Charity shops can be a great place to find bargains, but it can be overwhelming if you don't know where to start. One woman shared her top second hand shopping tips for finding the best bargains09:27, 05 Jul 2026Charity shops can be an absolute goldmine for bargain clothes, accessories, or even toys. With growing concerns about the environmental toll of 'fast fashion' — coupled with the cost of living crisis in recent years — popularity has skyrocketed.‌However, many shoppers find charity shops overwhelming due to the sheer volume of items crammed into stores, leaving them unsure where to even begin. As the shops typically stock a vast array of clothing and goods, it can prove tricky to navigate if items haven't been organised clearly — something that's particularly challenging with pre-loved garments.‌To help, one dedicated second-hand shopper named Monica, who says the majority of her wardrobe is made up of preloved pieces, has shared her insider tips on how to successfully find bargains in charity shops.‌"Here are six top tips for finding amazing things in charity shops," Monica said at the start of her TikTok video.1. Pinterest is your friend"First up, we have making a Pinterest board," she said.In the clip, she went on to explain this will help you stay true to your personal style and what you're actually shopping for, thereby helping to avoid impulse purchases.‌"Shopping second-hand is a highly visual task," she explained, noting it's nothing like buying clothes in a regular high street shop. "You need to be constantly aware of what is around you."By making a vision board, you stay hyper-focused on what your style is, and it helps you identify pieces that align with your desired look," she said.2. Know your colour paletteContent cannot be displayed without consent‌Next, Monica suggested taking note of your colour palette — the shades that suit you and that you enjoy wearing — as this will help you discover items you'll genuinely love and actually wear."What's great about lots of charity shops now is that they merchandise by colour," she said. "This makes it really easy to spot the pieces that will fit your wardrobe and style."3. Look for quality fabrics"Number three, and that is looking for quality fabrics. I cannot stress this enough," she said.‌Monica revealed she tends to seek out clothing items crafted from cashmere, silk, linen, leather and other natural materials."Always check the labels of items," she urged her viewers.4. Make a list of items you wantFor her fourth tip, Monica explained she keeps a running list on her phone where she jots down items she'd like to add to her wardrobe that she feels are missing.‌"If you notice any items that you're missing in your wardrobe that would really help make your outfit, make a note of it in your phone. And next time you're charity shopping, refer to your notes," she said."This is a great way for second hand shopping strategically and cleverly," she said, explaining that it helps prevent you from feeling overwhelmed while shopping.5. Be aware of brands"Number five, and that's to be aware of brands that carry heritage or that are known for their quality," Monica said.‌She continued, explaining that she is constantly on the lookout for labels that have stood the test of time and built a solid reputation for being well-crafted and durable.Monica then showcased examples of quality brands she had unearthed in her local charity shops, among them Boden, L. K. Bennett, and Selfridges.6. Keep an eye out for sparklesFor her final tip, Monica encouraged shoppers to stay alert for anything glittery, or featuring gold buttons and eye-catching fabrics.Article continues below"Often you'll find really good and unique funky pieces that would perhaps cost a lot more first hand," she said.Drawing a comparison between herself and a magpie, Monica revealed she has a keen eye for anything metallic or glitzy, or simply crafted from bold, vibrantly coloured or patterned materials.