Cheers to an eco-friendly and affordable way to consume fashion!
One of the best ways to shop for fashion is buying secondhand clothing. It’s sustainable and super affordable. It’s also the best way to fight fast fashion waste.
Secondhand stores online work in a similar way physical thrift or resale stores do. These stores receive gently used clothing and resell them for a significantly lower price.
That means you will never know what gem you will find when browsing through secondhand stores online. Their clothing stock depends entirely on what they receive from other people.
Browsing a thrift or resale store can feel like a treasure hunt! You will never know what to expect and it may feel somewhat overwhelming.
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! I have experience thrifting online and I know the best online thrift stores.
Pin the image below so that you can reference this later too!
Keep reading to find out the best online thrift stores online you must visit.
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In This Post ➜
8 Best Online Thrift Stores You Must Visit
When it comes to shopping secondhand, many people swoon over the fabulous low prices and affordability.
Therefore, this list is organized in two sections that include “Everyday Affordable” and “High-End Luxury.” Hope this helps the budget conscious gals out there!
I personally love all the recommendations below and I would highly recommend checking out multiple stores to see if they carry the type of secondhand clothing that you like.
Everyday Affordable
1. ThredUp
It seems like everyone who is into secondhand stores online knows about ThredUp and for a good reason too! ThredUp is considered the world’s largest online consignment and thrift store, so this list of the best online thrift stores is not complete without it!
They process about 100K of unique items daily and hold over 35K brands, which include both affordable and luxury brands. All secondhand clothing is up to 90% retail price too.
I’ve purchased several times with ThredUp and I love the easy experience of shopping on their website and mobile app. Using the filters to browse by size, color, fabric, and more is super easy and makes the experience seamless.
They are transparent about the condition of the items and allow a 14 day return policy. Loved receiving their cute polka dot packaging in the mail too!
Product Range: Women’s clothing, accessories, handbags, shoes, kids and maternity
Price Range: $-$$$$ (Prices vary, but they hold both affordable and luxury goods)
Shipping: Flat rate of $5.99 via USPS (US)
Return Policy: They allow returns postmarked within 14 days from the date of delivery of an item. However, there is a $1.99 restocking fee and the original shipping charge can’t be refunded.
2. Poshmark
Poshmark is a social marketplace for new and secondhand styles. They are unique because they focus on creating online communities that make shopping secondhand clothing fun!
You can attend virtual shopping parties called “Posh Parties,” which are virtual buying and selling events. Friends and family can browse and shop alongside you and there are various parties to choose from.
Poshmark’s app is well designed and easy to browse. I love the community-based shopping experience, which makes it easy to communicate with the sellers. Every order comes with buyer protection too, so they have your back when it comes to scams or counterfeits!
Product Range: Clothing and accessories for women, men, and kids. They even have shoes, makeup, toys, and home goods.
Price Range: $-$$$$ (Prices vary, but they hold both affordable and luxury goods)
Shipping: Flat rate of $7.45 with expedited USPS Priority Mail
Returns: All sales are final, but they will give you a full refund if your item never ships or does not match the listing description. Just make sure you report the problem within 3 days after delivery.
3. Swap.com
Swap.com is one of the most affordable thrift and consignment stores online. They offer both affordable and some luxury pieces. Many of the pieces that I really like are under $20. Shipping is free for orders over $75 and just $5.99 for orders under $75.
Their website is clean and easy to navigate with filters for clothing size, color, material, and more. I also like that their product pictures are all against a white background, which makes it feel more consistent.
Product Range: Clothing, accessories, and shoes for women, men, and kids.
Price Range: $-$$$ (Prices vary, but they seem to have more affordable prices.)
Shipping: Free for orders over $75 and just $5.99 for orders under $75
Returns: You get a full refund or store credit as long as you submit a return request within 14 days of arrival.
4. Depop
Another great place with a large selection of trendy secondhand items. If you’re looking for secondhand, reworked, vintage, and streetwear then Depop is a good place to start!
Their mobile app is very user friendly and great for both buyers and sellers. If you start following Depop stores with items you like, Depop will begin recommending sellers and styles with similar aesthetics.
It’s known to be designed for the age of influencers selling stuff on social media and marketed specifically for Gen Z consumers. Many of their consumers are in their late teens and early twenties.
