Do charity shops enable us to justify buying too many clothes?

For my part, I have always loved cloths and always had too many but within my means - I went to art college to study fashion so have often made my own clothes. But 10 years ago I vowed a year of not buying new clothes - it was a fun success from the POV of be temporary. But the big challenge…2 of my children married that year! I borrowed a vintage Laura Ashley dress for one wedding and the second (which was very grand in a castle in Italy) I made my outfit.

MOnica
I think you make a very good point.
It’s made me think of the amount of brand new, with price tags still on that I take out of a donation bag.
If there were no charity shops would that person throw it in their own rubbish and think twice before they bought clothing that they didn’t love.

My daughter who is a single mother of four approaching middle age, certainly buys most of her clothes from charity shops. She began doing this as she simply couldn’t afford many items and it was an opportunity to have more but soon became a bit of a second-hand fashionista as she discovered the gems that can be found. She’s a quirky and creative woman and this line of style suits her. So I suspect if she did have spare cash she’d still choose this over new clothes most of the time as she gets such a kick out if it.

I don't think so - shopaholics will shop regardless of what happens to the clothes and goods eventually.

Although I like nice clothes, have never liked shopping and rarely buy on impulse - even as a younger woman with no financial restraints I never bought loads of 'stuff'.

Some people just like to shop!