Did you know that September is officially Second-Hand September, an event created by Oxfam, the UK’s premier anti-poverty charity, that challenges people to only buy pre-owned clothing for a month?
With prices still rising across many areas of day-to-day life, looking for a bargain wherever possible makes more sense than ever. Luckily, the rise in popularity of second-hand shopping has resulted in more second-hand outlets for shoppers to browse, increasing your chances of finding a hidden gem.
If you’re ready to get shopping, check out our list of the best places to pick up second-hand clothing this September!
Charity shops.
Shopping in charity shops is a great way to find a new outfit at a reduced price while also supporting a worthy cause at the same time. From vintage items that have come back into fashion to designer gear its previous owner has grown tired of wearing, good old-fashioned charity shops rarely let us down, so where better to start?
The key to shopping in physical second-hand shops (as opposed to online) is to take your time. As a general rule, the more disorganised the shop, the better your chances of finding a bargain – so long as you give yourself enough time to sift through everything to find it.
Another useful tip is to take your measurements before you leave home and take a tape measure with you. This way, you can measure any ‘new’ garments that catch your eye to find out if they will fit without needing to spend time in the changing rooms, freeing up more time to browse.
Kilo sales.
By using the weight of the clothing to measure the cost of the purchase, kilo sales are a great way to find unique, affordable pieces that would otherwise be taken to landfill. And regardless of the brand, the price stays the same!
With a wide variety of clothing and no price tags involved, kilo sales can be the perfect place to find high-quality clothes at an amazing price. Often found at pop-up events advertised on social media, kilo sales typically use large rooms to set up hundreds of clothing items on rails, enabling you to find the items you like and pay based on their weight.
To keep costs down even lower, try to stick to lighter items – although smaller things like tshirts can often be cheaper than in charity shops, heavy denim and leather may not be as cost-effective.
Clothes swaps.
If you have a wardrobe full of clothes you’ve fallen out of love with, why not consider swapping them for some new items?
By searching social media for a local swap group, you may be lucky enough to find one nearby that arranges to meet in person for swapping. If not, there are larger groups which post swaps out – all you have to do is find something you like and offer the owner something of yours in exchange. When you’re both happy with the deal, simply pop the item/s in the post… and that’s it!
Online shopping.
If you love the convenience of online shopping, apps like Vinted and Depop, which allow you to create an account to sell your old clothes, then use the money you make to buy others, may be the answer. With a wide range of search filters, plus recommendations, this is an easy way to find exactly what you’re after.
One word of caution, though – individuals choose the prices their clothes are listed for, so beware inflated price tags. Do some research to make sure you’re paying a reasonable price before purchasing.
Leeds Credit Union – Here to Help.
We’re big fans of the Second-Hand September initiative as it’s a simple and fun way to save money at a time when many households are having their finances stretched like never before. If you want to take part in Oxfam’s second-hand challenge, click here.
If you need an affordable loan to help your finances go a little further, you can have a look at our range of loans here.