What are Old Clothes Called in Ireland? Jackets, Jargon, and Local Tips
If you’ve ever wandered around a charity shop in Ireland, you’ll notice old clothes have a few nicknames. People here don’t just talk about ‘second-hand’—you’ll hear words like ‘pre-loved’, ‘hand-me-downs’ or even ‘vintage’ thrown around, especially if it’s a jacket with a bit of history. Shops like Oxfam, Enable Ireland, and Vincent’s (run by the St Vincent de Paul Society) are packed with racks full of jackets, from battered raincoats to genuine tweed numbers.
In Irish homes, passing down a good jacket is almost a tradition. With weather that can jump from rain to wind in ten minutes, jackets get some real mileage here. It’s not rare to see someone wearing a granddad’s old waxed Barbour or a school uniform blazer that’s seen a few generations. Calling them ‘cast-offs’ is rare; more often, locals take pride in reusing and sharing quality clothes.
- Common Names for Old Clothes in Ireland
- Old Jackets: Local Lingo and Traditions
- Where to Find Second-Hand Jackets
- Why Vintage Jackets Matter in Irish Fashion
- Tips for Picking Pre-Loved Jackets
- What Happens to Old Jackets in Ireland?
Common Names for Old Clothes in Ireland
When people in Ireland chat about old clothes, you’ll hear all sorts of terms, especially when jackets get involved. ‘Hand-me-downs’ is pretty common, especially for stuff passed along in families. If you’re picking up something from a charity shop, folks usually say ‘pre-loved’, ‘second-hand’, or ‘vintage’—even if that jacket is just a few years old. ‘Cast-offs’ gets thrown around too but feels a bit old-fashioned, and you won’t hear it as much in Dublin or Galway these days.
There’s a bit of regional flavour, too. In Cork and Limerick, ‘hand-me-down’ is still used in most households, especially if the jacket has done a few school runs already. ‘Charity shop finds’ is also super common, especially among students hunting bargains in spots like Dublin’s George’s Street Arcade or the quirky shops in Galway’s West End.
- Pre-loved: You’ll spot this on shop signs, online listings, and even at markets. It gives the jacket a bit of charm—like it’s got a story.
- Vintage: This one’s everywhere now, even if the jacket was a Penneys number from 2015. If it’s more than ten years old and still in good shape, it’ll probably get the “vintage” tag in Ireland.
- Hand-me-down: If your cousin gave it to you after a growth spurt, this is the term you'll use. Especially true for school jackets, GAA zip-ups, and country essentials like waterproofs.
- Second-hand: You’ll hear ‘second-hand’ in charity shops and notice it on Facebook Marketplace and DoneDeal ads. It’s straight to the point.
In fact, Irish charity shops are a big part of this scene. Here’s a quick peek at how popular old clothes—and jackets in particular—are in Irish shops:
| Charity Shop Chain | Number of Branches (2024) |
|---|---|
| Vincent’s | 230+ |
| Oxfam Ireland | 45 |
| Enable Ireland | 24 |
Every town has at least one second-hand shop where you’ll find rails of jackets, raincoats, and fleeces, with these names popping up on tags and shop fronts. So next time you’re in for a browse, you’ll know what all the terms mean—and sound like a local while hunting for your next bargain.
Old Jackets: Local Lingo and Traditions
In Ireland, when people talk about old clothes—especially jackets—they use a few terms that you might not hear elsewhere. 'Hand-me-downs' gets used all the time, especially when jackets get passed from older siblings to younger ones. But it's not just for families; even among friends, trading jackets is pretty normal.
'Pre-loved' has become popular in the last decade, thanks to charity shops and the rise of sustainable fashion. It sounds nicer than 'second-hand', and you'll see it on signs in places like Vincent’s or Enable Ireland stores across Dublin, Cork, and Galway. If you walk into one of these shops, just ask for ‘vintage’, and you'll be pointed towards anything from a 1980s Adidas track jacket to a classic Aran Island tweed blazer.
In schoolyards, calling someone’s coat a ‘cast-off’ is likely to get you a dirty look—it’s not seen as cool or respectful. Instead, people talk about 'retro' or 'throwback' styles. There's a hint of pride in having a retro jacket, especially one with a GAA club logo or old-school Irish brands like O’Neill’s or Berghaus visible on the back.
