{"id":18975,"date":"2026-04-30T04:49:25","date_gmt":"2026-04-30T04:49:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/?p=18975"},"modified":"2026-04-30T05:55:45","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T05:55:45","slug":"how-to-thrift-flip-your-next-second-hand-fashion-find","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/how-to-thrift-flip-your-next-second-hand-fashion-find\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Thrift Flip Your Next Second Hand Fashion Find"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"18975\" class=\"elementor elementor-18975\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-11537cfc e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"11537cfc\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-13a94ad1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"13a94ad1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h1><b>How to Thrift Flip Your Next Second-Hand Fashion Find<\/b><\/h1><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thrift shopping has become very popular across Australia and the world. It\u2019s an eco-friendly way to experience the joys of shopping and create new looks without adding to the surplus of clothing already in circulation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On average, Australians acquire <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ausfashioncouncil.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/AFC-NCPSS-Data-Report.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">14.8kg of clothing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> per person each year. Sadly, much of this ends up unworn or discarded. That\u2019s why it\u2019s worth hitting your local op shop to find pieces you can bring back to life. You may even find some diamonds in the rough while you\u2019re at it.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this article, we\u2019ll cover how to spot quality pieces, how to clean and refresh them, and the alterations that can give them a new lease on life.<\/span><\/p><h2><b>Key takeaways<\/b><\/h2><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Focus on the fabric and structure of a piece; other elements can be repaired or altered.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t always trust the tag; second-hand clothes can stretch or shrink.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s easy to freshen up your new finds before wearing them.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><h2><b>How to spot clothes with potential at your local op shop<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Op shops can be chaotic at first glance. Unlike curated high street retail shops, which are organised and offer a limited selection of colours, styles, and sizes, op shops often have hundreds of unique pieces to choose from.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider yourself an explorer. Before diving in, arm yourself with a game plan.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s how to scan the racks for quality, structure, and potential.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Ignore the size tag<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vintage sizing can be different from modern sizing; even then, second-hand clothes may have relaxed or been shrunk in the wash. You never know how something is going to fit until you try it on.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead of relying on the tag, we recommend focusing on how the garment fits across the shoulders. Since this area is the hardest to alter, if this part fits well, most other areas can be altered. For <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/services\/pants-and-jeans-alterations\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pants<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you\u2019ll just need to make sure there\u2019s enough fabric for adjustments. It\u2019s far easier to take a size down than it is to let a smaller size out.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> <img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-18990\" src=\"https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/vitaly-gariev-sxtKDxO6pFo-unsplash-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/vitaly-gariev-sxtKDxO6pFo-unsplash-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/vitaly-gariev-sxtKDxO6pFo-unsplash-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/vitaly-gariev-sxtKDxO6pFo-unsplash-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/vitaly-gariev-sxtKDxO6pFo-unsplash-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/vitaly-gariev-sxtKDxO6pFo-unsplash-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Source: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/woman-tries-on-a-coat-with-friends-sxtKDxO6pFo\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unsplash<\/span><\/a><\/p><h3><b>Check the fabric composition<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re lucky enough to find a natural fibre piece in the op shop, you\u2019ll likely be getting a great deal for a premium piece. Fibres like silk, wool, and linen are usually higher quality and hold their shape better over time. This makes them ideal for tailoring and a long-term investment you can wear for years.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the other hand, many thrifted pieces are made from synthetic materials. Polyester, nylon, acrylic, elastane, and polyurethane are all plastic-based fibres. While they\u2019re durable and low-maintenance, they don\u2019t breathe as well or drape as nicely. That said, they\u2019re still worth saving from the op shop, and with the right alterations, you can make them look polished.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Assess if damage is structural or cosmetic\u00a0<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not all damage is a dealbreaker. In fact, damage opens the door to opportunity for those who know how to spot it. The key is knowing what can be fixed and what\u2019s not worth your effort.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Small cosmetic issues are usually easy fixes. If it\u2019s missing buttons, has a loose hem, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/services\/dry-cleaning\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">minor stains<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or small <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/services\/invisible-mending\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">seam openings<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, these can often be repaired quickly and affordably. Structural damage, however, is more serious. Issues like dry rot, large tears in key areas, weakened or thinning fabric, or deep stains can make it hard to bring the piece back to life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When in doubt, prioritise pieces that are still mostly intact with only cosmetic damage. These are often overlooked, which means you can pick them up for a great price and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/services\/clothing-alterations\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">have them fixed<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> easily.<\/span><\/p><p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-18989\" src=\"https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/tata-toto-Ohcd8kxKdQs-unsplash-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/tata-toto-Ohcd8kxKdQs-unsplash-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/tata-toto-Ohcd8kxKdQs-unsplash-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/tata-toto-Ohcd8kxKdQs-unsplash-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/tata-toto-Ohcd8kxKdQs-unsplash-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/tata-toto-Ohcd8kxKdQs-unsplash-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Source: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/person-in-white-dress-shirt-Ohcd8kxKdQs\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unsplash<\/span><\/a><\/p><h2><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\">Why second-hand shopping is booming in Australia<\/span><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Australians love an op shop, and why not? We have more than enough quality clothes floating around, so why not rescue them, save a buck, and support a charity shop while you\u2019re at it?