Five tips for finding quality items at the op shops
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While Canberra is full of great op shops, for the inexperienced thrifter it can be daunting. Unlike regular stores, there’s often little rhyme or reason to the racks, and finding a gem requires a little bit of hunting.
Never fear, there are some tips and tricks of the trade (as an enthusiastic op shopper with many successful finds under my belt) which make it easier to find a piece you love.
Look for colours and patterns that you like
Sometimes the hardest part of op shopping can be knowing where to begin. Going through every piece of clothing individually is exhausting, often with little pay-off. My first tip is to only flip open pieces in a colour or pattern that you like, rather than flipping through every piece. This helps prevent what I call ‘op shop burnout’ by increasing the likelihood of you finding something you will actually buy.
Look for quality fabrics
Another top tip when op shopping, particularly in winter, is to check the tag of the item you’re interested in. You’d be amazed by how many wool, cashmere, silk or mohair knits are hidden on the racks, waiting to be taken home for a fraction of the price you’d pay buying firsthand. These quality fabrics will also last longer and are a more sustainable option.
Go in with an open mind
One of the joys of op shopping is that it offers endless potential – you never know where you might find the perfect piece. So, my third tip is to check out sections you would otherwise avoid. That could be the men’s sections, or a few sizes above or below what you would normally wear. Because op shops contain every brand under the sun, different sizing and categorising by shop staff can mean there is great variation within each section. Go with an open mind and focus on your favourite colours and patterns rather than the number on the tag or section of the store.
Don’t be afraid to get something altered/mended/treated
My fourth tip for you is to see the potential in a piece. You need to be able to see yourself wearing it, of course, but items from the op shop often have a little wear and tear which is easily fixable. Rather than giving up on an item you love because it has some damage, use the money you save buying it second-hand to give it a little extra TLC. I recently found a GORGEOUS full-length pure leather maroon coat at Vinnies for twenty bucks. While it wasn’t in the best condition, considering how much buying one of these firsthand would cost, I put it in at a dry cleaner for some loving, and it came out looking brand new, still for a fraction of the cost of a new item.
Accessorise!
And finally… look in the accessories section! I feel this section often gets neglected (unless you’re hunting for something for a dress-up party) but some of the best items are hiding here! Think: a scarf that finishes off a winter outfit perfectly, sunglasses for your next holiday, or earrings for your next event.
