A thrifting addict's hacks for op-shopping.
Fashion expert Leigh Campbell shares her tips for finding great pre-loved pieces.
I know it’s affordable and great for the environment, but I find thrift shopping stressful.
Walking into an op-shop and seeing hundreds of items on display gives me decision fatigue, even though I know hidden gems are sitting amongst the racks just waiting for me to find them.
Thankfully on this week’s episode of Nothing To Wear, thrifting queen Leigh Campbell was joined by thrifting novice Mia Freedman to teach us all everything there is to know before hitting the local Salvos.
From the best stores to what to look for, Leigh has become a pro at hunting down pre-loved clothes.
Follow to listen to the full episode with Leigh and Mia here. ⬇️
So let’s get into Leigh’s top hacks…
Which op-shops have the biggest variety?
Leigh is Sydney-based so her top recommendations were for Sydneysiders but she also urged listeners to drop their favourite thrift stores in the Nothing To Wear Facebook group so you can find some great places in your area.
Her top spots are:
U-Turn Punchbowl
Vinnies
Red Cross
Lifeline
Savers Hoxton Park
Can you thrift online?
If you don’t have a thrift store near you, or if you prefer to shop online, there are plenty of ways to score pre-loved items from the comfort of your own home. Plus you can use these same platforms to make money by selling the unwanted items you own.
Facebook Marketplace
Buy/Swap/Sell groups on Facebook
Depop
eBay
Wear leggings and a tank when trying things on.
When you’re trying on pre-loved clothes, it’s important to be wearing something underneath (and make sure you throw it straight in the wash when you get home).
“If you're going to try things on then wear leggings and a tank, and chuck the clothes over the top,” said Leigh.
If you’re shopping online, watch out for scams.
Scammers are everywhere these days, but they particularly rear their ugly heads when you’re buying things on Facebook Marketplace or other online platforms.
“If it sounds too good to be true, be very careful. Always use PayPal if you are shopping online, especially with second-hand goods where you’re dealing with another person,” advised Leigh.
If you see something stained, make sure you can get it out.
It can be easy to get carried away when everything is so affordable, but it’s still important to shop wisely.
“If it’s white and cotton you may be able to get it out by bleaching it. But it depends — I bought a great Zimmermann dress that had just a tiny bit of a tan underneath, and because of the fantastic episode we did with Nicole Bonython-Hines, I knew I had a great stain remover to get the stain out,” said Leigh.
Watch out for synthetic fabrics and double-check the details.
Aside from packing hand sanitiser and making sure you take your time when thrifting, Leigh also advised listeners to double-check the niggly bits.
“That’s not to say you can’t buy synthetics, but just know what you’re working with,” said Leigh.
“If synthetic fabrics have that body odour smell, you’re not getting that out. Also, make sure to check zips, buttons, and rips because sometimes you chuck a jacket on and you realise it doesn’t do up.”
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I loved this episode - thank you! I got some new ideas on where to go, and I feel inspired. One thing I’d like to add is that my personal belief is that we still need to be careful when thrifting - if you’re doing it for environmental reasons too, you can still definitely have too much ‘stuff’ if you don’t think your purchases through