\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We also have plenty of options, like Vinnies, Salvos, Red Cross, Lifeline, as well as a growing number of curated vintage boutiques. Plus, with the cost of living rising, buying second-hand makes it easier to build a wardrobe full of high-quality pieces without paying full retail prices.<\/span><\/p><p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-18987\" src=\"https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/megan-lee-3BF8aytKNGY-unsplash-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"530\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/megan-lee-3BF8aytKNGY-unsplash-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/megan-lee-3BF8aytKNGY-unsplash-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/megan-lee-3BF8aytKNGY-unsplash-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/megan-lee-3BF8aytKNGY-unsplash-1536x1017.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/megan-lee-3BF8aytKNGY-unsplash-2048x1356.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Source: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/assorted-clothes-hanged-on-clothes-hanger-3BF8aytKNGY\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unsplash<\/span><\/a><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is especially true when it comes to older garments. The old saying \u201cthey don\u2019t make them like they used to\u201d rings true here. What was once made with natural fibres and built to last has frequently been replaced with cheaper synthetics. As a result, you can find older pieces that are actually in better condition and will hold up far longer than something at the mall \u2013 all for a fraction of the cost.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There\u2019s also a clear environmental benefit. Charity op shops in Australia divert more than <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.charitablereuse.org.au\/impact-report-key-findings-announced\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">one million tonnes of goods<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Choosing second-hand helps extend the life of clothing that already exists, rather than adding to an ongoing cycle of waste.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the cost savings, sustainability, and quality considered, it\u2019s easy to see why op-shopping has become such a strong player in Australia\u2019s fashion landscape.<\/span><\/p><h2><b>How to freshen up your thrifted finds<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before it was with you, your new clothes might have been tucked away in storage or in big bags with other clothes. Now that they have their new home, they will need a freshen up.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s easy. Here&#8217;s how to freshen up your latest addition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Air them out:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> When you get home from the shop, try not to leave your new clothes sitting in their bag. Take them out and hang them on the line or near an open window for a few hours. This allows for fresh air to lift out trapped odours, especially from heavier fabrics like wool or denim.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Wash with white vinegar<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Run a cold wash with one cup of white vinegar to neutralise odour-causing bacteria without coating the fabric in detergent. If the garment has difficult-to-remove smells, also add \u00bd cup of baking soda.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Spot clean where needed: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Treat stains directly with diluted detergent to avoid overwashing older, more delicate garments.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Steam instead of washing (if needed): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your piece is too delicate to go in the washing machine, you can steam it instead. This also cleans and neutralises odours.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Air dry only<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Let items dry naturally to maintain their shape and prevent heat damage from the dryer.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Use a professional dry cleaner<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: If your item is more delicate or structured, like a tailored suit, heavy coat, silk, or lined garment, take it to a professional dry cleaner to avoid damaging the fabric or shape.\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ol><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LookSmart offers both <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/services\/dry-cleaning\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dry cleaning<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/services\/clothing-alterations\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">altering<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, so you can get your piece fixed to fit and washed at the same location.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-18988\" src=\"https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/nathan-dumlao-YbGMa1Jz1yY-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/nathan-dumlao-YbGMa1Jz1yY-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/nathan-dumlao-YbGMa1Jz1yY-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/nathan-dumlao-YbGMa1Jz1yY-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/nathan-dumlao-YbGMa1Jz1yY-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/nathan-dumlao-YbGMa1Jz1yY-unsplash-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Source: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/close-up-photo-of-top-hanged-on-rack-YbGMa1Jz1yY\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unsplash<\/span><\/a><\/p><h2><b>Modernise your second-hand pieces by altering them<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As we\u2019ve said, just because something doesn\u2019t look perfect in the thrift shop doesn\u2019t mean it can\u2019t get a glow-up. Altering is one of the best ways to modernise an older piece (for example, taking out the shoulder pads) or fix the fit (like taking in\/out the waist).\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some ways we have helped customers turn their thrift finds into gold.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Resizing<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you find a piece that\u2019s otherwise perfect but feels too boxy or oversized, we can often reshape it by taking it in through the sides or sleeves. With even very small adjustments, a strange fit can become more structured and custom-made for your body.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Hemming and cropping<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Length plays a big role in how modern something looks. Shortening hems on trousers, skirts, or sleeves can instantly make a piece look more modern and sit properly on your body, rather than dragging or cutting you off in the wrong place.