You may be looking into buying second-hand clothes for two reasons: to find more sustainable fashion or to hunt down a bargain, or perhaps both! Shopping second-hand is not only affordable, it’s also a brilliant way to reduce your environmental impact.
The US generates 25 billion pounds of textile waste each year, but only 15% of that gets donated or recycled, and the rest ends up in landfills. The UK alone throws away around 300,000 tonnes of clothing each year.
Yet, charity and second-hand stores are often overflowing with clothes, some even with the tags still on! Whether you’re looking for basics or bold vintage designer pieces, you can find almost anything you need. Here’s a guide on how to get your hands on some second-hand clothes:
How to get second-hand clothes
You can read about my second-hand shopping experience in Berlin here.
Charity Shops and Thrift Stores
One of the easiest ways to find second-hand clothing is by visiting local charity shops or thrift stores. Most towns and cities have a mix of cause-driven donation centres, chain charity shops and boutique resale stores
Charity shop chains like the Salvation Army or Oxfam are common in the US and the UK. In the US, Goodwill is a popular option. A quick internet search can help you locate nearby thrift shops, including local independent ones.
Vintage shops
Some second-hand shops focus specifically on vintage fashion. While they may be a bit pricier than typical thrift stores, they often offer unique, well-crafted pieces that are hard to find elsewhere. Vintage clothing is usually made with better materials and craftsmanship, making it more durable than many modern garments.
Kilo Sales
Some second-hand stores work more like giant warehouses, where you pay by weight rather than per item. These stores can be an absolute goldmine, but they aren’t for the faint-hearted! Be prepared to rummage through bins of clothing and dig deep for hidden gems. If you enjoy a thrilling treasure hunt, this could be a great option for you.
Online consignment shops
Nowadays, we can thrift without even leaving our sofas! Websites 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 Wear shop, which sells second-hand outdoor gear.
Online resale marketplaces
Unlike consignment sites, resale marketplaces allow you to connect with and buy used clothing directly from other users. Platforms like Vinted, Poshmark, Depop, and Mercari all offer this option, and you can use their website or app to shop. Using these sites has an advantage as you can refine your preferences, filter out unrelated items and even make offers to get a better deal. It’s a super flexible way to find exactly what you’re after, whether a vintage Levi’s jacket, a specific style of knit jumper, or just a basic black tee.
Now that you know how to get second-hand clothes, it’s time to get shopping! And don’t forget – before adding new pieces to your wardrobe, have a clear-out and donate anything you no longer wear. Happy thrifting!
Before you go, let US know what your favourite way to shop second-hand is in the comments below!
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We need free used or second hand clothes for our charity home and schools