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Have you ever bought clothes in a charity shop?

  • 05-04-2017 4:41pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,067 ✭✭✭✭


    I often hear people saying they've bought great bargains in charity shops. However I've looked at charity shops in the past and all I've ever seen in them is other people's old junk. It might be because I'm a guy and they might suit women better.

    Have you ever bought clothes in a charity shop?

    Have you ever bought clothes in a charity shop? 93 votes

    Yes
    0% 0 votes
    No
    100% 93 votes


«1

Comments

  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,203 ✭✭✭Jack the Stripper


    Do they sell used underwear?


  • Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators, Regional Abroad Moderators Posts: 6,485 Mod ✭✭✭✭silvervixen84


    I've got some great ones in my area. Two weeks ago I got a gorgeous Armani Exchange coat for £25, a cool studded grey Topshop top for £4 and a lovely Mango top for £5. All as new.


  • Registered Users Posts: 29 Trotters


    Am dressed almost entirely out of charity shops, the jumper'n'jeans kinda look. Cheap and for a good cause, whats not to love?
    They often have good shirts, too.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 344 ✭✭buckwheat


    Get the kids football jerseys in the local one. Usually €5.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,495 ✭✭✭✭eviltwin


    I've gotten loads of clothing in charity shops, branded goods for a few euros. Best buy was a new, unworn pair of Converse for a fiver.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,757 ✭✭✭✭elperello


    Yes i have.
    It can be hit and miss. That is part of the attraction for some people, you never know what will be there.
    Charity shops in well off areas can be very good.


  • Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators Posts: 12,986 Mod ✭✭✭✭JupiterKid


    Yes, I have in the past, got a couple of nice blazers. Haven't in a good while though. You really have to go rummaging but there are gems to be found.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,168 ✭✭✭oneilla


    Do they sell used underwear?

    This isn't Japan ! :eek: :PAC:


    Yeah I've bought a few bits in charity shops. Sometime it just luck if the draw really.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,713 ✭✭✭✭osarusan


    Bought a Hugo Boss suit in one for €17. Bought a pair of Merrell hiking boots in another. Still have both a few years later, though the boots are nearing the end.

    Also, there's an education-themed shop in Limerick where, as well as stuff like textbooks and dictionaries, you can pick up 2nd hand uniforms, which is handy.


  • Registered Users Posts: 129 ✭✭Caroleia


    I've done well over the years, especially on dresses with good labels - Hobbs etc, usually get them for €5 - €10. As someone up thread said, its the thrill of rummaging that I enjoy


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,180 ✭✭✭✭Mrs OBumble


    I did when I was unemployed and couldn't afford to buy new. You get some good deals when you can pop in every day mid-week to see what's there. Not so much if you only go in on Saturday.


  • Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 93,126 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    Do they sell used underwear?
    isn't it said that socks are things they get fewest donations of, but are the things most needed by homeless ?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,270 ✭✭✭clairewithani


    Not very often but have gotten some great bargains.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,067 ✭✭✭✭freshpopcorn


    I suppose my area might be unlucky most of the stuff I've seen in them has being tat to be honest.


  • Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 93,126 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    Have I bought clothes in a charity shop ?
    I buy the same ones every week.

    "Save a fortune on your laundry bills. Give your dirty shirts to Oxfam. They will wash and iron them and you can then buy them back for fifty pence."




    The best bit about this Viz Top Tip is that McDonalds used it , got sued, and had to settle out of court with a generous donation to Comic Releif.


  • Registered Users Posts: 10,633 ✭✭✭✭Widdershins


    I've bought clothing from U.K charity shops, but there's nothing in my style over here. I usually just go in for the books/pass some time in town.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,814 ✭✭✭TPD


    I bought a lovely long wool overcoat for e5, pristine condition. Didn't fit me sadly, but fits my dad like it was made for him.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,413 ✭✭✭corner of hells


    Not so much charity shops for me , ex army shops are the way to go.
    I'm now dressed as a Moroccan air force general.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,208 ✭✭✭Lady is a tramp


    Yup all the time! 80% of my wardrobe is probably from charity shops.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,030 ✭✭✭Minderbinder


    No, I'd feel embarrassed going into the shop. They sound a bit like TK Maxx to be honest where I also feel shy.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,030 ✭✭✭Minderbinder


    B00! wrote: »
    Had I felt that way, my roommate would have nothing to wear.

