Buying second hand clothing

By Coralie, on March 23rd, 2009 at 02.30 PM

Since working at the markets, and having my own stall situated right next to a second hand clothing stall, I’ve made it a goal to try to avoid buying new clothes.

Second hand clothing is good for you and for the environment

Firstly, it’s a great way to reduce, reuse and recycle. You’ll save lots of money since you won’t be paying full price. Also, if you’re anything like me and don’t like to look the same as every second person on the street, you’re more likely to find clothing that is interesting and unique. One more good thing about buying second hand is that you’ll be less worried about hacking into it, or making adjustments, to really ‘make it your own’. There are also the ethical benefits since you’re not supporting an industry that is widely reported for keeping sweat shops in operation.

Here in Australia, the shops that sell second hand clothing and goods to help support and raise money for helping those in need are often referred to as ‘op shops’. I think ‘op’ is short for opportunity (I’m perfectly willing to be corrected if I’m wrong). In the past, I found that I’d never had much luck finding good second hand clothing. I’d see a friend wearing something gorgeous and I’d ask where they got it, hoping I could get one the same, but almost invariably, they’d tell me they got it from an op shop. To tell the truth, it made me quite jealous. I have one skirt that fits beautifully, which I found about 15 years ago d which is still a favourite. Until recently, that was the only good thing I’d found in all that time. You see, op shopping takes time. You can’t just look at a whole rack of almost identical clothing to decide if you like the style or colour. At op shops or second hand clothing stores there’s usually only one of each thing, so you have to look through the whole rack, one item at a time.

Shop with a recipient in mind

I think that shopping at op shops for children is the easiest. Children’s clothing is often a looser style, so you can choose something close enough and it’ll usually fit. Men’s clothing (unless he’s a particularly choosy man) is often also relatively easy since you usually have to deal only with short or long, tight or loose, and what colour he might like. Women’s clothing is more difficult as the fit can vary greatly with the many styles of clothing: short, long, fitted, loose, low cut, high cut, round neck, square neck, boat neck, etc - and then you have to take into account all the many lumps and bumps and curves we have in their many different shapes and sizes and how they’ll fit inside the many and varied options.

Be ready to find something awesome that wasn’t what you had in mind

It helps to not have too specific an idea of what you’re after when you go op shopping. Having an open mind about what you’ll find is essential. Sometimes you’ll find the golden bargain of an item that’s gorgeously retro, but these are often snapped up quickly by second hand clothing stores that run for profit. You can almost always find awesome clothing at these places, sometimes still with the original tags attached, but you might pay more than from an op shop.

You can find second hand clothing in many places

Local markets are also good places to look for second hand clothing. ‘Trash and treasure’ or flea markets will usually be cheaper than higher end markets located at the more expensive end of town, but a good variety of clothing can usually be found at both places. Be dressed to allow clothing to be tried on over your own clothing as most market stalls won’t have a change room. Close-fitting trousers and a tank top will mean you’ll get a better idea of the fit of the item you’re trying than if you have to fit them over a loose, blousey top and cargo pants with heaps of large pockets.

When shopping at markets, be ready with cash in smaller notes. Most stall holders, especially those selling second hand clothing, won’t have the option to pay with a card. More expensive second hand clothing stores are more likely to have a machine to take your card.

Bring along an enthusiastic friend

One of the most fun things about shopping for second hand clothing at op shops, markets, or second hand clothing stores is taking a friend with you to share in the joy of finding awesome clothing at bargain prices. You’ll almost never come across a pushy salesperson telling you how wonderful that maternity top looks on you when you know for certain that you look like a snot-green, beached whale. Having a good friend along for the ride will ensure that you get an honest opinion, especially if there’s no full length mirror available for you to take a good look at yourself.

Tips for successful op shopping

Dress in ’skinny’ clothing that will allow you to try clothes on over the top of your own clothes.
Have cash, in smaller notes, for paying for clothes at the markets.
Decide before you go out exactly who you’re shopping for: youself, a child, your partner?
Allow lots of time to look through the racks and to travel to more than once place.
Take a friend for advice and feedback.

Generally-speaking, perhaps that last piece of advice is more useful for women, since many of us seem to have a reputation for enjoying shopping, but I’m sure there are plenty of men around who can use their ’straight in, get what I need and straight out again’ attitude to find just the right item of clothing.

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