For farmers or country folks, the old battered rain jacket—sometimes called a ‘yard coat’—is a staple. Everyone’s dad or uncle has one hanging by the back door, splattered with paint or muck and perfect for Irish drizzle. In some rural areas, you’ll even hear 'gúna báistí' (raincoat in Irish) for specific old waterproofs.
Charity shops in Ireland have reported a big lift in demand for vintage and ‘retro’ jackets, especially in university towns. According to Oxfam Ireland, second-hand clothing sales went up by 20% between 2021 and 2024. Students and young adults love grabbing a 'statement' old jacket at a fraction of high-street prices.
| Term | Where/When Used |
|---|---|
| Hand-me-down | Family, friends, casual swapping |
| Pre-loved | Charity shops, online ads |
| Vintage/Retro | Trendy, university towns, festivals |
| Yard coat | Farms, rural areas |
| Gúna báistí | Traditional, Irish-speaking areas |
So, whether you're after a bargain or just like the idea of wearing something with a bit of history, the language around old clothes and jackets in Ireland has plenty of character—and a touch of local pride.
Where to Find Second-Hand Jackets
Looking for old clothes or a solid pre-loved jacket in Ireland? You’re spoiled for choice. Nearly every town has a handful of charity shops. Dublin sets the pace, with spots like Oxfam on South Great George’s Street, the iconic Vincent’s on Thomas Street, and the Yellow Brick Road in Phibsboro. All these shops have racks full of jackets—from fleeces and parkas to proper vintage blazers. Cork’s city centre isn’t shy either, with Enable Ireland and Irish Cancer Society shops offering everything from sports jackets to weatherproof coats. Galway has Coffeewerk + Press, which sometimes mixes curated vintage with local art.
If you’re more of a browser-from-bed person, Irish website Thriftify.ie connects shoppers to second-hand shops all over the country, giving you one place to flick through thousands of second-hand jackets without leaving the house. You can also check out Depop, but narrow your search to sellers based in Ireland to keep things local and shipping costs down. It’s not just about saving money—shopping second-hand also keeps your wardrobe unique.
Colm, manager of a busy Oxfam in Dublin, explains: “Some jackets fly off the rail as soon as they’re out—especially anything with a bit of Irish tweed or a brand like Berghaus, which suits our weather.”
If you fancy digging for gold, car boot sales and flea markets can surprise you too. The Dublin Flea Market, when running, is famous for racks of quirky coats. Smaller towns might have monthly boot sales—check local Facebook groups for up-to-date details. Don’t forget about community-driven swap shops, which pop up in neighbourhood halls or colleges. Bring a jacket, take a jacket—it’s as simple as that, and you might walk out with a classic.
| Shop/Platform | Main Locations | Special Jackets |
|---|---|---|
| Oxfam | Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick | Tweed, vintage brands, waterproofs |
| Thriftify.ie | Online (nationwide) | All types, easily searched |
| Depop (Irish sellers) | Online (nationwide) | Streetwear, retro |
| Irish Cancer Society | Major towns & cities | High street jackets, coats |
| Dublin Flea Market | Dublin (when running) | Quirky, unique finds |
For anyone after vintage or classic jackets, just ask around in local shops or try one of these options. You never know when a forgotten gem will turn up waiting for a new story on a rainy Irish day.
Why Vintage Jackets Matter in Irish Fashion
In Ireland, vintage jackets aren't just a style choice—they're a nod to local tradition and smart living. When people here talk about old clothes, especially jackets, there’s a real sense that these pieces carry stories. Take the classic Aran jacket or Donegal tweed blazer—these aren’t just found in tourist shops; locals actually wear them, especially at events like the Galway Races or heritage festivals in Westport.
The climate has shaped how people dress, and weather-ready jackets never go out of fashion. Vintage waxed jackets and trench coats pop up everywhere from Dublin pubs to GAA matches, sometimes even mixed with the latest trends. Hunting for a second-hand jacket isn’t just about saving money—it’s about standing out and wearing something with character. Plus, quality older jackets, like an authentic Burberry trench you might land in a Dublin charity shop, often outlast new fast fashion buys.
There’s also a real sustainability angle. Ireland has been getting more serious about reducing waste, and buying vintage cuts down on what ends up in landfills. Several cities now host regular vintage fairs—like the Dublin Flea Market or Meltdown Vintage markets—where unique jackets are snapped up by all ages.
Here’s a quick look at how people in Ireland use and value vintage jackets:
- Local Brands Matter: Old Magee jackets or Irish army surplus coats are still popular.
