What Are Old Clothes Called in Ireland? A Jacket-Lover’s Guide

When you hear someone in Ireland talk about 'old clothes,' they might be thinking of cast-offs, hand-me-downs, or even that familiar bag for the local charity shop. But when it comes to jackets—be it an old Aran wool or a battered school blazer—it’s not just a label; it’s often a story. Here, in the Irish market, old jackets go by several names, depending on where you find them or who is passing them on.

Taking a bag of used clothes to the local SVP or Oxfam shop is standard practice across the country. For jackets, you might hear folks call them 'pre-loved,' 'second-hand,' or just 'charity shop finds.' Some Dubliners get a kick out of the term 'retro,' especially if the jacket looks like it survived the 1980s. Others still hand down jackets through families, especially good wool or tweed numbers that outlive several owners. So, don’t be surprised if you hear someone at the school gate say, 'That’s one of my dad’s old coats—still going strong!'

• What Do We Actually Call Old Clothes in Ireland?
• The Popular Paths: Charity Shops and Vintage Stores
• Hand-Me-Downs and Family Traditions
• Hunting for Jackets: Local Tips and Hotspots
• Giving New Life: Caring for and Upcycling Old Jackets

What Do We Actually Call Old Clothes in Ireland?

Ask around in Ireland, and you’ll hear a real mix of names for old clothes—and jackets always get their own bit of special attention. The main go-to terms are ‘second-hand,’ ‘pre-loved,’ and ‘hand-me-downs.’ If you’re standing outside St. Vincent de Paul or SVP, folks will talk about bringing in "a bag of bits" or "the old gear." ‘Cast-offs’ and even ‘vintage’ pop up for the more stylish stuff, especially on Dublin’s south side. And if your granny or uncle had a say, you’d also hear ‘grandad’s coat’ or ‘mammy’s old mac’—personal touches that make these jackets feel like more than just random old clothes.

When you walk into a charity shop in Cork or Galway, expect signs with terms like ‘nearly new’ or ‘gently worn’ jackets. Vintage shops around Temple Bar and Stoneybatter have fully embraced the word ‘retro,’ and you’re just as likely to see a rack marked ‘Y2K classics’ as you are anything mentioning second-hand. Vintage shops Dublin is a sturdy keyword, mainly because the city centre is packed with specialists like Tola Vintage and Nine Crows.

If you grew up in Ireland, you probably got plenty of stuff passed down, especially jackets that ‘still have a bit of wear left’. Hand-me-downs are a tradition—one that’s not about saving money alone but about memories and not letting good clothes go to waste. And it’s common to refer to these as ‘deadly finds’ when you spot something brilliant from years ago in the family utility room.

• Second-hand jackets: Used, often good as new, bought or donated locally.
• Hand-me-downs: Passed within family or friends, usually with a story attached.
• Charity shop finds: Picked up cheap, unique, and almost always a surprise.
• Vintage/Retro: Usually from past decades, prized for their style and quality.

Fun fact—a 2023 study from the Environmental Protection Agency in Ireland found that more than 35% of people had bought second-hand clothes locally in the past year, and jackets were one of the top three items folks picked up. No wonder ‘thrifting’ is part of everyday chat here now.

The Popular Paths: Charity Shops and Vintage Stores

If you ask anyone about picking up old clothes in Ireland, the conversation often jumps straight to charity shops or the good old vintage shops in Dublin. These places aren’t just for bargain hunters – they’re a real lifeline for jacket lovers who want something with a bit of character. Most towns, from Galway to Wexford, have at least one charity shop where you can bag a sturdy raincoat, a hardy tweed, or a classic denim jacket for next to nothing.

Big hitters like SVP (St Vincent de Paul), Oxfam, Enable Ireland, Barnardos, and Irish Cancer Society have shops dotted all over the country. Dublin’s Capel Street is famous for its clusters of vintage shops – think Tola Vintage or Nine Crows, where 80s bombers or waxed Barbours hang beside more recent brands like Patagonia and North Face. Cork and Limerick have their own gems too, with Miss Daisy Blue and The Edge consistently pulling in jacket fans.

Some folks do all their clothes shopping this way. Others only stop by when festival season rolls around: Electric Picnic, anyone? It’s not unusual to spot crowds hunting for colourful waterproofs or funky fleeces ahead of a big gig or a rugby match at the Aviva.

Prices are usually much lower than high street shops, but keep in mind – demand for certain brands means you need to move quickly. If you’re after a heavy-duty winter jacket or a sought-after vintage make, hit the shops early in the week after restocking. Many shops run discount days or loyalty cards, so always ask at the counter.

And of course, don’t forget car boot sales and swap events. Local Facebook groups and Depop are also handy for scoring second-hand jackets without ever leaving the house. If you’re not fussed about labels, you’re sure to find a sturdy jacket that’ll see you through plenty more Irish winters.

Hand-Me-Downs and Family Traditions

Hand-me-downs are a staple in Ireland, especially when it comes to jackets. Kids across the country know what it’s like to get their big brother’s school blazer or their mam’s old rain Mac. It’s more than just making do; it’s a way to save money and keep that bit of family history alive. Some jackets last through a couple of cousins, and you’ll spot grown-ups wearing coats that once belonged to their da or even their grandad.

