What to wear for volunteering in a charity shop
Short answer: In a charity shop you stand, sort bags, carry boxes and serve customers in a space that is often cool by the door and warm in the back room. Choose practical layers that can cope with dust, and soft basics that feel good over a long shift.
A shift with many tasks
Volunteers in charity shops move between the till, sorting, pricing and tidying. You bend, lift and reach up to shelves, and you are on your feet a lot. Your clothing therefore needs to allow movement and be easy to keep clean. Trousers with stretch or a skirt with shorts underneath are practical, and a top that can handle dust from old bags and boxes saves you from worrying.
Layers for a draughty shop
Many shops have a door to the street that opens and closes all day. At the till there can be a cold draught, while the back room warms up when you are sorting. A thin layer next to the body with a cardigan on top makes it easy to adjust. See bamboo undershirt for women. An undershirt adds a little warmth without bulk under a blouse or dress.
Shorts under dresses and skirts
Many volunteers like to wear a dress or skirt, even at work. When you bend down for boxes or crouch at the lowest shelves, a pair of thin shorts underneath feels reassuring. They also stop your thighs rubbing together on warm days. See bamboo shorts for women.
A bodysuit that stays put
When you reach for the top shelf or carry boxes, a loose top easily rides up and exposes your midriff. A bodysuit stays in place and gives a smooth line under both trousers and skirts. It is also a warm base layer in winter. See bamboo bodysuit. Choose a style with a fastening at the crotch for practical reasons.
Shoes and hands
Comfortable shoes with good support matter when you are standing for several hours. Avoid open toed shoes, as heavy items can fall while you sort. Many shops provide gloves for sorting bags, and they are a good idea, since bags can contain sharp items or dirt. Wash your hands after sorting.
Washing after your shift
Clothes that have been in contact with dust from donated goods should be washed after your shift. Basics in viscose from bamboo are washed at 30 or 40 degrees and dried on a rack. Cardigans and jumpers can be aired and washed less often. If you are allergic to dust, talk to your doctor about how best to protect yourself.
The social side of a shift
Many volunteers value the social side of the work, with coffee in the back room and chats with customers. Your clothes do not need to be smart, but it is nice to feel tidy at the till. An apron with pockets for the price gun, scissors and a pen protects your clothes and keeps your tools to hand throughout the shift.
Frequently asked questions
What do you wear as a charity shop volunteer
Practical layers that allow movement and cope with dust, along with comfortable, closed shoes.
Why wear a bodysuit for volunteering
It stays in place when you reach and lift, and gives a smooth line under your clothes.
Should I wear gloves for sorting
It is a good idea, as bags can contain sharp items or dirt.