Y2K fashion is big on Depop, so think 2000’s crop tops and baguette shoulder bags. Celebrities, musicians, and fashion editors have profiles on there, so you can start raiding their closets too. 😉
Product Range: Women and men’s clothing, shoes, accessories, makeup, and more.
Price Range: $-$$$$ (Prices depend on the brand, condition, and seller’s preference.)
Shipping: Varies and depends on the weight of the item and seller. May ship via USPS or seller’s preferred method.
Returns: If you want a refund for an item you haven’t received or is significantly not as described, then you can start a dispute through PayPal or Depop depending on payment method.
High-End Luxury
1. TheRealReal
When it comes to luxury goods, the high price tag is an unfortunate deterrent. Not everyone can afford brand new luxury goods! TheRealReal is an online luxury consignment shop that sells pre-owned, gently used luxury items at a discount.
TheRealReal does require you to open a free account to start browsing their selection, which can be a bit of a pain. However, their selection of luxury goods is vast and they are known to be one of the leading authenticated luxury marketplaces, so it’s worth checking out!
Every item they sell goes through a rigorous authentication process. They have hundreds of experts and brand authenticators authenticating over 1,000 items a day.
Product Range: Women and men’s clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, watches, home goods and kids clothing
Price Range: $$$-$$$$
Shipping: Standard shipping is $11.95 with UPS (US)
Returns: Any returns must be requested within 14 days of in-store purchase or original shipment date of online orders. If it is an online return, they charge $11.95 for the return shipping label.
2. Tradesy
Tradesy is another great place to check out new and pre-owned luxury goods for up to 90% off retail price. They have many luxury brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Vince, and so much more.
They rely on smart technology to automatically remove any fakes on their website with a 99.7% accuracy rate. You can shop without fear because any inauthentic items can be returned back to Tradesy for a full refund.
Tradesy is female founded and dedicated to supporting underrepresented minorities too. Love their pledge to equality!
Product Range: Women clothing, shoes, accessories, wedding, and vintage
Price Range: $$$-$$$$
Shipping: Shipping is included, so the price you see is what you get!
Returns: Any returns must be requested within 4 days of delivery and they will send you a free shipping label. You can only receive a full refund if the item differs substantially from the listed (i.e. inauthentic, unreported damage, etc.) Otherwise, you will only receive store credit from the return.
3. What Goes Around Comes Around
If you are looking for pristine pre-owned luxury vintage pieces, particularly bags, accessories and jewelry, check out this online consignment store. They’ve been around since 1993 and are lauded as the vanguard of high-fashion vintage with several flagship stores in the U.S.
WGACA has a team of buyers that travel the world to collect the finest handbags, accessories, and apparel from coveted fashion houses. They carry unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that would surely attract compliments
Authenticity is highly-valued and assured for the items they carry. They go through a 3-step authentication process for every item before it’s guaranteed authentic and listed for sale.
Product Range: Bags, accessories, jewelry, and watches
Price Range: $$$-$$$$
Shipping: There is a $10 ground shipping for most items.
Returns: Purchases can be returned within 7 days after delivery, unless it is marked as final sale.
4. Vestiaire Collective
If you’re looking for pre-owned premium and luxury items from around the world, check this one out! There are sellers from the United States, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and more. A wider access to global luxury goods means that you are more likely to find unique items.
There are around 300,000 pre-loved items at a deep discount and over 3,000 new items are added each day.
When an item is sold, the seller has to ship it to Vestiaire Collective’s Paris headquarters for a thorough quality control inspection. If the item passes the inspection and authentication process, it will be shipped to the buyer.
If not, the order is cancelled and the buyer receives a full refund. That way the buyer is protected from inconsistencies and fakes!
Product Range: Women and men’s clothing, bags, watches, jewelry, and lifestyle
Price Range: $$$-$$$$
Shipping: Shipping costs are calculated for each individual item upon checkout. You can opt for the Direct Shipping option for free shipping, but it would mean skipping the authentication process.
Returns: The community is made up of professional and individual sellers. Each has a different return policy, which you can read more about here.
Alternatives To Consider
There are a few hidden gems that most people don’t consider or know about. Thankfully, you have me to point them out. 😉
1. Etsy
Etsy is a global marketplace specifically for creative goods, such as handcrafted pieces and vintage goods.
