Complete Guide to Buying Designer Clothes from Charity Shops

Finding designer items in charity shops is one of the ultimate wins if you are a bargain hunter or savvy shopper like me. In this post, we share a complete guide to buying designer clothes in charity shops.

Firstly I have had many a bargain in charity shops. From brand-new items that can go in the birthday drawer to branded designer clothes and accessories that have made me so happy! I love finding genuine designer items that I will adore and wear for a fraction of the original cost.

There are many advantages to buying second hand

One of the primary reasons for buying in charity shops is that it is helping your favourite charities gain some much-needed funds and supporting a good cause that matters to you. So whether you are shopping at Cancer Research, British Heart Foundation or any other of the many charity shops you know that you are actively supporting good causes.

Secondly buying second-hand pieces makes sense for a savvy shopper, you can save lots of money and find good quality items in your local charity shops. To bag the best things keep reading!

Thirdly many of us are choosing to buy preloved in a bid to reduce UK landfill. We are more aware of sustainable fashion, fast fashion brands and are making ethical decisions to reduce our own carbon footprint by buying designer goods from charity shops which can help with this.

Finally, charity shops are a great place for buying vintage items that are no longer readily available. Some charity shops have vintage stores within them and seeking these out can be a hidden gem as you can pick up great bargains at a fraction of the price. Charity shops are a great shopping heaven for a vintage lover, looking for one-off pieces.

My best buys and designer labels

Over the years there have been some bargain finds in my local charity shops and here I am sharing my most memorable finds!

I have picked up a Gucci scarf that I wore to the races. I also found an All Saints jumper for under £5 which was an absolute steal. I have bought the kids many designer brands including Goose and Gander jumpers, Ralph Lauren shirts and even a pair of immaculate Nike Air Force trainers for £3!

Buying children’s clothes from charity shops really makes sense as they grow quickly meaning clothes tend to be outgrown rather worn out. Therefore there is plenty of life left in them for another child or two!

Last week when I was dropping off at my local charity shop I spotted a great donation that I knew I was going to buy for myself. I have since ummed and ahhed about putting it in the bottom drawer but I think I will be keeping it for myself.

This seriously cute Radley coin purse is new, it is in its dustbag and was only £8. These cost about £25 new so I was very happy to purchase it. Radley is such an iconic label that I know it will last well and won’t go out of fashion any time soon. I am still hoping to find a Mulberry Bag in a charity shop that would be my ideal find!

10 Top Tips for getting a designer bargain when charity shopping

1. Most importantly only buy a designer brand if it is something you will actually use. We have all been there when we get carried away and buy something just because it is a bargain. However, a designer wardrobe that you never wear is pointless! Buying second-hand designer clothes require some self-will, really think about whether you will use or wear the designer tag. After all most people won’t know its designer anyway as the label is generally on the inside unless they have a distinctive logo on display. If you buy some five-inch heels because they are a favourite like Alexander Mcqueen but you can’t wear heels it is a false economy!
2. Shop regularly – it may sound obvious but designer items won’t be on the shelf long or hanging on the rail for long. Pop into your favourite charity shop frequently when you have some spare time. This will give you the best chance of getting what you want. Also, make your decision there and then. It won’t be there later if you change your mind and go back for it!
3. Visit charity shops in wealthy areas. These are the best places to find designer pieces and high-end items if you are visiting areas for a day trip it is often worth a quick look in the charity shops. I love browsing in West London, Marylebone high street and Notting Hill are firm favourites and in the past, I have picked up some great designer children’s clothes. Likewise, I find lots in my local charity shop which is not in the town centre and therefore not as populated. Annabel has some great tips on creating a new wardrobe on a budget. Some of the charities even share where they have designer charity shops and outlets, The British Red Cross have publicised this information for savvy shoppers!
4. Look at what is being held behind the till on shelves. Often more high-value goods are in glass cases by the till points or they are hanging behind the till. Also, look in the shop windows as they may pop the best and most popular brand items in the window to attract people in. Many people walk past these displays without noticing the hidden treasures!
5. Look for timeless pieces that never age. This can include accessories like hats or designer clothes that never age, examples could include Levi jeans. You can often pick these up for a bargain price and they have plenty of wear left in them.
6. Know the value of designer brands you like. You need to know what something is worth to see if it really is a good price so keep an eye on the ‘real’ designer shops and what price tags they sell things at.
7. Learn to spot a fake. You should look at the lining to see if it looks real as this is often the giveaway. Handbags are especially notorious for fakes and people buy them on holiday and then drop the off at a charity shop once the weather turns! The stitching is another telltale sign of fakes and in original items, they are usually flawless and you’d not spot an imperfection. Therefore if an item doesn’t look perfect then it’s probably a fake.
8. Browse charity shops with an open mind as you never know what you will find. It’s no good going with a shopping list although it does make financial sense to consider what you need or where you have gaps in your wardrobe. However, sometimes you might spot high-quality pieces that will be great for an upcoming occasion.
9. When buying second hand make sure you take a minute or two to really look at it carefully. The staff and volunteers don’t always have the time to check all items. Therefore check zips work, look for missing buttons or that there isn’t much bobbling under the arms etc. You don’t necessarily expect items to be immaculate but you do want to make sure that they are good enough and that you don’t discover hidden faults once you are home.
10. Lastly, it can be a good idea to consider volunteering at a charity shop if you have some spare time. The shops need volunteers and can be a great way to meet new people and help a good cause. Of course, as a member of the team, you may then see some great designer items and high quality pieces and be able to buy them before they even make it onto the shop floor.

We hope these tips help you nab some designer labels at bargain prices in charity shops. I’d love to know any huge wins so do tag me on social media at @emmaand3 as I’d love to see your wins! Buying in charity shops is great for your pocket and the environment plus they help a great cause so what’s not to love?

In addition to buying secondhand clothes in charity shops, you can also find some great deals on online marketplaces including Vinted, just apply the same shopping principles to save so much money! You can also sell on Vinted if you have high-quality pieces or a designer outfit that you no longer love. Wearing preloved is a great way to get a new to you outfit for any occasion.