Thrift shopping isn’t just a great way to score one-of-a-kind fashion finds; it’s also a fantastic choice for sustainable shopping. By opting for secondhand clothing, you’re helping to reduce waste and support more eco-friendly shopping practices. Whether you’re a seasoned thrifter or a beginner, knowing where to shop can make all the difference. In this post, we’ve rounded up the best thrift stores that prioritize sustainability, offer unique items, and support charitable causes. Let’s dive in!
1. Goodwill
Why it’s great:
Goodwill is a well-known name in the thrifting world, and for good reason. It offers a large variety of pre-loved clothes, shoes, and accessories in all styles and sizes. What makes it even more sustainable is that the revenue from their sales goes towards supporting local communities and providing job training programs.
Sustainability Tip:
Check out Goodwill’s online store if you don’t have a location nearby. It’s another great way to access secondhand treasures from home.
2. ThredUp
Why it’s great:
ThredUp is one of the largest online secondhand stores, specializing in women’s and kids’ clothing. They curate their collection by ensuring quality and condition, offering a wide range of affordable, gently-used items. Plus, you can sell your old clothes to them to extend the life cycle of your garments.
Sustainability Tip:
Use their “Clean Out” program to send in your unwanted clothes, and you can earn credit for future shopping, which keeps your wardrobe both fresh and eco-friendly.
3. Depop
Why it’s great:
Depop is a marketplace that allows individuals to sell secondhand items, making it perfect for finding unique vintage pieces and fashion-forward styles. The platform is especially popular among younger shoppers who are looking to recycle fashion in a fun, community-driven way. Plus, with the ability to follow your favorite sellers, it’s easy to find pieces you love.
Sustainability Tip:
Don’t forget to check the seller’s location for more sustainable shipping options. Many sellers offer eco-friendly shipping practices like recycled materials or carbon-neutral options.
4. The RealReal
Why it’s great:
If you’re into luxury secondhand fashion, The RealReal is the place to go. This online consignment shop specializes in pre-owned designer clothing, handbags, and jewelry. They authenticate every item they sell, ensuring you’re buying genuine luxury pieces at a fraction of the retail price, all while contributing to the reduction of fast fashion waste.
Sustainability Tip:
Look for items with high resale value that you can later pass along. The RealReal makes it easy to sell your items back once you’re ready for a closet refresh.
5. Poshmark
Why it’s great:
Poshmark is another popular online platform that focuses on buying and selling secondhand clothing, accessories, and even home goods. It’s a social shopping experience where users can “follow” sellers, share their listings, and negotiate prices. Poshmark offers a wide variety of pre-owned and vintage pieces, making it easy to find affordable fashion for everyone.
Sustainability Tip:
Sell your clothes back on Poshmark when you’re ready to let go of items. Not only are you keeping your wardrobe fresh, but you’re also giving others a chance to enjoy your pieces.
6. Buffalo Exchange
Why it’s great:
Buffalo Exchange has been a staple in the secondhand fashion community for decades. With locations across the U.S., they offer a wide selection of trendy, vintage, and affordable items. What’s special about Buffalo Exchange is their commitment to sustainability and their “recycling” programs. They buy, sell, and trade used clothing, giving a second life to clothes that might otherwise go to a landfill.
Sustainability Tip:
Bring in your old clothes to exchange for new-to-you finds. The more you trade, the more you save, and it keeps garments in circulation.
7. Savers / Value Village
Why it’s great:
Savers, also known as Value Village in some areas, is a favorite for budget-friendly thrift shopping. This massive thrift chain offers everything from vintage finds to everyday essentials, and their profits support local charities. Their commitment to sustainability is reflected in their business model, as they aim to keep items out of landfills by offering them a second chance.
Sustainability Tip:
Look for local “special sale” days where items are discounted further. This helps you find sustainable options while keeping costs low.
8. Local Charity Shops (Independent Stores)
Why it’s great:
Sometimes, the best thrifting gems are found in smaller, independent charity shops. These local stores usually have a more curated selection of secondhand fashion and are often run by volunteers or small organizations. By shopping at these shops, you’re supporting both sustainable fashion and local charitable causes.
Sustainability Tip:
Look for stores that specialize in specific items, like vintage pieces or eco-conscious clothing. You’ll find great deals while helping support causes close to home.
Sustainable Thrift Shopping Tips:
- Check for fabric quality: Look for high-quality materials like wool, cotton, or silk that are built to last.
- Avoid single-use items: Thrift for clothing that can be worn multiple times in various ways.
- Get creative with DIY: Thrift stores are full of clothes you can upcycle into something new. Try adding embroidery, patches, or tailoring to create unique pieces.
- Wash and care properly: Thrifted clothes often need a good wash and some care, so make sure you know how to clean them sustainably.
By supporting these thrift stores, you’re not only finding amazing fashion deals but also contributing to a more sustainable fashion industry. Happy thrifting!