If you don’t have a charity shop brimming with bargains on your doorstep, get your pre-loved fix by visiting one our pick of the best second hand stores online, instead.
As we’re in the midst of Second Hand September (Oxfam’s campaign to raise awareness for buying pre-loved fashion) it’s the perfect time to practice bringing a little personality to your wardrobe.
Whether it’s a proper vintage item, a recently discard high street gem or a pre-loved piece of authentic Y2K goodness, buying something new-to-you is a clever choice for your pocket and the planet.
Want to get involved in Second Hand September? These are the best ways to shop the ultimate sustainable wayGallery14 PhotosFashion is cited as one of the most polluting industries in the world, so cutting back its impact by shopping for things that already exist (and then wearing them up to thirty times) is a no-brainer solution if sustainability is on your mind. Charity shops are a wonderful place to start your treasure hunt, but individual dress agencies or consignment stores (that sell your clothes for you) are cropping up everywhere online.
Even if you can’t pop in for an IRL browse, a quick scroll of any of the shops in our edit will let you give your wardrobe a zhuj - or allow you to fill in the gaps that are missing from your dream capsule wardrobe.
So, which are the best second hand stores online that we rate?
Sign Of The Times
With a roomy store in a posh part of London, you will find epic designer bargains at Sign Of The Times. But there’s only room for so much fabulous fashion in an IRL shop… The inventory online runs into the thousands and we defy you not to fill your basket…
Wear Not Want Not
Katie Macaulay has been selling a mix of pre-loved high street and designer pieces for 16 years so knows what makes a good find… Her Instagram highlights are a show-case of the pick of the bunch and you’ll often find pieces from influencers’ wardrobes among her sales.
Ebay
How to even begin shopping on eBay? It’s all about super specific search terms and using all the filters. If you are hunting a designer handbag, their authenticity guarantee will give you peace of mind that you're not buying a fake. You can also save your favourite charities to ensure your purchases benefit them directly. Barnardo’s has a great selection of pre-loved womenswear.
Manifesto Woman
A curated mix of higher end high street pieces (owner Sally Emslie is choosy) and desirable designer, Manifesto Woman has a showroom in the wilds of Suffolk - but thankfully ships worldwide. The site it updated at 5pm most days with new goodies. Not that we have an alarm set, or anything…
Matisa Market
Describing their stock as “pristine,” Matisa Market is the shop to visit if you’re still squeamish about pre-worn pieces. We spotted J Crew, Me+Em and Isabel Marant jackets on the site this week - all at jaw-on-the-floor prices.
Reloved Studio on Depop
Depop is a treasure trove of vintage finds and pre-loved pieces but honing in on a seller who ticks your aesthetic is key. Always save sellers who’s style you like. Reloved Studio is particularly good for late Eighties, early Nineties knitwear and their edit of Fair Isle-style cardis is epic.
Chillie London
Shopping this site feels like browsing the best of Portobello Market from your laptop. Clothing is arranged by colour, not category, and it’s mostly unbranded. There’s a section of reworked sweatshirts that former fashion director Natalie and business partner Lydia have created together, too.
Retold Vintage
Following a drop model, this is the store to visit if your style is less cottagecore, more COS. Proving that vintage can be sleek and minimal, sign up to their newsletter for info on the next Retold Vintage sales. We are waiting with bated breath.
LucyClaytonVintage on Etsy
Searching on Etsy can be like looking for a needle in a haystack so always be specific with your search terms. To get started, check out podcaster and Ted talker Lucy Clayton, who is selling her own archive of pieces. Expect romantic Laura Ashley dresses, Manolo Blahnik shoes and some super rare gowns.
Read more from Glamour UK Fashion Director at large Alex Fullerton here or follow her on Instagram @alexandrafullerton
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