Want to save money, help the environment, and look stylish? Secondhand shopping is your answer.
In this guide, you’ll discover 12 top-rated online thrift stores that are revolutionizing sustainable fashion in 2024. I’ll show you how to find unique vintage pieces, trendy outfits, and even home decor at unbeatable prices.
As an environmental scientist and climate change expert, I’ve researched sustainable fashion alternatives and evaluated various online thrift stores.
My curated list has helped thousands of readers build eco-friendly wardrobes while saving up to 90% off retail prices.
By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly where to shop for high-quality secondhand items, how to score the best deals, and why thrifting is the smartest way to upgrade your style in 2024.
Let’s dive in and unlock the world of online thrift shopping.
Top 12 Global Online Thrift Stores
1. The RealReal (USA)
RealReal is the world’s largest online marketplace for authenticated, consigned luxury goods. Founded in 2011, the company provides an end-to-end service that opens up the supply and creates a trusted, curated online marketplace for buyers globally.
The website is extremely user-friendly, allowing buyers to easily search by designer, category, size, condition, and more.
The only downside is that the most coveted items tend to get scooped up extremely quickly. You have to be lightning-fast when certain items get listed. But that’s all part of the fun!
RealReal offers a wide selection of authenticated luxury goods from top designers, operates both online and offline retail stores, and has cultivated a loyal and engaged buyer base. With more than 34 million members, as of September 30, 2023, it had sold nearly 36 million items.
Website: The RealReal
Location: USA
Distributed: USA and Internationally
2. Vestiaire Collective (France)
The Vestaire Collective is a must-visit online destination for fashion lovers seeking an eco-friendly way to indulge in designer labels. This Parisian platform has emerged as Europe’s leading luxury consignment marketplace, offering an unparalleled selection of authenticated pre-owned items from coveted brands like Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and more.
What sets Vestaire apart is its meticulous authentication process and seamless user experience. Sellers can conveniently ship their luxury pieces to Vestaire’s facilities, where a team of experts meticulously inspects each item for authenticity before photographing and listing it on the website and app.
Buyers, on the other hand, can browse through a vast collection of designer treasures at a fraction of their retail prices, with the assurance of genuine products backed by Vestaire’s strict quality control.
Beyond the allure of scoring designer gems at a steal, Vestaire Collective champions sustainability by extending the lifespan of fashion items and promoting a circular economy. With over 5 million members across Europe and a rapidly growing presence, this platform is revolutionizing the way we consume luxury fashion while minimizing our environmental impact.
For conscious fashionistas seeking both style and sustainability, Vestaire Collective is a wardrobe essential, offering a curated selection of pre-loved designer pieces that not only elevate your style but also align with your eco-friendly values.
Website: Vestaire Collective
Location: France
Distributed: Europe and Internationally
3. Preworn (UK)
Based in Lincolnshire, England, Preworn is an online thrift store that offers a wide selection of secondhand clothing and accessories at affordable prices. The store sources its inventory from thrift stores and donations, ensuring that each item is unique and has a story behind it.
One of Preworn’s standout features is its commitment to sustainability. By offering secondhand items, the store helps reduce textile waste and promotes a more circular fashion economy. Additionally, Preworn donates a portion of its profits to various charitable organizations, making it a socially responsible choice for shoppers.
Customers have praised Preworn for its excellent customer service, fast shipping, and well-curated selection of items. Many reviewers have found hidden gems and unique pieces that they wouldn’t have been able to find elsewhere.
However, some customers have reported receiving items that were not accurately described or had minor flaws, so it’s important to carefully review the item descriptions and photos before making a purchase.
Overall, Preworn is a great option for those looking to shop secondhand while supporting a sustainable and socially conscious business. With its wide range of clothing and accessories, there’s something for everyone at Preworn.
Website: Preworn
Location: Lincolnshire, UK
Distributed: UK and Internationally
4. ThredUp (USA)
ThredUp is a California-based online consignment and thrift shop that offers a wide variety of secondhand clothing, shoes, and accessories for women and kids. Founded in 2009, ThredUp prides itself on its diverse categories and price ranges, with discounts as high as 90% off retail values.
