Student’s Guide to Thrift Shopping In recent years, thrifting has seen a huge surge in popularity among younger generations. Whether this is due to budget- consciousness or a heightened awareness of the environmental impacts of fast fashion, thrift stores serve as a great alternative to the traditional retail experience. Still, if you are not used to sifting through racks of clothing or are unfamiliar with the different kinds of second-hand stores available in London, the experience can feel overwhelming. This article offers a few tips and tricks to help you feel prepared the next time you need to update your closet. In London, several types of second-hand shops can be found. There are the Value Village locations scattered across the city, and rumor has it the Oxford Street store has the best finds. Value Village is a well- known for-profit chain popular for its selection and volume. St. Vincent de Paul thrift stores also operate throughout the city as a non-profit, with proceeds supporting various charitable causes. For those who prefer a more curated vintage shopping experience, Filthy Rebena Vintage offers both vintage clothing and new goods, which can also be browsed online. DugOut Vintage, located in the Covent Garden Market, provides a similarly curated selection with a stronger emphasis on sports memorabilia, skater gear, and well-worn Carhartt pieces.
Now that you know where to go, how can you make the most of your shopping trip? A few key strategies will help your thrifting experience go as smoothly as possible. First, wear a base layer. Many thrift stores do not have change rooms and instead provide mirrors on the sales floor. Wearing clothes that allow you to try items on over top makes the process easier. My go-to is leggings and a tank top. It also helps to bring your own bag. Some stores do not provide them, and this simple habit further reduces your environmental impact. My final tip is to look up the tags on your thrift finds and prioritize vintage brands. These pieces tend to be more unique and, in my experience, they usually hold up better over time. Recommended Stores: Filthy Rebena 144 Wortley Rd., Dug Out Vintage 130 King St., Value Village 530 Oxford St W., St. Vincent de Paul 585 York St.
CAMPUS VILLAGER • 2026
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs