A Vintage Fashion Expert Shares Her Tips For Shopping Secondhand
Shopping secondhand is more than just a way to save money – it’s a skill that improves with knowledge and experience. Erin McDonough, a thrifting expert and founder of Sunshine Thrift, has spent years helping shoppers identify quality items, uncover hidden value, and shop more sustainably. Drawing on hands-on experience in the resale world, she shares practical tips and insider tricks to make secondhand shopping more intentional and rewarding. These tips break down what to look for, common mistakes to avoid, and how to confidently find secondhand pieces you’ll love and use for years to come.
Shop second-hand the way it suits you best
I was once a second-hand shopping sceptic, and now I own an online second-hand shop. It turns out there was only one thing standing in my way, and that was finding a second-hand shopping experience that suited me best.
Whether you’re shopping for second-hand clothes, home décor, furniture or electronics, think about what matters to you. Do you prefer to shop online or in person? Do you like to try items on, hold them in your hands first? Do you prefer the convenience of shopping online? Do you struggle when there are too many choices?
Ask yourself these questions and narrow down where you would prefer to shop second-hand. Gone are the days when you could only shop second-hand in charity shops. You now have the choice of online marketplaces, online retailers like Sunshine Thrift, car boot sales, specialised vintage shops and, of course, the trusty charity shop.
Know what you’re searching for
Choosing second-hand is a great way to get a bargain, but it is also about reducing waste to landfill and using what has already been made. In my experience, knowing what you are looking for before you head out to find it second-hand, whether online or in person, greatly increases your chances of success and prevents unnecessary purchases you may later regret. If you’re a bargain lover like me, it can be hard to walk away from a great find at a great price, but ask yourself, “Do I really need this?” “Will I really wear it?” If your answer is anything other than a certain YES, you should probably leave it behind.
Know your measurements and the garment’s measurements
Until I started Sunshine Thrift, I was completely unaware of how many people either don’t know their body measurements or don’t check the garment measurements to see if the item will fit when shopping second-hand online! Knowing your clothing measurements will completely enlighten you to just how broadly UK clothing sizes can vary. Once you know your clothing measurements, you can cross-reference this information with the garment measurements provided by the seller or retailer. Doing this is important for two reasons: firstly, it stops you from buying an item that doesn’t fit, that ultimately just sits at the bottom of your wardrobe unworn, and secondly, it prevents a needless return, which costs CO2 emissions.
Use image search to validate your bargains
The financial savings available by choosing second-hand is a huge motivator for those looking to dabble in the world of preloved for the first time. But how do you know how much you are really saving? Well, image search is about to become your new best friend. I use Google Lens daily, even though there are other image search functions available, to identify an item’s original RRP and see just how much I am saving. The best part is that you can use it when shopping in person and online. It may also help you find the same item elsewhere for a better price.
Patience is key, and it will always be worth the wait
You may not find what you’re looking for on the first attempt, the second, or even the third, but that is okay, because when shopping second-hand, it is all about taking the time to find the perfect piece for you at the perfect price. But don’t get disheartened and buy what you’re looking for brand new instead, keep searching, and when you do find it, it will definitely be worth the wait.
Experience how smart secondhand shopping can make a lasting difference for your wallet and the planet at sunshinethrift.co.uk.
Top photo by Northleg Official on Unsplash