The platform is known for its ease of use, with a large inventory and quick shipping, even during holidays. ThredUp has a strong commitment to sustainability and partners with Rent The Runway to sell gently used contemporary designer clothing.
The quality of ThredUp’s items is generally high, with each piece inspected before acceptance and condition marked on the site. Customers can return items if they don’t like them, but there may be a small restocking fee for certain items. ThredUp also offers a referral program and various promotions to make shopping more affordable.
Overall, ThredUp is a popular and well-regarded online thrift store that offers a wide range of secondhand items at discounted prices. Its commitment to sustainability and ease of use make it a really good option for those looking to shop secondhand.
Website: ThredUp
Location: USA
Distributed: Internationally
5. GiveRise (Canada)
eRise is at the top of our list as the best online thrift store Canada has ever seen. This thrift store has a variety of merchandise, from clothes to books and everything in between. What’s even better is that every purchase made at GiveRise benefits a Canadian charity. In addition to acquiring premium goods at incredible prices, you’ll also be helping those in need. Everyone benefits; thus, it’s a win-win situation.
GiveRise Donates to Charities
When you shop at GiveRise, you’ll have the option to choose from a selection of different charities. Find which charity you want to support and in a few simple steps, you’ll be able to do so easily. The best thing is that you can donate items you no longer need or sell them to make extra cash. It’s the perfect way to declutter your home and benefit a good cause at the same time.
You Can Sell Items on GiveRise
To post and sell your items at GiveRise, simply create a free account and list your items. Once they’re posted, you can choose which charity and how much you’d like to donate the proceeds to. Alternatively, you can have the money deposited directly into your account.
Peruse the marketplace and get a feel for the pricing and type of items and clothing that are selling.
Organize Fundraisers on this Platform
Schools and organizations are not left out. They can also post their events and fundraisers on the site to help them reach their goals. Sellers have the option to choose whether shipping is free. And if you want, as a seller you can offer a 30-day return policy, no questions asked.
Website: Give Rise
Location: Canada
Distributed: Canada
6. The Luxury Closet (Dubai)
In the world of high-end fashion, The Luxury Closet is an unparalleled digital destination for style savants seeking runway-worthy luxury at steep discounts. This premier online consignment boutique has curated an unmatchable collection of pre-owned designer treasures from the most coveted labels.
With each meticulously authenticated piece, you can indulge your label obsessions for Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Hermès and beyond without the fear of sticker shock. The Luxury Closet’s expertly curated virtual shelves are stocked with both vintage classics and contemporary must-haves spanning clothing, footwear, handbags, and accessories. But what really sets them apart is their white-glove quality control process.
Each consigned item undergoes a rigorous multi-point inspection to ensure its condition exceeds standards before being offered at unbeatable resale prices. It’s the ultimate thrifty score for the discerning fashionista.
Their online shopping experience is enhanced by global shipping capabilities, which put designer steals at anyone’s fingertips worldwide. For collectors ready to fund their next deal, The Luxury Closet also accepts peer-to-peer luxury resale consignments.
The Luxury Closet is a luxury lover’s paradise with new coveted arrivals hitting their virtual racks daily across all price points. Here genuine high-end fashion and sustainable indulgence finally intersect in perfect harmony. Get ready to fall head-over-heels into your newest addictive online shopping obsession.
Website: The Luxury Closet
Location: Dubai
Distributed: Dubai and internationally
7. Wildthing Vintage (Canada)
How does buying vintage clothing online from Wildthing Vintage sound? Their collection is insane, and you’re guaranteed to find some unique pieces that no one else will have. They sell both men’s and women’s clothing, as well as some homeware.
Wildthing is an Etsy shop that is wildly expensive and known for being overpriced. However, they manage to find some of the coolest vintage clothes and sell them at a fraction of the cost. For example, they have a men’s Gucci sweater for only $85.
Based in Toronto, Ontario province, they ship across Canada. You can also find them at various pop-up shops and markets around the city. It specializes in vintage, denim, sequin, and leather fashion. They have a wide variety of items for sale, including dresses, skirts, blouses, jeans, and even some Halloween costumes. You will also find jewelry and shoes.
