads of fake jewelry,I have a few real McCoy diamonds etc but mix and match with CZ and fake gemstones AND NOBODY knows?
Much of the clothes found in charity shops may well have only been worn a few times if at all.
I have sometimes bought clothes, taken the tag off, before trying on(usually in a hurry, before going out) and then decided I didn't like it after all , or worn it for a day/evening and found it so uncomfortable that I didn't want to wear it again!
I have several friends whose wardrobes are full of charity shop bargains!
Sadly, being plus sized, my options are limited as for some reason, the majority of charity shops in my area only seem to stock clothes up to a size 18!
Yes, you can get some real quality stuff. My daughter does the same and gets great quality modern styles and colours for a fraction of the price they were originally. Some never worn. She wears them a few times and sells them on. Great if your shape or weight changes.
Some early versions of Jaeger can be exceptional. What has to be checked is that a few years ago, sizing was adjusted to cater for changes in shape. Suggest asking for measurements eg across the hip, waist, and bust as a minimum, as well as the size in the garment.
I have a very heavy silk skirt, looking like liquid pale gold, wool skirts, cashmere jumpers etc. Don't be shy. Look for fancy names too. Dior, Valentino, and so on.
Very eco sensible.
We need to reduce buying clothes and then discarding them after a couple of wear.
Good quality second hand clothes is worth acquiring.
We should not be sending our rubbish worn out clothes to developing countries pretending we are doing them a favour. We are not.
We need to move away from the throw away society concept and use the resources more carefully.
I am happy with second hand clothes once they are washed. I agree charity shops can smell musty but once clothes smell of your own fabric conditioner they are fine. I know I am fussy!!
Yes, I would certainly wear SH garments. Simply wash first then bingo. Not footwear though. Mother brainwashed me at an early age!
I prefer washable clothing when I buy secondhand. Ebay is particularly useful for comparing brands. For instance I like a particular style of lady's shirt, and with patience and searching I get exactly what I want from ebay.
Absolutely yes. I always had to while growing up as we were very poor, so the habit has stuck.
I bought three lovely tops in a charity shop yesterday, one never worn, total £15. Decent brands too and in a similar style which really suited me so probably donated by the same lady! It gives me great pleasure to find clothing in this way and I don’t think twice about them being pre-worn. Good for the planet too. My 21 year old daughter buys clothes in charity shops too.
It seems to me that some of you live in areas that have the type of charity shops that boast designer and high end wear.
Our market town has several charity shops, but much of the clothing is F&F, George at Asda, Primark etc. Not saying anything wrong with that, but not likely to see Jasper Conran or Gabor there.
I'm currently carrying my essentials around in a Jasper Conran handbag. £4. 
I have a pair of Gabor shoes that have been my ‘go to’ for about 3 years. Grey suede and pewter colour leather lace ups with wide white statement laces and a white thick sole. The last word in comfort. I paid £5 in the charity shop.
My tan leather cross body Michael Corrs bag was £16.
eBay and Charity shops all the way. Only quality items.
Thank you, Fennel 
Vettriano print - great bargain MerylStreep.
Ditto wedding dress JoMarch
Miss Ad. - Glad to see you back posting . 
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