You may be looking into how to get second hand clothes for two reasons – either for more sustainable fashion or to find a deal. Perhaps both – buying second hand clothing is both affordable and better for the planet.
The US generates 25 billion pounds of textile waste each year, with only 15% of that getting donated or recycled – the rest ends up in landfills.
Yet you’ll find that second hand stores are bursting at the seams with clothing – much of it new! You can find almost anything you need there. Here’s exactly how to get second clothes.
How to get second hand clothes
- Thrift stores
One of the easiest ways to find second hand clothing is by visiting the thrift stores or chairty shops in your area. Most cities have a combination of cause related donation stores, chain thrift stores as well as more boutique resale shops. Charity shops chains like Salvation Army or Oxfam can be found around the world, from the US to the UK. In the US, Goodwill is also common. A quick Ecosia search will help you find those, as well as smaller boutiques in your area.
- Found by the pound
Some second hand stores are more like giant warehouses and charge by the pound rather than by item. These stores can offer up some real gems, but they aren’t for the faint of heart – you’ll need to be prepared to dig through bins and bins of clothing. If you like a treasure hunt, this is a great option for you.
- Vintage stores
Some thrift stores focus solely on vintage finds. These stores can be a bit pricer than regular thrift shops, but the clothing they offer is usually super unique. Plus, vintage clothing is typically of higher quality than clothing made today, so it will last you longer.
- Online consignment stores
We now have the option to shop for second hand clothing from the comfort of our couches. Stores like Thred Up, Thrifted, and Swap allow you to buy second hand and sell your own gently-used items. There are even luxury consignment stores, like The Real Real and Tradesy, which sell used designer bags, shoes, and clothing. Some retailers are even getting into reselling their own used goods, like Patagonia’s Worn Wearshop.
- Online resale marketplaces
Separate from online second hand shops are resale marketplaces. On these platforms, you can buy used clothing directly from other users. Poshmark, Depop, and Mercari all offer this option, and you can use their website or app to get shopping. There is an advantage to using these sites, as you can search for exactly what you need and filter out unrelated items. You can also make offers to the sellers to get better deals.
Now that you know how to get second hand clothes, it’s time to get shopping. Be sure to clean out your own closet and donate what you no longer wear. Before you go, let me know what your favourite way to shop second hand is in the comments below!
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