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If you have never sampled the delights of charity shop shopping, you're missing the opportunity to snap up bargains as well as helping worthy causes. It's not just good shopping sense, chazzing is a cultural phenomenon, a post modern pastime. To help you on your way here are some tips on how to get the most out of your charity shopping trip.
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Think of the future Charity shops are epicentres of trans-seasonal shopping. Regular clothing shops change their stock entirely at least twice a year - in spring and autumn. Charity shops are not restricted by seasons so in any month of the year you can get kitted out for a trip to the tropics or a weekend in Wales. When chazzing you should always think ahead. Just because it is a sweltering day doesn't mean that you should buy warm weather clothes - there are bargains to be snapped up every day and if you spot a genuine Burberry Mac for a fiver or a pea coat in good nick, buy it whatever the weather. Come autumn when your mates are saving up hundreds of squids to buy a new coat you'll be laughing, lover. |  |
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Buy quality gear The saying "you get what you pay for" ain't always true. So forget that. A seasoned chazzer can spot a cashmere cardi, silk sari or linen lounge pants from 100 paces. As a beginner, you need to train your eyes to spot the high quality gear first. Natural fibres like cotton and wool can usually be washed and worn repeatedly and are always a safe bet. Embroidered pieces and hadmade garments are treasures and should be treated with respect. Check the label (if it says dry clean only, do it) and carefully follow the washing instructions. If you buy quality fabrics and designer labels, you are much more likely to get a decent wear out of your purchases. | 
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Wash everything you buy This is a golden rule to be broken at your peril. The chazzing world is full of horror stories about charity shoppers who got more than they bargained for when they neglected to wash a purchase. If you still need convincing, visit AMP minizine and read some true tales of charity shop nightmares. | |
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Shop by area Be selective. Charity shops are a reflection of their neighbourhoods. If you want designer handbag head to a posh place. But be prepared to pay extra in exclusive neighbourhoods. Some charity shops are so posh they look like ordinary shops. They're disguised by professional window displays and instead of secondhand clobber, they specialise in selling luxury gifts, smelly candles and knick knacks all at high street prices (eg The Notting Hill Housing Trust). For an extensive list of UK charity shops visit: |  |
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