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18 Of The Best Charity Shops In London, According To Fashion Insiders
From vintage Tom Ford Gucci to Saint Laurent, these are the best second-hand shopping spots in London to check out in 2024.
Charity shops are a great piece of the sustainable and ethical fashion puzzle, and shopping second-hand is a great way to do your bit in the circular fashion mission for the planet. Not only is it cheaper to buy pre-loved goods, but charity shops also ensure that clothes are kept in use for longer and that proceeds go to vital causes–plus, they are full of real sartorial treasures. As vintage aficionado, Kate Moss once said: 'All these vintage shops, they just go and trawl all the charity shops.'
Personally, I have had some major successes shopping second-hand. The Salvation Army on Hackney’s Mare Street (more on this later) is the gift that keeps on giving. Standouts are an olive green 2006 Maison Margiela silk maxi and a fantastic 1997 Tom Ford for Gucci backless LDB (I'm still not over that one).
So, if you're up for the rummage, why not head straight to the charity rails?
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Admittedly, with a charity shop on what feels like every corner in London, the sheer choice can feel a little overwhelming, which is why we approached fashion insiders to find out which specific charity shops are their favourites. Well, according to Fee Gilfeather from Oxfam's Trading Team, there are some key spots to bear in mind. 'Anyone looking for a designer bargain should check out our Oxfam boutiques on the Kings Road, Westbourne Grove, and Chiswick.'
'For dedicated shoppers, our bookshop in Victoria has created this fab walking map of all the Oxfam shops in central London, a great way to combine your daily exercise with some feel-good treasure hunting,' Gilfeather told ELLE UK.
And, if all the Oxfams in central London don't sate you, then how about checking out 18 (more) of the best charity shops in London…
The Salvation Army, Hackney - Broadcaster Miquita Oliver's Favourite Charity Shop
'My favourite charity shops in London are the really old school jumble sale ones like The Salvation Army on Mare street,' says Miquita Oliver.
'It's run by a lovely few ladies and there are always complete gems there, you can also have a real rummage which I always love.
Visit The Salvation Army, Hackney: 70 Mare Street, Hackney, London E8 4RT
Traid, Dalston - Consultant Emma Slade Edmondson's Favourite Charity Shop
'My favourite London treasure trove is Traid Dalston on Kingsland road,' says Emma Slade Edmondson.
'It’s always easy to shop there because the staff are so talented in selecting and sorting incredible finds and you can always find a punchy, colourful vintage piece on their vintage rail.
'I’ve found so many items there but one piece that’s remained a favourite throughout the years is a long black maxi skirt adorned with delicate gold stitching in the shape of giant petals. It’s been all over with me for just under a decade now. We’ve been to Thailand together backpacking and to France and Morocco.
'Traid are a charity close to my heart because their mission is to stop clothes from being thrown away. All funds go back into reducing the social and environmental impact of our clothing which is a mission that has been at the core of much of my work for many years.'
Visit Traid, Dalston: 106-108 Kingsland High St, Dalston, London E8 2NS
Mary's Living & Giving Shop, Blackheath - ELLE UK's Contributing Editor Georgia Medley's Favourite London Fashion Shop
'Mary's Living & Giving Shop is quite local to me and located in the quaint village of Blackheath. It’s boutique-like with lots of specially sourced vintage pieces,' says Georgia Medley.
'It has some really good finds - designer pieces at bargain prices. It’s easy to shop in as it’s laid out so nicely with such a variety of products too.'
Visit Mary's Living & Giving Shop, Blackheath: 10 Montpelier Vale, Blackheath, London SE3 0TA
British Red Cross, Notting Hill - Writer Camille Charriere's Favourite London Charity Shop
'I always drop my various previously loved bits off at British Red Cross on Portobello Road,' says Camille Charriere.
'Its hard to chose a charity to work with so I narcissistically went with the one founded by St Camille. I spent a lot of time volunteering for them when I was younger and have continued this relationship into my fashion years by always bringing them the items I no longer use.