Website: Wildthing Vintage
Location: Canada
Distributed: Canada and internationally
8. Beyond Retro (UK)
Beyond Retro has carved out a niche in the sustainable fashion landscape of the UK, Sweden and Finland, capturing the hearts and wallets of eco-conscious consumers. As the demand for circular fashion solutions continues to soar, Beyond Retro has positioned itself as a prominent player in the realm of vintage clothing and accessories.
At its core, Beyond Retro is a digital treasure trove brimming with meticulously curated vintage and secondhand gems. From retro denim to bold statement pieces, their online store offers a captivating array of one-of-a-kind finds that are sure to ignite your inner fashionista.
Customers have generally praised Beyond Retro for its extensive inventory, reasonable prices, and helpful staff. Many have reported finding great bargains and unique items that are not easily available elsewhere. The store’s online platform is also popular, allowing customers to browse and purchase items from the comfort of their own homes
As the fashion industry continues to evolve, Beyond Retro stands at the forefront of a movement that celebrates the beauty of pre-loved garments and accessories.
Website: Beyond Vintage
Location: UK
Distributed: UK, Finland, Sweden
9. Mama Loves You (Canada)
Mama Loves You has been helping Torontonians find amazing deals on used clothing, furniture, home décor, and more for ten years. The online store is easy to navigate, and you can find anything you’re looking for, whether it’s a prom dress or a fashion-forward outfit for work.
Their core values are based on providing excellent customer service, being environmentally and socially responsible, and supporting local charities. Sustainability and reducing waste are important to them, and they strive to keep as much out of landfills as possible. They offer free shipping for orders within US and Canada over $100. They also offer a 14-day return policy if you’re unsatisfied with your purchase.
Website: Mama Loves You
Location: Canada
Distributed: Canada and internationally
10. Goodwill Online (Canada)
For thrifters and bargain hunters, Goodwill’s online store is a virtual treasure trove waiting to be explored. This beloved non-profit thrift chain has taken its vast collection of donated goods to the digital realm, making those iconic pop-up shopping experiences accessible from anywhere.
With just a few clicks, you can sift through Goodwill’s ever-changing inventory of clothing, accessories, home decor, and furniture – all at unavoidably thrifty prices. Their online shelves are stocked with surprising finds, from trendy dresses and vintage blouses to gently used designer handbags. You’ll even discover quirky gems like Halloween costumes alongside timeless pieces.
But what really sets Goodwill apart is their commitment to doing good. Every purchase directly supports their invaluable community programs and services. So, while you’re scoring unbeatable deals on quality secondhand items, you’re also making a positive impact.
Website: Goodwill Online Shop
Location: Canada
Distributed: USA and Canada
11. Turnabout Luxury (Canada)
For luxury lovers seeking high-end thrills without the full-price bills, Turnabout Luxury is a digital destination that elevates thrifting to an art form. This expertly curated online boutique specializes in the crème de la crème of preloved designer fashion and accessories.
From covetable handbags by Chanel and Hermès to red carpet-worthy shoes and clothing from coveted labels, Turnabout Luxury’s meticulously authenticated collection reads like a who’s who of iconic brands. But the true luxury here is scoring these pieces at deeply discounted thrift store prices.
As you virtually window shop the beautifully merchandised site, you’d never guess these treasures had previous owners. Turnabout Luxury has mastered the art of restoring and presenting high-value secondhand items to impeccable standards.
Their commitment to curation extends to the shopping experience itself, elevating it with white-glove service perks like free shipping on orders over $200. So go ahead, indulge in that Birkin or Louboutin splurge – Turnabout Luxury makes it accessible. But the real genius is their unique dual model.
Not just an online resale boutique, they also allow you to consign and earn from your own designer cast-offs. So that barely-worn Valentino dress can find a loving new home while funding your next designer score.
Website: Turnabout Luxury
12. Depop (UK)
Depop is a mobile-focused online marketplace app that allows people to buy and sell clothing, accessories, and other fashion items. It was founded in 2011 and is particularly popular among Gen Z and millennial users looking for unique, vintage, and secondhand fashion.
The platform has a strong emphasis on the resale of trendy, streetwear-inspired clothing and accessories. Many sellers on Depop are individual resellers or small businesses selling handmade, reworked, or thrifted items.