Family traditions run deep, and when it comes to old clothes Ireland has its fair share of stories. In rural areas, passing down jackets is almost a rite of passage. Think tweed sports coats for the lads or heavy wool jackets perfect for a windy day in Connemara. In cities like Galway and Cork, you’ll hear people joke about “the family anorak” that makes an appearance every winter, no matter what’s fashionable on Grafton Street.

If you’re new to the country, or just curious how it works, here’s how the jacket hand-me-down process usually happens:

• The oldest kid grows out of their jacket or school coat.
• Parents check the seams and give it a wash. If it’s still in decent nick, onto the next child it goes.
• Sometimes names get stitched out and new ones put in—no sense in wasting a good uniform.
• At family gatherings, jackets often swap owners again, especially after a cousin outgrows something quickly.

An interesting fact: a survey by the Irish Independent in 2023 found that over 55% of Irish families regularly reuse coats and jackets within the household or extended family. It’s not just old-school thinking; it’s still going strong because it saves money and cuts down on waste.

If you want to keep your family hand-me-down jackets in good shape, here are some quick tips:

• Store jackets somewhere dry to prevent mould, especially important in damp Irish homes.
• Wash or air them out often—fresh Ennis air does wonders.
• Do small repairs as soon as seams start to go. A thread and needle can save a trip to the tailor.

Hand-me-downs keep the stories going and give jackets more adventures. Whether you’re into second-hand jackets or just want to stretch a euro, this old Irish habit still makes sense today.

Hunting for Jackets: Local Tips and Hotspots

If you’re searching for old clothes Ireland style, especially jackets, you’ve got options all over the country. Dublin is a goldmine for vintage and second-hand jackets. Hit up Siopaella in Temple Bar if you’re after labels, or pop into Nine Crows for a 90s bomber or denim. Charity shops like Oxfam, SVP, and Enable Ireland scatter the city centre and suburbs—don’t skip the racks in Ranelagh or Phibsborough; you never know what could pop up.

Cork locals love their Miss Daisy Blue Vintage for a real retro treat, and Sustainability Market Cork is becoming a go-to for swapping or buying old jackets with a story. Galway has the famous Public Romance shop, and their Saturday Market often turns up classics. Even Limerick, Kilkenny, and Sligo have decent options if you check out independent charity shops or newer pop-up thrift events.

Here’s what I’ve found works best when looking for second-hand jackets in Ireland:

• Go early—good stuff flies off the rails, especially on restock days.
• Ask the staff. Everyone working in a charity shop has a favourite piece, and you’d be shocked what’s hiding out the back.
• Don’t stick to the men’s or women’s section—try both. Oversized jackets are always in, and you might find better condition stuff in the "wrong" aisle.
• Look for special events. The Dublin Flea Market or Galway Charity Shop Crawl turns up outstanding finds, and you get to make an afternoon of it.
• Bring cash. Smaller shops often have card limits or are cash-only.

In 2024, a quick chat with friends showed me the average spend for a good quality used jacket is still about €18–€35, depending on the shop. Here’s a quick comparison table to give you a real sense of what to expect:

If you’ve got a favourite jacket spot in your corner of Ireland, ask when they do big changeovers or donations come in—they might give you a heads up. And with the way fashion and sustainability are going, these charity shops Ireland and vintage events are busier than ever. Never be shy about digging a little; your next great jacket is probably just one rail away.

Giving New Life: Caring for and Upcycling Old Jackets

Let’s face it—old jackets can look tired, but that doesn’t mean they’re ready for the bin. In Ireland, there’s a growing trend around upcycling and keeping pre-loved clothes in play. Not only does this save you a few quid, but it’s kinder to the planet, too. Here’s how to get your second-hand or vintage finds looking sharp and ready for another few winters.

First up: cleaning. Wool and tweed jackets picked up from places like Enable Ireland or Age Action shops often need a little TLC. Dry cleaning is safest for wool and anything with a lining you’re not sure about. For cotton and denim, you can usually get away with a gentle wash at home—just check the label and don’t use a hot cycle.

Got a rip, missing buttons, or threadbare cuffs? These are simple jobs that make a big difference. Some people swear by local tailors, but if you want to try fixing things up yourself, here’s what you’ll need:

• Fabric patches for holes, picked up from Hickey’s or any haberdashery in Dublin’s city centre
• A small sewing kit—needles, thread, thimble, and a couple of replacement buttons
• Iron-on patches for elbows, which never go out of style in Ireland

Thinking about upcycling? That just means taking what you have and giving it a new twist. Some popular ideas I’ve tried myself include shortening a coat into a bomber, painting on fabric, or sewing on Gaelic football badges. Your local Men’s Shed group likely runs workshops if you want to learn a new skill and socialise.

Ever wondered how much of a difference this makes? Here’s a handy look at how upcycling and charity shop shopping stacks up for people in Ireland:

If you want your jackets to go the distance, simple care goes a long way. Hang wool ones on sturdy hangers so the shoulders keep their shape. Store them away from damp—mould isn’t your friend in Irish weather. Toss in a sachet of lavender to help keep moths away, especially if you’re storing your coats for the summer.

And if you get tired of your upcycled masterpiece, there’s always someone else in Ireland looking for a unique second-hand jacket. Consider swapping with friends, passing it to family, or donating back to your local SVP shop. It’s all part of the cycle that gives old clothes another shot at life.