'I also get sent a lot of things to shoot for work so now always make sure to prepare a special box of things that is brand new as I know this has more value for them. With time, I have got to know what sells and doesn’t, and really try and not use it for a dumping ground of things that are ugly and tired. I try and think if its something that would make someone happy before I select for charity. The things that don’t get recycled in clothes bins (in a landfill, decomposing clothes release methane so its really important not to just throw away).'
Visit British Red Cross, Notting Hill: 164 Portobello Rd, Notting Hill, London W11 2EB
FARA Charity Shop, Angel - Fashion Revolution Designer Maria Maleh's Favourite London Charity Shop
'One of my favourite charity shops in London is FARA Charity Shop in Angel. The staff are always very lovely and the prices are reasonable. My best finds there were found in the men's section: a great pair of linen trousers, they are perfectly oversized and work any hot summer day with a cute top. I also found a light blue linen mens shirt that time, that is perfect to bring in the bag on a day as an easy throw over for sun protection or as a mini impromptu blanket in the park,' says Maria Maleh.
'My other favourite charity shop is TRAID in Dalston. I have not been there for a while, but it will always have a sentimental value for me, as I was one of the first people to work there when it opened in 2012. I met amazing people through the job and I really enjoyed sorting through the items and pricing them, it was so fun! The list of treasures that I found from there will be way too long to mention, but one of my favourite bomber jackets is from there for a good £15 (also men's section!).'
Visit FARA Charity Shop, Angel: Angel House, 28 Pentonville Rd, The Angel, London N1 9HJ
Shop From Crisis, Finsbury Park - Author Lauren Bravo's Favourite London Charity Shop
'It's Shop From Crisis, Finsbury Park, where I volunteer. I'm biased, but I truly believe it's the best charity shop in London. There's always a perfect high/low mix of stock – some great labels, some recent high street, some well-preserved vintage, some total bargains – and turnover is quick, as some devoted locals come in nearly every day,' says Lauren Bravo.
The staff have a brilliant eye for merchandising; the best time to visit is during London Fashion Week, when they bring out premium pieces that have been squirrelled away during the rest of the year. Among my favourite finds are an Orla Keily towelling top, a perfect toffee-coloured trench coat and a pair of platform Buffalo clogs which I wore endlessly while promoting How To Break Up With Fast Fashion. I was a devoted customer for years before I decided I should probably pay my good luck forward, and become a volunteer.'
Visit Shop From Crisis, Finsbury Park: 19 Stroud Green Road, London, N4 3FB
Barnardo's, Oxfam, and Cancer Research, Marylebone - Retold Vintage's Clare Lewis' Favourite London Charity Shop
'If I’m actually on the look out for something for me personally, rather than the business [Retold Vintage] I always head to Marylebone High Street. The charity shops there are amazing and full of secondhand designer goodies,' says Clare Lewis.
'I love the Barnado’s, Oxfam and Cancer Research as they all curate beautifully and often group their designer pieces together making it super easy to shop. Expect to find pre-loved Ralph Lauren, YSL and Gucci to name a few. The prices are not super cheap as far as charity shops go say £40 for a blazer for example but still very affordable for the labels you are getting and the overall condition is always guaranteed to be good.'
Visit Barnardo's, Marylebone: 7 George St, Marylebone, London W1U 3QH
Visit Oxfam, Marylebone: 91 Marylebone High St, Marylebone, London W1U 4RB
Visit Cancer Research, Marylebone: 24 Marylebone High St, Marylebone, London W1U 4PQ
Salvation Army, Mayfair - Costume Designer Charlotte Mitchell's Favourite London Charity Shop
'My favourite charity shop would be the Salvation Army near Hanover square. I have been going there for 10 plus years and it never lets me down when I’m looking for more interesting pieces that give personality to a look,' says Charlotte Mitchell.