Did you know Etsy has great secondhand clothing stores and vintage shops too?
Here’s a few of my absolute favorites to browse through:
I love the feminine, vintage vibes that I get from this store. There are so many great vintage pieces that would be perfect additions to the wardrobe.
This shop has beautiful reworked vintage pieces! If you’re looking to diversify your closet with gorgeous pieces from the past, then look no further.
Check out this store for their funky vintage vibes and sustainable reclaimed apparel. I particularly love the graphic tees and bold prints they carry.
2. Facebook Marketplace & eBay
Both these are massive online marketplaces where anyone can buy or sell just about anything. There are some really sweet deals if you take the time to look!
I would suggest having a brand in mind to make your search easier. Also, use the search filters to find pieces in your size and other preferences too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Most Popular Online Thrift Store?
ThredUp seems to be the most popular online thrift store and is one of the best online thrift stores. They are the world’s largest online thrift store with an incredibly diverse price range and categories.
Since their inventory is so big, you can find almost any brand, from high-end to more common fashion brands. Their prices are also very reasonable and their site is easy to navigate.
All pieces are inspected and photographed by ThredUp. Therefore, all listings look consistent and will almost always describe the item’s condition accurately.
What’s The Cheapest Online Thrift Store?
The cheapest online thrift stores are ThredUp, Swap.com, Poshmark, and Depop. However, the prices vary depending on the condition and brand of the piece.
Also, if you’re purchasing from private sellers that can be contacted directly, you might be able to haggle the price down even more.
For instance, Poshmark and Depop are marketplaces that private sellers can use to list their items. You can message the sellers directly to ask about the price and condition of the item.
ThredUp and Swap.com are great for very affordable thrifted fashion. ThredUp holds a lot of sales too, so it’s worth checking their website every so often or signing up for their newsletter to see if they’re holding a sale.
What Are The Best Items To Buy In Thrift Stores?
When it comes to thrifting fashion in thrift stores, you want to get the best deal. Therefore, I recommend staying away from fast fashion or cheaper brands like Forever 21 and H&M.
The reason I suggest staying away from cheap brands is because the price you pay for that item at a thrift store is usually not much cheaper than if you were to buy it new.
Plus, cheap, fast fashion brands tend to have lower quality that just doesn’t hold up as nice, especially if you buy it used.
Therefore, I suggest buying higher-quality name brands or luxury brands to maximize the deal that you’re getting from the thrifted item.
I also like to thrift fashion pieces made of high-quality material, such as pure silk. That way I don’t need to pay the full price tag for delicate, but high-quality clothing. Plus, if I accidentally spill something on it, I won’t feel as bad. 😉
Is Thrifting A Good Deal?
Thrifting is an extremely good deal, but you need to know exactly what to look for to maximize the deal you’re getting. Otherwise, you might be bummed with your thrifted pieces.
Here’s a few good tips to help you get the best deal while thrifting:
- Make sure to inspect the images and read the item’s description for its condition.
- If it’s a private seller, message them directly and try to haggle the price down. Most often, they will try accommodate you and knock down the price a bit to get a sale.
- Stay away from fast-fashion or cheap clothing brands. You’re not getting the best deal or discount with these.
Are There Scams In Thrift Stores?
Scams at thrift stores usually occur with luxury and designer pieces. After all, there’s a lot of designer fakes and counterfeits out there trying to make a quick buck.
However, a good thrift store will always have a strong authentication process. That’s why most of the best online thrift stores I listed above that carry luxury items have that process in place.
Unfortunately, marketplaces that have private sellers, like Depop, don’t have control over what private sellers are listing, so the likelihood of accidentally buying a counterfeit item is still there.
If you’re considering buying a designer or luxury item, I would stick to the best online thrift stores that have a secure authentication process.
These online thrift stores have a strong authentication process:
Why Is Buying From Secondhand Clothing Stores Better?
When you support secondhand clothing stores, you help keep garments away from landfills, reduce the amount of carbon needed to make new clothes, and it saves you money!
You’re also fighting fast fashion waste and there is a TON of it. Fast fashion is the mass production of low-quality, cheap, and disposable clothing.
Unfortunately, most fast fashion ends up in the landfill. Not to mention the fact that it takes as long as 200 years to decompose properly.
The fashion industry produces more than 80 billion garments a year, which is already 400% more than 20 years ago. This number will only increase as the demand and production of fast fashion increases.