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Hardware and repairs<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Details like broken zips, missing buttons, or split seams are a common reason why clothes are sent to the op shop, but these are easy fixes. Repairing these otherwise great items is a lovely way to keep them out of the landfill and expand your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/summer-wardrobe-essentials-women\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">wardrobe<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Custom touches and updates<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beyond fit, we help add designs that can completely transform a piece. For example, our team can add <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/services\/embroidery\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">embroidery<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, sew on a statement patch, or swap out old buttons. This can instantly make the piece feel more personal and updated. It also makes for a great gift!<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-18986\" src=\"https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/compagnons-l4h_BJzHKdk-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/compagnons-l4h_BJzHKdk-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/compagnons-l4h_BJzHKdk-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/compagnons-l4h_BJzHKdk-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/compagnons-l4h_BJzHKdk-unsplash-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/compagnons-l4h_BJzHKdk-unsplash-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Source: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/a-close-up-of-a-embroidered-object-on-a-cloth-l4h_BJzHKdk\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unsplash<\/span><\/a><\/p><h2><b>We\u2019ll see you after the op shop<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Second-hand shopping gives you access to unique, high-quality pieces at a fraction of the price, especially if you know what to look for.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you can scan for quality fabric and potential, you can spot items worth bringing back to life. From there, proper cleaning can freshen up any piece, and the right alterations can completely transform how it looks and feels.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want to take something old and make it new again, LookSmart can help. We\u2019ve helped customers all over Australia and New Zealand get the most out of their thrift finds.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019ve picked up a piece with potential, bring it into <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/locations\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">your nearest LookSmart Alterations store<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for a fitting and to see what\u2019s possible.<\/span><\/p><h2><b>FAQs<\/b><\/h2><h3><b>What fabrics should I avoid at the op shop?<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since everything is second-hand and you\u2019re not adding new plastic into the cycle, there\u2019s nothing you need to avoid from an environmental perspective. However, synthetic fibres are generally less desirable compared to natural fibres, as they don\u2019t breathe as well, can feel less comfortable, and often don\u2019t hold their shape over time.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Where are the good op shops in Melbourne?<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melbourne has lots of options across suburbs like Fitzroy, Brunswick, and Prahran. You can also find your chains like Sacred Heart Mission, Salvos Stores, and Red Cross Shops, and also a bunch of other, more curated vintage options.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Can I have something second-hand tailored?<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Absolutely. Tailoring helps turn near-there op shop finds into pieces you\u2019ll actually wear. Simple adjustments like taking in, hemming, or reshaping can completely change how a garment fits and feels.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>How do you know if something second-hand can be altered?<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For tops and jackets, check the fit at the shoulders first, as this is the hardest area to change. From there, look at the overall fabric condition and make sure it\u2019s still strong and not thinning or damaged.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For all items, if the structure is intact and there\u2019s enough excess fabric through areas like the sides, waist, or seams, most adjustments can be easily done.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Where can I find the op shops in Wellington?<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Wellington, you\u2019ll want to head to either Cuba Street or Newtown. They both have a bunch of charity options, but Cuba Street has more curated boutiques. There are also lots of bigger stores out in the Hutt, like the large SaveMart that gets its items from clothing bins across the Wellington region.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Why is op shopping so popular now?<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The answer to this sits between cost, quality, and taste. As prices rise, many people are realising they can get better quality second-hand than they can new at the same price point.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the same time, people are feeling disillusioned with mass-produced, fast fashion. Going to the op shop allows them to support a charity, not add to the landfill, save money and find unique pieces.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>When did op shopping become so popular?<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The shift started in the late 2010s, when vintage style moved into the mainstream, driven by fashion scenes in cities like New York City, London, and Tokyo.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This has accelerated through the 2020s as sustainability became more topical and resale culture went mainstream. This also changed the perception of second-hand shopping from something people do to stick to their budget to a style choice.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>How can I find good clothes at the op shop?<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The number one indicator of quality in the op shop is fabric. Look for natural fibres, and check seams and structure. The best pieces are usually the ones with good bones, even if they need small fixes.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>What&#8217;s the difference between a vintage shop and an op shop?<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An op shop sells donated items at low prices, usually to raise money for charity. A vintage shop is curated, with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/2026-fashion-trends\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">trendier pieces<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that have been sourced and resold, offering a more considered shopping experience at a higher price point.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Thrift shopping has become very popular across Australia and the world. It\u2019s an eco-friendly way to experience the joys of shopping and create new looks without adding to the surplus of clothing already in circulation. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":18979,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-18975","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fashion"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18975","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18975"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18975\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19013,"href":"https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18975\/revisions\/19013"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18979"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18975"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18975"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.looksmartalterations.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18975"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}