Visit Salvation Army, Mayfair: 9 Princes St, Mayfair, London W1B 2LQ
Dogs Trust, Muswell Hill - SevenSix Agency Founder Charlotte Williams's Favourite London Charity Shop
'I am a huge fan of charity shopping, and have been since I was a kid as I’m always able to find a gem. I live in North London and close to Muswell Hill, the hub of charity shopping!' says Charlotte Williams.
'The charity shop I’ve had the most success with is Dogs Trust on Fortis Green Road, I have a dog and am always up for supporting charities linked to my personal interests. Earlier this year I had a last minute dress change on the day of a wedding and realised I had no shoes. I walked into Dog Trust and within 10 minutes walked out with a pair of beautiful white leather heeled sandals that coincidently matched my clutch bag perfectly, they were £6.50.'
Visit Dogs Trust, Muswell Hill: 164 Fortis Green Rd, Muswell Hill, London N10 3DU
FARA, Fulham - Rixo Founders Orlagh McCloskey and Henrietta Rix's Favourite London Charity Shops
'The British Red Cross just off King’s Road, FARA on North End Road and on Fulham road are some of our favourite charity shops to visit in London. I got a gorgeous vintage YSL jacket and brown leather handbag from FARA, which I used every day. We’re always on the lookout for three things - 100% silk, St Michael silk slips and be sure to always check labels,' says Orlagh McCloskey.
'Any of the charity shops on Chiswick High Road are worth a visit and full of great finds. I got the most amazing bamboo and gold mirror and a cocktail cabinet from there recently,' Henrietta Rix.
Visit FARA, Fulham: 841 Fulham Rd, Fulham, London SW6 5HQ
Visit FARA, North End Rd: 341 North End Rd, Fulham, London SW6 1NN
British Red Cross and Oxfam on eBay - Hurr Founder Victoria Prew's Favourite London Charity Shop
'My favourites are the British Red Cross eBay Shop and the Oxfam eBay Shop. Particularly in lockdown, I've loved supporting Charity Shops on eBay. It's great to see the charity sector 'going digital' - raising awareness and also fundraising on such a global platform,' says Victoria Prew.
'If you don't have time to roam the high street for the best second hand pieces, the Charity section of eBay is the perfect way to support. Right now, Oxfam are running a Celebrity Clear Out Auction on eBay, with all funds going to Oxfam’s coronavirus response. You can still bid on Helen Mirren's Jimmy Choo Sunglasses, or Arizona Muses' Three Graces London Midi Dress!'
Visit British Red Cross and Oxfam on eBay.
Oxfam, Notting Hill - Browns Buyer Nadiah Shruki's Favourite London Charity Shop
'My favourite charity shop in London is Oxfam on Westbourne Grove. There is something special about this one, it almost has a boutique-y feel and I very often manage to leave with a great vintage find!' says Nadiah Shruki.
'My favourite buy from that store is a vintage silk Ferragamo black top, and my biggest regret is a beautiful pair of leather Prada loafers that I had to let my friend buy, because they weren’t my size (but did fit her perfectly).
'I don’t often find myself in West London, but when I do I always try to make some time for a quick browse. It’s always worth the trip, and for such a good cause.
'At Browns, we’ve also partnered up with charity shop Mind, notably the one in Camden, which saw teams from Browns as part of our management programme takeover the store for the day, drumming up sales and marketing the space. It was a whole lot of fun and a great way to look at retail opportunities whilst raising funds for this incredible platform which supports mental health.'
Visit Oxfam, Westbourne Grove: 245 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill, London W11 2SE
Visit Mind, Camden: 20 Camden Rd, Camden Town, London NW1 9LQ
Shop From Crisis, Hackney - Designer Mary Benson's Favourite Charity Shop
'My all-time favourite charity shop is Crisis in Hackney. It has really amazing high street pieces as well as really great vintage. The accessories are really lovely too! I find a lot of my MARY Pre-Loved pieces here which I up-cycle. Always looking for the best quality clothing and this particular shop has just that!' says Mary Benson.
