A Beginner’s Guide to Op Shopping and Reducing Your Waste

Make the most of your next thrift trip 🛍️

Tired of spending heaps of money on clothes and homeware? Wanna change up your style on a budget? Or maybe you’re looking for something to do this summer?  

Op shopping is a great way to reduce waste and donate some things that might be sitting in the back of your closet, waiting for a new home. If you’re an avid shopper and you’re looking for quality but affordable clothing, thrifting is the way to go. 

Look no further, we are here to guide you through the endless racks of clothing, shoes, books and more so you can find those hidden gems. 

Explore every area of the store. 

Don’t just restrict yourself to one area – check out everywhere to make the most of your op shop trip. The men’s section is great for baggy clothes like jeans, t-shirts, jumpers and even the occasional cardigan or jacket.  

And the women’s section offers up more intricate and unique designs, fabrics and colours that you probably won’t be able to find anywhere else. Shopping in every section is a great way to experiment with your style without breaking the bank.  

Plus, don’t forget to check out the books, random bric-a-brac and jewellery for some more unique finds. 

Take your time. 

Like all good things, finding those perfect pieces from the op shop requires patience. If you’re overwhelmed by the racks and racks of clothing, start by choosing an area that you wanna focus on (tops, shoes, bottoms, etc) or a specific colour that you like and you know you’ll wear.  

Are you looking for something specific? Keep that in mind when looking. Your new favourite outfit is simply hiding in an ocean of clothing, waiting to be found.  

If the op shop you’re in is blasting some obscure pop songs or FM radio and you feel like it’s distracting, just pop in some headphones, listen to your fav music and take the time to browse the store.  

Check the condition. 

It’s pretty unlikely you’ll find a tear or hole in anything you find but it’s not impossible so it’s always a good idea to check. Try not to let a small tear deter you if it’s something you really want to buy. You can always mend it with a bit of sewing or tailoring. There are heaps of tutorials available online and on YouTube on how to easily mend clothing without a sewing machine or any experience. A second-hand pair of shoes can look brand new with just a good clean and a new pair of laces. 

Start small. 

If you’re just starting out in your op shopping journey, it’s best to stick to the small shops and work your way up to the big warehouses. The smaller stores are generally more curated with better quality clothes and higher-end brands.  

Don’t feel discouraged if you can’t find anything good the first time you go – there’s always next time and op shops are constantly putting out new stock. 

There’s no better feeling than finding the perfect pair of jeans that fit you just right or a pair of shoes that you’ve been wanting for ages at a fraction of the cost. Take your time, look around and you might just spot a bargain. 

And if you’re donating clothes to an op shop, don’t forget to make sure everything is clean and still in wearable condition.