Stylishly sustainable

Building a wardrobe for your uni years doesn't have to break the bank. Why spend loads on fast fashion, when you can find amazing bargains at thrift and charity shops? Thrift shopping offers an exciting and sustainable way to find fashionable pieces that fit your style while staying within budget. Here are our top tips:

The Swap Shop

First of all, we recommend getting involved with the Swap Shop. Led by Sustainability Action and SUSU, the swap shop offers you a chance to exchange items (not just clothing) with other students and staff members. It's a great way to donate items and easily find hidden gems on campus!

Embracing the thrift store experience

Explore local thrift stores/charity shops: Find out where the best shops are in your local area. From charity shops to vintage boutiques, each store offers its own distinct selection of clothing items waiting to be discovered. We'd recommend checking out Portswood as it has some of the best charity shops in Southampton (as seen in the video!).

Keep an open mind: Thrift shopping requires you to try out clothes you may never have before, so bring a sense of adventure. Be prepared to dig through racks, mix and match items, and create unique outfit combinations.

Define your style

Go in knowing what you want: Before hitting the thrift stores, have a clear idea of your personal style and the types of clothing you're looking for. If you go in not really knowing the items you're looking for, you could be there for hours!

Take inspiration: Browse social media and style blogs to gather inspiration and see what trends resonate with your aesthetic. Other students on campus will be a good source of inspiration too and will form a starting point for when you're shopping.

Patience is key

Don't worry if you don't find something straight away: Thrift shopping is all about discovering those hidden gems, but you likely won't find them straight away. Set aside ample time to browse through racks, as hidden gems may not reveal themselves immediately. Be patient and enjoy the process.

Visit frequently: Thrift stores receive new inventory regularly, so visiting them frequently increases your chances of finding unique pieces. Pop in whenever you have spare time or make it a fun outing with friends.

Check for quality

Inspect clothing carefully: Before purchasing any item, examine it for signs of wear, stains, or damage. Check zippers, buttons, and seams to ensure everything is intact. ALWAYS try on clothing if you can as that is the best way of knowing if the items are right for you.

Mix and match

Experiment with layers and accessories: Thrift shopping allows you to create eclectic and layered looks. Mix different textures, patterns, and styles to craft unique outfits. Don't hesitate to accessorize with scarves, belts, hats, or statement jewelry for added flair.

Alterations and tailoring

Get clothes altered to fit you: If you find a near-perfect piece, but it needs minor adjustments, don't be afraid to invest in alterations. Simple modifications like hemming, taking in or letting out seams can transform a thrifted find into a perfectly tailored garment.

Take advantage of sales and discounts

Special deals and sale days: Keep an eye out for special discounts, seasonal sales, or discount days at thrift stores. These opportunities can stretch your budget even further and allow you to score fantastic bargains. It's always worth asking at these stores if they do student discounts!

Donate and give back

Keep the cycle going: When your style evolves or you no longer need certain items, consider donating items to charity shops. By doing so, you not only declutter your wardrobe, but you give other people the chance to their own hidden treasures - the system doesn't work without donations.

Enjoy the satisfaction of finding one-of-a-kind pieces while keeping your budget intact. Happy thrifting!