Beyond its environmental benefits, Depop also promotes entrepreneurship and creativity. Sellers on the platform can showcase their talents by upcycling or reworking vintage pieces, breathing new life into forgotten garments and accessories.
By offering a marketplace for secondhand, vintage, and handmade items, Depop encourages a mindset of reusing and repurposing rather than perpetuating the cycle of overconsumption. This resonates with Millenial and Gen Z’s values as they seek out more eco-friendly and ethical alternatives to fast fashion.
Overall, Depop provides an alternative to traditional e-commerce by creating an app-based, social media-styled marketplace specifically for streetwear, vintage, and secondhand fashion sales.
Website:Depop
Location: UK
Distributed: UK and internationally
How do I shop for secondhand clothing online?
Now that you know the best online thrift stores to find more eco-conscious fashion bargains, it’s time to learn how to shop for secondhand clothing. Here are some tips on sustainable fashion to get you started:
- Know Your Sizes: This will ensure that you don’t end up with clothing that doesn’t fit. Most online stores have a size chart that you can refer to. Be sure to check that before you make a purchase.
- Check their Returns Policy: Be sure to check the return policy of the store. This way, you know what to expect if you need to return or exchange an item.
- Read the Description Carefully: This will help you know what to expect when you receive the item. The description should include the material, sizing, and any other important information.
- Check the Photos Carefully: The photos should give you a good idea of the condition of the item. If there are any major flaws, they should be listed in the description.
- Ask Questions: If you have any questions, be sure to contact the seller before you make a purchase. This way, you can get clarification on anything unclear.
Check out this video by The Guardian for more on why thrifting is the way to go:
Final Thoughts on Thrifting: Online and In-Person
Whether you prefer the thrill of the hunt at your local thrift store or the convenience of online thrifting from home, secondhand shopping is an excellent way to score unique finds, reduce your environmental impact, and save money.
In-person thrifting allows you to touch and try on items while soaking up the atmosphere, while online platforms provide a wider selection that can be browsed any time.
Both have their advantages, so opt for whichever thrifting method suits your preferences and lifestyle. Whatever route you take, thrifting helps extend the life cycle of clothing and household goods while allowing you to curate an eclectic, sustainable wardrobe and home.
The best part is that it’s a lot of fun and does not have to be time-consuming at all. Follow the tips above and visit this list of online thrift stores based all around the world, many of these platforms offer international shipping. You can now enjoy the experience of thrifting no matter where you are in the world.
The thrill of uncovering hidden gems amidst racks of pre-loved garments or browsing through curated online collections adds an element of excitement to the shopping experience. With some patience and an open mind, you’re bound to unearth pre-loved treasures that bring you joy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an app to help you find thrift stores?
But of course! Thrifigo is an app that finds the closest thrift stores near you. You can download it from the App Store or get it on Google Play. Never be short on resources again when looking for ways to buy gently used items. Check out the full guide for some of the best thrift stores to shop online around the world.
What are the benefits of thrifting?
Thrifting offers numerous benefits that make it an appealing and sustainable shopping option. It's an eco-friendly way to reduce waste and extend the life cycle of clothing, furniture, and household items. Thrifting is also a cost-effective alternative to buying new, allowing shoppers to find high-quality items at a fraction of the retail price. Beyond the financial and environmental advantages, thrifting provides a unique and exciting treasure hunt experience, where each visit promises the thrill of discovering one-of-a-kind finds that reflect individual style and personality. With patience and an eye for potential, thrifting can unearth hidden gems that bring both practical value and personal joy.
Do thrift stores wash clothes?
Most thrift stores do NOT wash clothes. Generally, donated clothes are only washed by charities that are giving them to families. Secondhand thrift shops will typically sell items as they receive them. It’s best practice to deep clean apparel from thrift stores before wearing them. Check out the full guide for more thrift shopping best practices to be aware of.
References
Bloomberg: The Global Glut of Clothing Is an Environmental Crisis
The Good Trade: How To Properly Clean And Care For Secondhand Clothing
Topic Insights: Why Thrift Shopping Is Better For The Environment
Sustainably Chic: 10 Used Clothing Apps For Second-Hand Shopping