Unfortunately, most fast fashion ends up in the landfill. Not to mention the fact that it takes as long as 200 years to decompose properly.
In the past decade, did you know that about 6.65 billion items were recirculated in the secondhand market? Those secondhand consumers saved approximately $390 billion altogether. Moreover, 116 billion lbs. of CO2 was displaced by purchasing used instead of new garments.
Those numbers are expected to increase as the secondhand market is expected to rapidly grow over the years. Why not support a sustainable business, save more money, and still get quality clothes?
How Much Money Should I Bring To Thrift?
Thrifting in online resale and consignment stores can be cheap and super affordable, without sacrificing the quality of the garment. It’s a great option for those on a budget or just want to save money in general.
There isn’t a hard rule on how much you need to bring. In fact, just set a budget that financially makes sense to you and browse to see what you find.
You never know what you will find too, so you might end up going under or over budget slightly. However, it’s good to set a budget beforehand, so that you don’t go overboard shopping because it can be tempting!
Affordable items can cost under $20 a piece. In fact, I’ve shopped for secondhand clothing online that cost less than $10 before.
If you’re looking at luxury items, you will probably need a bigger budget of $50 or more.
Super tip: Check out multiple thrift shops to compare prices of the same item (if they carry it). They may have it for less!
How Often Should You Thrift?
As often as you like! The beauty in thrifting is that you never know what gems you will accidentally stumble upon.
However, this may also lead to some accidental clothes hoarding. A good rule is to donate or sell the same amount of clothes that you buy. One item in, one item out.
That way, you can avoid hoarding clothes. It also keeps your old clothes recirculating in the secondhand market!
Do Secondhand Clothing Thrift Shops Wash Their Clothes?
They most likely don’t, but that doesn’t mean that thrift shopping is unsanitary. Just make sure you wash the garment before you wear it.
Most resale and online consignment stores receive thousands of items a day and the cost to launder every single item would be too time-consuming and costly on their part. Therefore, it’s the sellers’ or donors’ responsibility to make sure they clean them before they donate or sell.
Secondhand online clothing stores generally only accept gently used items. They would not accept items that have large stains and damage.
The best way to sanitize your clothes is to wash them at a high temperature (140°F or 60°C). Unfortunately, most clothes can’t be washed at high temperatures.
Read the clothing label to determine the best way to wash it. I would advise staying away from “hand wash only” items because they are harder to clean and wouldn’t be completely germ-free with a simple hand wash.
I personally try to clean thrifted items according to their tags. If I can put them through the wash, I would add a Laundry Sanitizer, such as OdoBan’s Disinfectant Laundry and Air Freshener.
After they’re dried, I would use my handheld steamer to help disinfect it further (the high heat from the steam should help kill bacteria, but don’t take my word for it). Those are just my recommendations and I’m not a professional.
✿ My Favorite Handheld Clothing Steamer ✿
Handheld Clothing Steamer
This handy clothing steamer has a large 240 ml capacity, which allows for 15 minutes of continuous steaming. No iron board needed!
I have this handheld steamer for only $30 and I’ve been using it for years! Handheld steamers are great because you don’t need to purchase an ironing board. You can steam clothes directly from the hanger and it’s gentle on the fabric too.
Do Secondhand Clothing Thrift Stores Pay You For Your Clothes?
Yes, most of them do! In fact all the stores I listed above offer selling options. Every online secondhand store has their own process and pricing system, so be sure to look into it individually.
Certain places are more profitable than others. For instance, ThredUp sends you a free Clean Out kit with a prepaid shipping label. You can fill the bag up with your clothes and send it to them. They will take care of listing the item and taking the pictures.
However, the processing time can take up to 3 weeks or more and you have little control over the pricing. There are also additional selling fees to consider, which can really eat into your profit.
If you’re trying to maximize the profits from your clothes, then I recommend selling your items on marketplaces that let you have full control of the pricing, such as Facebook Marketplace and eBay.
You would need to take your own pictures, list the item yourself and selling fees still apply, but there is a better chance of getting a higher profit margin.
That’s it! I hope you enjoyed my recommendations and tips for you.
Comment below if you tried any of the secondhand stores online that I listed above or if you are interested in trying any!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Please read my disclaimer for more info.
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What do you think?