While some see charity shops as a place to donate old clothes, others view them as the ultimate destination for designer bargains, resurfaced trends and unlikely gems – but there’s a trick to the trade.

As the old saying goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, except you could be missing out on the treasure altogether if you’re not following these simple shopping hacks.

Gen Z pro second-hand shoppers are sharing their top tips online for the ultimate charity shop haul, and it appears there’s some method to the madness.

If you ever feel as though your peers are walking away with a lot more from charity shops, it may just be that you’re not looking in the right places. Of course, when it comes to designer gear, it’s always advised you situate yourself in an area that is known for its high-net-worth residents, as the likelihood of more expensive items is certainly higher.

Although, you don’t need to be clearing the shelves in the likes of London‘s Marylebone or Notting Hill charity shops to find yourself a gem – at least not according to these avid shoppers.

Rummaging

Nobody said finding gems in a charity shop was easy, and it certainly takes time. Multiple shoppers offering their tips advise that you have patience and are prepared to “rummage” through those baskets and boxes often dotted around the store, full of miscellaneous accessories, tops and scarves.

On TikTok @okpait shared her top tips after people constantly told her that she always finds the best things in charity shops. She echoed this sentiment by syaing: “If you can’t be bothered to rummage and look at every single item, you’re just never going to find anything at all.”

‘Charity Shop Girl’ on TikTok shared the best way to find the best on offer in a charity shop is to commit to looking at everything – from the very first rail. She suggests “you don’t leave until you’ve been through every single rail,” which includes all sizes, outside of your own.

Shop outside of your usual section

Just because you may be one size or gender does not mean that you should stick to that section in the store, the bargain hunters advise. Often, you can find great items that have been misplaced in the wrong section, but sizing works completely differently across different brands, and so you may find yourself fitting into sizes bigger or smaller across different items.

Across numerous TikTok videos, keen charity shoppers advise women to look in the men’s section and sometimes even the children’s. One claimed in the men’s section you will often find “incredible cargo trousers”, along with “oversized trousers” that can “fit incredibly”.

As trends change, she points out that men’s shirts, albeit typically bigger, can be great for layering, and their blazers for an oversized jacket alternative. Shopping outside of your section allows you to think outside of the box when it comes to the items you’re buying and styling.

The user @okpait added that often workers in the shops may see a small item of clothing and assume it’s for kids, but sometimes it’s just misplaced. She explained: “If it’s a size 6, 8 or 10 small top, jumpers, or even trousers or leggings, especially. I always see an adult’s size 6 sports leggings in the children’s section.”

They added that men’s sections also often hide branded Levi’s Jeans and a great selection of branded jumpers.

A user commented saying: “I always go in and just look at my size, changed tactic today and got some amazing pieces. Thanks for the tip.”

The very best of bargain hunters have advised that charity shopping is not a time for chit-chat or feeling rushed, and so to scout the best items, you’re better off riding solo.

“It’s usually better to go on your own,” the advice states. Adding: “Because you’re not talking, you can focus on what you’re actually looking for… If you’re really searching, you need to be locked in.” Similarly, The Charity Shop Girl suggests not talking when going charity shopping and trying to focus on each individual item of clothing.

Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.