There’s no denying that second-hand shopping has grown in popularity in recent years as we all become more concerned of the environmental effect of our clothing. In fact, a recent Oxfam analysis, issued to coincide with its annual Second-Hand September campaign, discovered that if every adult in the UK bought half of their wardrobes second-hand, it would avoid enough CO2 emissions to fly around the world 17,000 times.
Fortunately, a slew of secondhand shops have sprung up in recent years, making it easier than ever to make a more environmentally friendly buy. Plus, as Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, and Rihanna have demonstrated, buying pre-loved apparel means you’ll be the only one in the room with that item, making it extra unique.
See our picks for the top online secondhand stores below
It has hardly ever been worn
Hardly Ever Worn It (HEWI) was founded in 2012 after CEO Tatiana Wolter-Ferguson, her mother Sharon, and sister Natalya noticed there were so many clothes in their wardrobe that they had rarely worn. From Chanel minidresses to Jacquemus bags, the website is brimming with treasures just waiting to be discovered.
Vestiaire Collective
Vestiaire Collective, founded in 2009, is Europe’s largest resale portal for premium apparel, with 25,000 pieces uploaded to the website every day. To avoid getting overwhelmed by the abundance of options, search for your favourite brands or the particular thing you’re searching for.
Farfetch Certified Pre-Owned
While many stores are including resale onto their websites, Farfetch has long been ahead of the curve, opening its pre-owned area in 2010. The e-tailer, which blends in with the rest of its offerings, allows you to purchase second-hand while yet enjoying the same luxury experience as those who buy new.
Depop
There’s a reason Depop is Gen Z’s favourite resale site, and the app is chock-full of Y2K treasures. Whether you’re shopping for baby tees, The North Face puffer coats, or Prada cheetah-print boots, the resale marketplace has Bella Hadid’s approval.
Vinted
Vinted, another long-standing participant in the resale arena, is the place to go for cult names at cheaper costs. There are a plethora of designer items to search for, from Molly Goddard to Chopova Lowena to Wales Bonner’s collaboration with Adidas.
Reluxe
Reluxe, which was launched in February 2022 by stylist Clare Richardson, offers a curated luxury offering, with many things hand-picked from the closets of fashion’s most fashionable women. Expect to see Phoebe Philo-era Céline, Prada, and Balenciaga on the site, and the platform has recently paired together with Matchesfashion to produce an exclusive edit.
Sellier
Sellier specialises in pre-owned designer bags and accessories from top premium labels including Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Hermès. The business employs a team of professionals to verify its items, making the reselling procedure as simple as possible.
Retold
Retold is the resale site for individuals who like a more basic look. Its collection includes trench coats from Burberry and Max Mara from the 1990s. Founder Clare Lewis curates weekly releases that sell out quickly – subscribe to the Retold email to prevent missing out.
Lampoo
Lampoo is worth a try if you’re looking for quiet elegance (think The Row, Khaite, and Nanushka). With offices in both Milan and London, the site is ideal for anyone wishing to assemble a capsule wardrobe without purchasing brand-new items.
Rites
Rites is a resale and rental business founded by Meg O’Hara of Sustainable Department Store. There’s something for everyone on the site, with high-end names like Prada and Balenciaga alongside modern labels like Aje, Stine Goya, and Matteau.
1stDibs
1stDibs is the place to go if you want to buy a piece of fashion history. Whether you’re looking for a rare Jean Paul Gaultier dress or a Vivienne Westwood corset, the site is a favourite among vintage dealers and collectors.
The RealReal
While The RealReal is situated in the United States, its extensive collection of luxury items makes it well worth a look even from the United Kingdom. Just keep in mind any additional import taxes and customs charges that will be imposed at the checkout.