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Purchasing your clothing from vintage, thrift, or consignment shops is a great way to hunt for fantastic finds. It is also a great way to keep old clothing out of landfills, fight fast fashion, and save money too.
According to a report by fashion reseller ThredUp, the secondhand clothing market is set to hit the $64 Billion mark in the next 5 years. And online sales of pre-used clothing are set to grow 69 percent from 2019 to 2021 while the entire retail sector is set to shrink. This trend seems to be here to stay.
Can’t get to your favorite shop because it is closed or you are staying home due to the coronavirus pandemic? No problem, you can shop these nine fabulous thrifts online and reap all the benefits. It’s easier than ever.
Beyond Retro – vintage clothing
This vintage clothing retailer began as a single warehouse stocked full of upscale pre-preowned clothing in East London, England in 2002. Now the leading vintage retailer in the UK and Sweden has online shopping and international shipping. Beyond Retro’s buying team takes trends seriously, according to the company, and will scour fashion runways, global street style, and edgy reviews to bring you the best from yesterday’s closet. You can shop online by era or by popular brands.
Swap.com – for affordable clothing
Swap.com is a thrift and consignment community of affordable apparel, for women, men and kids of all ages. This online retailer located in Chicago, Illinois inspects every item to ensure that they can be reused and reloved. Clothing costs up to 90 percent off retail pricing. The company’s motto is: Unlock the secret to feel-good fashion at an affordable cost. People won't know, but your wallet will!”
The RealReal - for top designer brands
This luxury consignment shop lets you shop by designer including Burberry, Gucci, Chanel, and hundreds more. Founded in 2011 as a scrappy startup, The RealReal now has four retail shops in New York City, San Francisco, and Los Angeles as well as online shopping. The shop sells clothing, jewelry, accessories, as well as second hand art, and housewares. You can even offset your delivery carbon for more sustainable shopping.
Did you know the way a Rolex Datejust ticks can help you determine its authenticity? Find out how on RealStyle. https://t.co/z2T4ITEfIe
— The RealReal (@therealreal) June 30, 2020
ThredUp – for a huge selection
This is not your mother’s thrift store. Thredup, is based in San Francisco, California, says it is the world’s largest online secondhand store with thousands of brand name clothing for the entire family selling at up to 90 percent off their retail price. Every item is 100 percent authentic and in good shape. The company said: “no knock-off here – just knockoff prices.” You can browse by department, by brand or just shop the deals.
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Patagonia – when you want to take a hike
Every year, according to Mind Body Green, Patagonia collects thousands of used clothing and gear that are in tip-top shape and sells them on Worn Wear for a fraction of the original price. The company also offers instructions on how to care for your garments and mending tips. Patagonia explains what Wear is all about on this YouTube video.
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Etsy – for an unusual look
You’ve probably shopped Etsy for crafts but did you know that Brooklyn, New York company also has a second-hand clothes market on its site? With products that range from vintage jeans from the 1960s to hand smocked dresses, Esty has something for everyone according to The Good Trade. Shopping on Etsy is a great way to shop the small business people who have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
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Tradsey – everything just for women
This online vintage consignment store was founded by women for women. Tradsey carries everything from casual chic to wedding gowns from designer labels like Gucci, DVF, and Dior. All are guaranteed to be authentic. This Santa Monica, California company tells you to “rebel against retail and get luxury for less.”
Grailed – for men only
This secondhand shop sells men's clothing exclusively. With a large selection of outerwear, formalwear, footwear, and athleticwear; there is something for every man. You can browse by designer or category. Grailed truly is a one stop online destination for buying and selling men's clothing.
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Goodfair – for a thrift store surprise
This company collects used clothing from a network of collection boxes, thrift stores and recyclers and ships it to customers in customized variety packs. Everything is bundled by size and wearing style includes these selections: the tree hugger, mother earth, comfy cozy, the boys of summer, and no boys allowed packages. Every piece of clothing sold was saved from going to the landfill and reintroduced to the consumer cycle. Every piece has a positive impact.
