What is a Thrift Haul?
Thrifting Hauls Explained and Why They’re Popular
A haul is a collection of items someone has purchased during a single shopping trip. In second-hand culture, a thrifting haul or charity shop haul refers to the clothes, books, accessories or homeware someone finds while shopping at charity shops, vintage stores, thrift stores or other second-hand locations.
The term is widely used on social media, especially on YouTube and TikTok, where creators share their finds in "haul videos".
Haul Meaning
A haul is a group of items bought during one shopping trip, often shared online to show what was found and how much was spent.
In the context of second-hand shopping, hauls highlight the variety, affordability and uniqueness of pre-loved items.
What Is a Thrifting or Charity Shop Haul?
A thrifting haul focuses specifically on second-hand items, such as:
vintage clothing
designer pieces
accessories
books
home decor
kitchenware
bags and shoes
People often enjoy watching these hauls because they capture the fun and unpredictability of the thrifting "treasure hunt".
Why Hauls Are Popular on Social Media
Hauls are a major format on platforms like YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.
Creators use them to:
Show their finds: Audiences love seeing unique vintage pieces or unexpected bargains.
Share styling ideas: Hauls often include try-on sections or outfit inspiration.
Reveal prices and savings: Part of the appeal is seeing high-quality items bought for very little.
Promote sustainable fashion: Thrifting hauls highlight the value of buying second-hand instead of supporting fast fashion.
Tell stories: Creators often explain where each item was found and why it stood out.
This format combines entertainment, education and sustainable fashion advocacy.
What You Might Find in a Haul
Hauls vary depending on the shop, city and season. Common haul items include:
denim pieces such as Levi's jeans
vintage jackets and knitwear
Y2K tops and dresses
books and vinyl records
homeware and ceramics
handbags and accessories
statement jewellery
retro sportswear
The variety is a big reason thrifting hauls attract so much attention.
Why Thrifting Hauls Are So Popular
Second-hand hauls stand out because they offer:
Uniqueness - Every haul is different, since charity shops and thrift stores carry one-of-a-kind items.
Affordability - Shoppers often highlight how much they saved compared to buying new.
Sustainability - Second-hand shopping hauls help normalise buying pre-loved instead of supporting fast fashion.
Discovery - Part of the excitement is never knowing what you will find as well as charity shop recommendations etc.
Creativity - Many hauls include plans to upcycle, alter or restyle pieces.
How Charity Shop Hauls Support Sustainable Fashion
Hauls encourage viewers to:
shop second-hand
reduce waste
reuse existing clothing
explore slow fashion
appreciate quality and longevity
They also show how stylish and affordable sustainable fashion can be.
How to Film Your Own Thrifting Haul
If you want to create a haul video, here are easy steps:
Sort your items: Group clothing, books and homeware so the video has structure.
Share prices: Viewers love knowing how much each item cost and how much was saved.
Try things on: Try-on sections help others imagine how the pieces could be styled.
Talk about the shops: Mention which charity shops or vintage stores you visited.
Show your favourite find last: Build anticipation for the "best item in the haul". Make sure to mention it at the beginning of the video (e.g. "I'll share my best finds at the end") so viewers stick around to see the end!
Related Terms
Post your charity shop hauls and discover charity shops, vintage stores and second-hand events near you on Ganddee