No matter if you're an avid sustainable shopper or simply love to search for a luxury label at a bargain price—take a leaf out of our fashion editor Clementina Jackson's book—, charity shops (or thrift stores, if you grew up watching American TV) are a treasure trove of pre-loved fashion finds. But, only if you know where to shop.
As someone whose first job in the world of fashion was stocking the shelves of a charity shop every Saturday morning (très chic, I know), I can promise you those luxury gems are few and far between. At least in the suburbs where Debenhams was the star of the high street. 90% of what comes in is hole-filled polyester buys, worn-down shoes, and the occasional item you wish you'd never even touched—I'll leave that to your imagination.
Although, that remaining 10% is where the star buys can be found and the hours of sifting through actually pay off. Or, of course, you can just head to the charity shops where the numbers are reversed and the goodies are in no short supply—the best kept secrets amongst us avid fashion fans. Secrets that we're now sharing with you. Shh, don't tell anyone.
Just keep reading for our guide to the best charity shops and where to find each one. Plus, remember each purchase puts money towards a great cause, whether it's Cancer Research or the British Heart Foundation.
The Best Charity Shops in the UK: 11 to visit for designer clothes and vintage steals
1. TRAID Westbourne Grove
Where: 61 Westbourne Grove, London, W2 4UA and online on Depop
What: Although there are TRAID shops all around London, the Westbourne Grove location is known for the designer and high-end cast-offs of its well-heeled clientèle, so it's definitely worth a rummage. They also have a Depop store for those who can't travel. TRAID aims to put a stop to throwaway fashion by diverting clothes from landfill to stores, and proceeds go to global projects improving conditions and working practices in the textile industry.
2. The British Heart Foundation
Where: In stores nationwide and online on its eBay store.
What: While there are many great British Heart Foundation stores, such as Reigate, Balham and Oxford, where you can find some high-end fashion and furniture, the online shop has some great rare gems too. Proceeds go towards funding research cures and treatments for heart and circulatory diseases.
3. Oxfam
Where: Oxfam online
What: There are so many great finds on the Oxfam online store. It's great for high street finds you might have missed from Zara and Topshop, but also for more affordable items from Joesph, Whistles, Jigsaw, Ted Baker and Reiss. If you're getting married, there are also plenty of wedding dresses, from vintage styles to new ones with tags still on. Proceeds go towards ending poverty worldwide.
4. Mary's Living and Giving Primrose Hill
Where: 109 Regents Park Road, NW1 8UR
What: You'll find everything from statement fashion pieces to high-end finds donated by the Primrose Hill crew at Mary's Living. The East Dulwich and Bristol stores are also said to be great for high-end bargains. Proceeds go to Save The Children around the world.
5. FARA
Where: Various locations across London—head to the FARA website to find your nearest.
What: After reasonably priced vintage and secondhand bargains? Then you'll love FARA. With 41 charity shops across 27 London communities, if you're London-based, there's bound to be one near you. Money goes towards helping vulnerable children and adults with learning disabilities and at-risk youths.
6. Retromania London
Where: 6 Upper Tachbrook Street Victoria, SW1V 1SH
What: Part of the FARA Charity (which helps vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people in Romania), this speciality shop focuses on everything a vintage lover might want, including hats, bags, scarves, dresses, menswear and memorabilia as well as iconic designer items.
7. Cancer Research UK
Where: 600 stores worldwide and online as well as storefronts on eBay and Depop.
What: Depending on what you're after, all three online stores are well-stocked. Ebay and Depop are great for high street finds from the likes of Whistles, Ghost and Karen Millen, while the official online store is best for seasonal edits. Proceeds go towards funding research to beat cancer.
8. Barnardo's
Where: Online on eBay
What: Although you can shop literally anything on its eBay store, from homeware to toys, the clothing is where it's at. There are Dr Marten's boots, Cos and Calvin Klein coats and an L.K.Bennett dress amongst the hundreds of items you can shop online now. Proceeds go towards helping vulnerable children, young people and families in the UK.
9. British Red Cross
Where: Various locations across the UK, check out their locations on the British Red Cross website.
What: Selling everything from pre-loved clothes, to secondhand furniture, to books, vinyls, accessories and more, the British Red Cross has long supported the millions of people in the UK and around the world who find themselves in need when crisis strikes. FYI, they also sell online, so check out what they've got stocked on eBay or their online gift shop.
10. Shop From Crisis
Where: Various locations around London, check out the Shop From Crisis website to find your nearest or take a look at the online site.
What: Crisis is the UK national charity for people experiencing homelessness. Shopping at Shop from Crisis means you'll be helping homeless people not just financially: their stores offer training and employment opportunities for homeless people keen to work in retail, too.
11. Salvation Army
Where: Various locations across the UK—they have over 400 shops across the country, two charity superstores and 13 donation centres. Head to the Salvation Army website for more information.
What: Fun fact for you—the Salvation Army were one of the first charities to open a shop back in the 19th century. Then, they offered affordable clothes to people who otherwise wouldn't have the means, and in the 150 years since they first opened, their main aim hasn't changed that much. Head in-store to pick up some secondhand bargains and support those in need, while you're at it.