- Quality Holds Value: Heavy wool and waterproofs made decades ago handle the wet Irish climate better than many modern versions.
- Eco Points: Wearing vintage is seen as a smart, eco-friendly move among students and young professionals.
| Vintage Jacket Type | Common Use | Where Spotted |
|---|---|---|
| Tweed Blazer | Events, daily wear | Galway, Cork, heritage towns |
| Waxed Jacket | Outdoor activities | Coastal walks, country pubs |
| Retro Windbreaker | Festivals, casual | Summer gigs, student areas |
Wearing second-hand jackets in Ireland is less about following a trend and more about mixing local tradition, practicality, and environmental good sense. And who doesn’t like pulling on a jacket with a bit of a backstory?
Tips for Picking Pre-Loved Jackets
Shopping for old clothes, and especially second-hand jackets, in Ireland is a bit of an art. You’re often hunting through racks at Vincent’s or NCBI’s charity shops, or maybe scrolling through Adverts.ie to grab a bargain. To avoid ending up with something you regret, keep these straightforward pointers in mind:
- Check for Damage: Always look at seams, zips, and buttons. A missing button is no big deal, but a busted zip on a rain jacket is another story in our weather. Flip the jacket inside out and make sure the lining isn’t ripped to bits.
- Sniff Test: It sounds mad, but give it a smell. Clothes from damp shops or old houses sometimes hold onto musty odours. Most things can be washed out, but some smells stick around for good.
- Read the Label: Irish winters are wet, so check for wool, GORE-TEX, or waxed cotton for real weatherproof jackets. Avoid thin polyester or “fashion” jackets if you plan to wear them outside much.
- Fit and Comfort: Irish sizing can run small, old school-style. Try everything on—even if the size looks right. Vintage jackets don’t fit like modern ones, especially around the shoulders and arms.
- Brand Spotting: Good brands hold up. Look for classics like Barbour, Belstaff, or Irish tweed. They last ages and you’ll often find them at a fraction of the original price.
- Don’t Dismiss the Men’s or Kids’ Rails: Some of the best deals hide there, especially if you’re after oversized or boxy styles that are back in fashion now.
You’ll save money and keep clothes out of landfill. A 2023 report from the Environmental Protection Agency showed that Ireland produced around 108,000 tonnes of textile waste in one year, so every bit makes a difference.
| Jacket Style | Best For | Common Issues |
|---|---|---|
| Trench Coats | Rainy days, smart casual | Loose belts, fading colour |
| Waxed Jackets | Farm work, countryside walks | Worn wax, broken zips |
| Denim Jackets | Everyday wear | Ripped seams, thin fabric |
| Puffer Jackets | Cold snaps, outdoor jobs | Clumpy filling, broken toggles |
| Tweed Blazers | Dressy events, vintage style | Missing buttons, moth holes |
The golden rule? Only bring home a jacket you want to wear. Otherwise, it’ll just end up as another piece of old clothes in your own cupboard.
What Happens to Old Jackets in Ireland?
When a jacket has seen its best days in Ireland, it rarely heads straight for the bin. Most of the time, folks drop old jackets into one of the thousands of charity shop donation bins you’ll find dotted across Dublin, Cork, Galway, and every other town. St Vincent de Paul (Vincent’s), Oxfam Ireland, Enable Ireland, and Irish Cancer Society are the big names picking up these old clothes. They’ll either sell them on, or if the jacket can’t be worn, recycle the material.
There are also textile banks and bring centres—those big containers usually in supermarket carparks—where you can toss in your used jackets. The county councils run them and they usually sort the donations for reuse or recycling. Some end up as rags for industry, or get broken down and turned into things like insulation.
- Usable jackets are resold in second-hand or vintage shops.
- Items in rough shape may be shredded for industrial use. Ireland’s textile recycling rate (about 35% in 2023) is among the better ones in Europe.
- Charity shops sometimes send unsold stock to Eastern Europe or Africa, but this has to follow EU rules so there’s less dumping nowadays.
For jackets made of real wool or tweed (iconic Irish materials), there’s extra care. Some are even upcycled by local designers—Dublin’s Siopaella and Cork’s Miss Daisy Blue have a knack for turning tired jackets into something you’d actually want to wear out for a pint.
Just tossing old jackets in your black bin is discouraged. Most councils suggest you bring them to a charity or textile bank to keep them from clogging landfills. With Ireland’s climate, people own a lot of jackets, so finding a second life for them has become part of the culture.