    Why are you shopping for your roommate?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,275 ✭✭✭Your Face


    I bought a thick leather belt in a charity shop.
    Still have it. Cost about 3 euros.
    I pop in every so often for a look.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 23,646 ✭✭✭✭qo2cj1dsne8y4k


    No I drop clothes in sometimes and it smells like death


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,067 ✭✭✭✭freshpopcorn


    No, I'd feel embarrassed going into the shop. They sound a bit like TK Maxx to be honest where I also feel shy.

    My mother calls TKMaxx a Charity Shop that shops unload their unwanted stock in!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,453 ✭✭✭Shenshen


    Yes, quite a lot. I couldn't tell you what brands the stuff would have been, as I have no clue about those. But I found lovely tops, cardigans and dresses, in good quality materials, in nice colours and cuts the suit me.

    But yes, you need to bring time and patience to find anything good.

    I refuse to look at the books in them, though. The state those poor things are in is usually utterly deplorable, and I'm a person who treats books well. It just makes me sad to see books with broken spines, dog-eared, with pages hanging out of them... it's just wrong.


  • Registered Users Posts: 6,544 ✭✭✭Samaris


    When I left Ireland, I'd never particularly bought anything in a charity shop. They mostly just smelled musty and a few sad moth-eaten clothes hung in a corner. Then I went to England and discovered that charity shops could be awesome. I personally am a fan of "bohemian" clothes - I like gypsy skirts and brocade or velveteen tops that you usually only find at insane prices in shops that smell of incense and play Bulgarian panpipe music at you. Charity shops can be great for those and because the clothes are a bit fancy and odd, they don't tend to be worn much ("What on earth has Aunty Gladys sent me?"). It's the sort of clothing you either wear to death over years or you get rid of it to a charity shop asap. Also found a gorgeous silk Persian-style embroidered ...not really sure what it is, tbh, either a king-sized bedspread/duvet protector or possibly an extremely fancy tablecloth in one for a fiver. It weighs a tonne and it's a bit impractical for anything, but I've treasured it home from England again and live in hope of finding a use for it! Also good for finding long lengths of linen or other materials that can be salvaged from old fancy curtains and the like.

    Also great for books. Often ailing books, ancient and over-loved, in need of a kindly retirement home, but books you don't find in new bookstores.

    Since getting back from England, charity shops in Ireland seem to have improved. They're still not as good as those in England, but it might be that the ancient and cheerfully boho university city I was living in just had particularly good ones.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,843 ✭✭✭SarahMollie


    I'm more of a giver to charity shops, I've never actually bought from one. Every now and again I do a wardrobe cull when the mood takes me and I know I've given away some really nice things, like coast dresses that I've worn to weddings but I know in my heart of hearts I won't wear again. Makes me happier to think that someone will hopefully get some joy out of it rather than leaving it dangling in my wardrobe.

    Actually I'm on the look out for a charity shop in the D14ish area for me to donate to - theres none in my shopping center and I often end up bringing them to my Mam for her to bring into the one she goes to in town which isnt really ideal. Would need to be somewhere that opens on a Saturday as I work Mon-Fri. I'd like to give them to a good, well run shop that knows how to get the most for them rather that some musty, depressing place where they might languish.


  • Posts: 24,714 [Deleted User]


    I don't think I've even ever been in a charity shop to be honest.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,058 ✭✭✭whoopsadoodles


    My mam would be good at the charity shops thing.

    I've never bought anything in one.

    Based on the stuff I give to them though, there are definitely some deadly bargains to be had!!!


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 200 ✭✭slovakchick


    He'd wear your grand dads underwear
    oneilla wrote: »
    This isn't Japan ! :eek: :PAC:


    Yeah I've bought a few bits in charity shops. Sometime it just luck if the draw really.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,067 ✭✭✭✭freshpopcorn


    When I was a child I honestly thought charity shops were for poor people!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,928 ✭✭✭✭rainbow kirby


    Hubby had a jeans malfunction in work - went to the charity shop near their site and got himself a pair of Gap jeans in his size in perfect condition for 3 quid.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,783 ✭✭✭Aglomerado


    When I was a child I honestly thought charity shops were for poor people!

    Some people still think this... some of my family call them "Pov shops"... My mum loves them, but only in towns where she won't run into neighbours.

    I used to shop in them all the time when I was a student. I used to see one of my lecturers fitting on clothes in one in Galway. I hate clothes shopping now though so buy most of my stuff online. I still go to my local charity shops few times a year to drop stuff in (and usually come out with some mint condition CDs and occasionally books).