Visit Shop From Crisis, Hackney: 330 Mare St, London E8 1HA
FARA Charity Shop, Portobello - By Rotation Founder Eshita Kabra-Davies' Favourite London Charity Shop
'FARA Charity Shop just near Portobello Road is one of my favourite charity shops for clothing. It’s always filled with amazing second hand designer finds. The key is to shop by location - if the local residents are glamorous you can usually find some goodies. I also love that each piece has a story, much like items on By Rotation. Clothes shouldn’t have just one life, their story can live on through someone else,' says Eshita Kabra-Davies.
'FARA also accept most items which is great, and if they can’t sell it for whatever reason, they will recycle it responsibly to ensure as little ends up in landfills as possible.'
Visit FARA Charity Shop, Portobello: 10 Elgin Cres, Notting Hill, London W11 2HX
British Red Cross, Kensington and Chelsea - Designer Emma Brewin's Favourite London Charity Shop
'I used to manage a British Red Cross shop here in Deal, Kent, so it’s very close to my heart - the Kensington and Chelsea store always has a stunning collection of designer clothes, it’s not cheap but if you can’t afford designer new and want to find a special piece this store makes that a lot easier. I have an incredible collection of 90s Manolo and Dior shoes which I’ve collected over the years from there,' says Emma Brewin.
Visit British Red Cross, Kensington and Chelsea: 69-71 Old Church St, Chelsea, London SW3 5BS
Mary's Living & Giving Shop, Portobello - Podcaster, Broadcaster, and Activist Venetia La Manna's Favourite London Charity Shop
'My favourite has to be Mary's Living & Giving Shop For Save the Children, just off Portobello Road. My main reason being (and a little insider tip) Vivienne Westwood often drops pieces here. About a year ago, I managed to find a stunning dusty pink silk trouser suit (from Vivienne Westwood) brand new with the tags still on. It’s now one of my favourite outfits in my wardrobe. What’s more, the store is located just opposite another treasure trove: FARA, which is always beautifully laid out and organised with a wonderful selection of pre-loved pieces (like this lilac cashmere jumper),' says Venetia La Manna.
Visit Mary's Living & Giving Shop, Portobello: 7 Elgin Cres, Notting Hill, London W11 2JA
Mary's Living & Giving Shop, Primrose Hill - Rotaro Founder Georgie Hyatt's Favourite London Charity Shop
'My favourite charity shop in London is Mary's Living & Giving in Primrose Hill, it is run by community volunteers and profits go to save the children. It has such a friendly atmosphere- grab a coffee from next door and go hangout. They have superb designer womenswear but my best buys have been from the men's section; oversized leather blazers and collared Ralph Lauren shirts,' says Georgie Hyatt.
Visit Mary's Living & Giving Shop, Primrose Hill: 109 Regent's Park Rd, Primrose Hill, London NW1 8UR
FARA Kids Charity Shop, Westbourne Grove - Blogger Kelly Eastwood's Favourite London Charity Shop
'In Westbourne Grove, you find FARA Kids, where I’ve found some gorgeous, and wonderfully affordable pre-loved outfits for my niece and nephew before (think, Stella McCartney, Marie-Chantal, baby Dior – even the occasional Bugaboo!) and every purchase goes towards transforming the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people in Romania.
'Also, it would be impossible to stroll past Notting Hill’s FARA Charity Shop window without being completely charmed by their ever-revolving, creative and quirky displays. Once through the door, which is located just off Portobello and on the doorstep of some of London’s most fashionable folk, you will unsurprisingly find a steady stream of one-off, eclectic designer clothing, books and bric-a-brac donations, which keeps rummaging for those elusive, hidden gems to a minimum,' says Kelly Eastwood.
Visit FARA Kids Charity Shop, Westbourne Grove: 39 Ledbury Rd, Notting Hill, London W11 2AA
Daisy Murray is the Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, spotlighting emerging designers, sustainable shopping, and celebrity style. Since joining in 2016 as an editorial intern, Daisy has run the gamut of fashion journalism - interviewing Molly Goddard backstage at London Fashion Week, investigating the power of androgynous dressing and celebrating the joys of vintage shopping.
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