Pre-loved fashion has gained popularity in recent years as shoppers who are conscious of the impact their choices can have on the environment look for savvy alternatives to purchasing from fast-fashion retailers.
Hit ITV reality show Love Island took note of the shift away from embracing brands that rapidly stock new trends at low prices in favour of styling this year’s contestants in apparel from eBay.
While online marketplaces are always overflowing with unwanted items, the British High Street still remains competitive with their range of second-hand shops fully stocked with unbeatable timeless vintage pieces and heavily discounted designer goods.
Celebrity fashion stylist Alexis Knox, shared advice for thrifting, saying: “The key to shopping in charity shops is having an idea of what you’re looking for. Charity shops can often be overflowing, so you’ll have a good start if you enter knowing even just the colour of clothing you’re looking for.
“It’s always a good idea to become friendly with your local charity shop if there’s something in mind you’re hoping to find. Every day they get new donations so they can keep you in mind if they receive what you’re looking for and saves you having to pop in all the time.
“When charity shopping make sure you have plenty of time because it really helps to get stuck in and have the time to take in each individual item on the rack.”
Discover the best charity shops in Manchester with our ultimate guide.
![Donations from luxury fashion brands are common at this popular charity shop, known for its retro and collectible goods.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2022/06/24/17/Sue%20Ryder%20Didsbury%20-%20Facebook.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
1. Sue Ryder Didsbury
Donations from luxury fashion brands are common at this popular charity shop, known for its retro and collectible goods. | Facebook/ Sue Ryder Didsbury
2. Thrift Shop Manchester
This shop near Piccadilly Gardens is a favourite of students and fashionistas who enjoy experimenting with their personal style. | Instagram/ thriftshopmanchester
![Boasting hundreds of Instagram followers, this small second-hand shop has become a hub for spotting designer clothes.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2022/06/24/17/Oxfam%20-%20Facebook.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
3. Oxfam Withington
Boasting hundreds of Instagram followers, this small second-hand shop has become a hub for spotting designer clothes. | Facebook/ Oxfam Withington
![This charitable shop on Bury Old Rd is stocked with items to appeal to people of all ages and profits are used to fund community services.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2022/06/24/16/The%20Charity%20Box.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=683)
4. The Charity Box
This charitable shop on Bury Old Rd is stocked with items to appeal to people of all ages and profits are used to fund community services. | Fed.org