As someone who’s been shopping for clothing at op shops for more than 30 years, I often get asked how to find fabulous designer fashion for a fraction of its original retail price, or how to find unique vintage clothing and accessories.
I also hear plenty of opinions about op shopping, for example, that it is overwhelming sifting through so many different garments and that it requires too much patience or luck.
While there is some truth in this, there are a few things I’ve learnt over the years that may help if you’re just starting to explore the world of op shopping. Here are my top six tips.
1. Be open-minded
Part of the appeal of op shopping is that you never know what you’ll find. I’ve discovered everything from a genuine Tiffany bracelet to a home-sewn African print International Women’s Day dress to a vintage Jenny Kee knit, none of which were on my shopping list when I stepped through the op shop doors. Put simply, there’s not much point setting out with a firm idea of what you want unless you’re particularly good at manifesting items on your wish list. Instead, be open to stumbling on unexpected treasure and enjoy what you uncover along the way. Op shopping is a journey, not a destination!
2. Look beyond your favourite labels
While certain brands are known for their workmanship, materials and durability, there’s no guarantee that they’ll happen to be on the racks. Instead of searching in vain for familiar contemporary brands, learn to distinguish quality without relying on designer names by handling the material (is it a cheap synthetic or something that will last more than a few wears?), inspecting the construction (are the seams sturdy?) and checking the care label if it is still attached (this will tell you the fabric composition and country of manufacture).
Whether the garment is by your favourite designer or a brand you’ve never heard of, get in the habit of carrying out these quick checks to decide whether to give something a try or put it back on the rack.
3. Ignore sizing
When shopping at conventional retailers, you probably look for items in your size. However, the mix of items at op shops – not only from different years and even decades but also increasingly from different countries – often means that sizing is approximate only, so don’t be bound by a set of numbers.
Keep in mind that if you’re an Australian size 10, this might make you upwards of a size L for items originally designed for the Asian market. And when it comes to vintage items, you might be anything from a size 12 up, as sizing has changed considerably in the past decades (note that labels with letters such as SW (Small Woman) mean that it could be from as far back as the 1950s).
Don’t forget to check out the men’s section too – given the trend for oversized items. This could be your best bet for finding a cool tailored jacket or shirt.
4. Consider repairs
Although op shop volunteers sort donations to make sure items are in reasonable condition for sale, some pieces may slip through that are missing buttons or have stains or other small faults. Many of these are easily repaired, either by yourself or a professional, so if the garment is otherwise in good nick, it probably doesn’t hurt to add it to your shopping basket. On the other hand, some items might have issues that are harder to look past, such as knits in man-made yarns that tend to pill, or pants made from stretch fabric that has started to sag, meaning the garment will never look its best again. Knowing what is possible to repair can be tricky if you’re not familiar with how certain textiles perform or how clothing is constructed, so if it’s an option, bring along a friend who sews or has some knowledge on the subject.
5. Op shop often
When people compliment something I’m wearing and I tell them it’s from an op shop, they frequently respond that I must have a good eye. Admittedly, I have had many years of practice buying second-hand fashion and I also sew my own clothes, so have gained knowledge about fabrics, construction and other aspects of clothing along with a broad overview of fashion history. However, the main reason I have a wardrobe full of great op shop finds is that I op shop a lot. So much so that I tend to navigate the suburbs by remembering where the op shops are! Like many things, op shopping is a numbers game. The more you do it, the more you’re likely to find great things.
6. Op shop online
If it’s difficult to get out and visit op shops in real life, digital devices are your friend. In addition to their physical stores, some op shops also sell on websites or on social media, so you can browse without leaving the house. The larger charities list items that have been donated to their stores all around Australia, meaning you can do an op shop road trip from your own lounge room.
However you choose to op shop, I hope you enjoy the journey and find something special.
Do you enjoy op shopping? What are your tips? Why not share them in the comments section below?
Also read: Tips for discovering your personal style
The prices the charity shops charge is ridiculous. I have found Kmart goods (ANKO brand) priced above what the store actually sells it for. For this reason I pay full price at a retail store.