    One of the worst things I ever saw for sale in a charity shop was half a bottle of body lotion. If it was unused, fair enough, but HALF a bottle ?!??


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,067 ✭✭✭✭freshpopcorn


    Aglomerado wrote: »
    Some people still think this... some of my family call them "Pov shops"... My mum loves them, but only in towns where she won't run into neighbours.
    What I meant to say really is I thought if you could afford to shop in regular shops you shouldn't shop in charity shops because they were meant for those who were less well off!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,759 ✭✭✭Winterlong


    I once bought some clothes for a fancy dress party in a charity shop. That's the height of it though.

    I have bought the odd antique or vinyl in the local bric a brac charity shop but I would donate a lot more stuff than I buy.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,237 ✭✭✭✭Nekarsulm


    For outdoor work clothes, that are going to get splattered with concrete, plaster or oil, what's not to love about the 3euro hoodie or rugby shirt?
    Bought a suit for my mates wedding in a charity shop in Kilkenny. He was with me at the time, and was flabbergasted. Not because I was so cheap, but because he had give 400 euro for a suit the week before, and the one I got was 30.
    Am wearing a pair of Redback steel toecap boots that I got for 15 euro, brand new and unworn. They retail about 100 euro.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 200 ✭✭slovakchick


    Jesus are you quoting some charity shops expectations of their customers or projecting your bias on charity shoppers? Ive never heard such carp, in your world do charity shops ask for proof of poverty before each transation?
    What I meant to say really is I thought if you could afford to shop in regular shops you shouldn't shop in charity shops because they were meant for those who were less well off!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,759 ✭✭✭Winterlong


    Jesus are you quoting some charity shops expectations of their customers or projecting your bias on charity shoppers? Ive never heard such carp, in your world do charity shops ask for proof of poverty before each transation?

    You are missing the context. FO is saying what they 'thought' when growing up, not what they think now.


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    Every few months I'll do a spree and visit lots of shops in one afternoon, kit out my wardrobe for the next few months. When I feel I need new clothes I try to visit charity shops first and see what I can pick up before turning to high street shops for whatever I'm still missing.


    I'm more of a giver to charity shops, I've never actually bought from one. Every now and again I do a wardrobe cull when the mood takes me and I know I've given away some really nice things, like coast dresses that I've worn to weddings but I know in my heart of hearts I won't wear again. Makes me happier to think that someone will hopefully get some joy out of it rather than leaving it dangling in my wardrobe.

    Actually I'm on the look out for a charity shop in the D14ish area for me to donate to - theres none in my shopping center and I often end up bringing them to my Mam for her to bring into the one she goes to in town which isnt really ideal. Would need to be somewhere that opens on a Saturday as I work Mon-Fri. I'd like to give them to a good, well run shop that knows how to get the most for them rather that some musty, depressing place where they might languish.

    Rathfarnham village has one or two nice ones afaik!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,237 ✭✭✭✭Nekarsulm


    I once got two perfect Charvais shirts in the Vincents on Sean McDermott street. Might have been left in from Kinsealy :D


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,882 ✭✭✭lisasimpson


    I donate but never bought. A former co worker once told me the best time to go in is after christmas once people start getting rid of unwanted gifts. She swore by it


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,495 ✭✭✭✭eviltwin


    Not everything is a charity shop is second hand. I did a stint working in one and about 50% of the clothing stock was from high street retailers, stuff that hadn't sold or that had been on display in the window.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,108 ✭✭✭Jellybaby1


    I have always enjoyed visiting charity shops. They were always great places for a rummage and a bargain but since Mary Portas did her TV series on charity shops they have all upped their game and they are much smarter, cleaner and better organised now, but I personally prefer the jumble of the old days. I shopped there when our children were young and we were trying to make ends meet. When our income improved I stopped buying clothes and started buying books. When I finish the books I return them to the shop to sell again so both I and the shop do very well out of that. The books in the shops I visit are all in excellent condition, many are new and probably only read once, or even not at all. There are some lovely children's books to be had. If your children are great readers, get down there soon.

    A poster said the charity shops they visited had a 'smell'. None of the charity shops I visit in Dublin have any bad smells, everything is tidy, neat and clean. The sole function of charity shops is to raise funds for a particular charity and they do a very good job. To find good bargains you need to go regularly as stock comes and goes.

    These days our income has again sunk to rock bottom due to personal circumstances and so my visits to charity shops have increased yet again. I noticed a while ago in a local Vincent de Paul shop they have loyalty cards. I wouldn't dream of using it because everything is so cheap to begin with, and anyway it is for charity, but some people might need and appreciate that little extra discount.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,019 ✭✭✭✭Kintarō Hattori


    If you go into a charity shop expecting to find a bargain, chances are that you'll be disappointed. While they do have a lot of poor quality junk they can have real finds and this is what the people who wax lyrical about them really like.
    In the past my missus has gotten some lovely clothes including a 3/4 length tan leather coat from Zara and a stunning leather suit (trousers and jacket) from Brown Thomas of all places.

    The quality absolutely varies from place to place so some are better than others. Visit a few and visit at different times of the week.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,300 ✭✭✭✭razorblunt


    I went through a period of buying boxsets, watching them then donating them for free, back to the shop.
    Meant you'd get a whole collection of a show for cheap, watch it and it doesn't clutter up the shelves.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 880 ✭✭✭cbreeze


    Everything I've bought to wear in the past three years has been from charity shops. Its a good form of recycling.

    I got a nice Wallis raincoat (€6), jeans (€1), linen shirt (€4) and top (€3). A nice evening jacket I got was only €3 and I received many compliments at the function I was attending. My local charity shop only sells items which are in good condition and they are great value for books, games, DVDs and CDs.

    Many shops have brand new stuff donated by stores at the end of their lines. The shop in Liffey St Dublin (Gorta, I think) is near M&S and I have picked up brand new things there at a fraction of the price.

    Things I would not consider buying in a charity shop: electrical goods because of safety considerations; ornaments and crockery (have too much of this stuff already).


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,067 ✭✭✭✭freshpopcorn


    cbreeze wrote: »



    Many shops have brand new stuff donated by stores at the end of their lines. .

    TKMaxx!


  • Registered Users Posts: 6,544 ✭✭✭Samaris


    Jellybaby1 wrote: »
    A poster said the charity shops they visited had a 'smell'. None of the charity shops I visit in Dublin have any bad smells, everything is tidy, neat and clean. The sole function of charity shops is to raise funds for a particular charity and they do a very good job. To find good bargains you need to go regularly as stock comes and goes.

    The smell seems to have faded off, but it's a very specific one when you get it. Smells of Old. A sort of musty, thick smell, often mixed faintly with lavender or dodgy incense. But bear in mind it's a good ten-fifteen years since I tried charity shops prior to going to England and discovering how awesome charity shops can be. And it may have been that the specific ones I was in were just not very good - you know, a few piles of battered boardgames and jigsaws that would know are missing three vital bits, a shelf of tattered books, a pile (or row) of boots and shoes, some musty clothes on a rail, a few bits of dubious electronics and a shelf of tat. And the smell, as mentioned!

    Charity shops seem to have seriously upped their game though and you can get some great bargains in there, especially if you're fortunate enough to find a pair of jeans that fit. But if you're ever in Norwich, find Alladin's Cave (yes, it is spelled weirdly), across from the Loft auctioneers. It is amazing. Actually, there's a row of decent charity and second-hand shops on that street.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,237 ✭✭✭✭Nekarsulm


    Does anyone else, when visiting a town they're unfamiliar with, google charity shops in that location the night before? :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,634 ✭✭✭✭Graces7


    Nekarsulm wrote: »
    Does anyone else, when visiting a town they're unfamiliar with, google charity shops in that location the night before? :D

    Indeed yes. Absolutely. When I moved, I quickly found our local one, AND researched where the money went. They support 7 small local charities. Like one I knew before who have to the local animal charity who helped so many spay and neuter... "Fix it for a fiver."

    yes there is often a certain aroma! Old clothes especially coats, that have been kept inside too long, but hey!
    So what? A small thing surely.

    I have more trouble with the stinky conditioner they seem to bathe stuff in as I am highly allergic to it. But again, easily remedied. A wash and I would wash everything anyways

    All my sheets, pillowcases and all my nightdresses etc come from charity shops; simple jerseys etc too and books galore which I get for 4 for a euro and return .

    And just now am still sorting after the move and they are delighted to see sacks of knitting yarn which goes to old folk to work with. I hear some lovely stories too..

    And sometimes I see eg a pretty mug that cheers me .. I tend to spend
    maybe 2-3 euros every visit and enjoy meeting the same ladies.

    These small shops ( and I do not support the big organisations ) fill a vital role in filling the shortfall left by grants etc .

    God bless the folk who work in them!


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