There's no doubt that second-hand shopping has become increasingly popular in recent years as we've all become more aware of the environmental impact of our clothes. A recent Oxfam report, published to coincide with the annual Second-Hand September campaign, found that every adult in the UK who buys half of their wardrobe second-hand would save CO2 emissions equivalent to driving around the world 17,000 times.
Thankfully, a whole host of resale sites have popped up in recent years, making it easier than ever to make a sustainable purchase. And as Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner and Rihanna have shown, buying second-hand fashion means you're probably the only person in the room who owns that piece - which makes it extra special.
Below is our pick of the best secondhand sites for online shopping.
eBay: eBay, the classic resale site, has long been a favorite among fashion editors looking for the treasures that got away from them the first time around. Now you can shop with even more confidence thanks to the authenticity guarantee on sneakers, handbags and watches.
Hardly ever worn (Hardly Ever Worn It - HEWI): The idea for Hardly Ever Worn It (HEWI) was born in 2012 when CEO Tatiana Wolter-Ferguson, her mother Sharon and sister Natalya realized that there were so many pieces in their closet that they had barely worn. From Chanel mini dresses to Jacquemus bags, the website is full of gems waiting to find a new home.
Vinted: Another long-standing player in the resale game, Vinted is the place to go for cult brands at bargain prices. From Molly Goddard and Chopova Lowena to Wales Bonner's collaboration with Adidas, there's a whole range of designer pieces to discover.
Depop: It's no coincidence that Depop is Generation Z's favorite resale site, as the app is full of Y2K treasures. Whether you're looking for baby t-shirts, The North Face puffer jackets or cheetah print Prada boots, the resale platform has the approval of Bella Hadid.
Farfetch Pre-Owned: While a growing number of retailers are integrating resale on their websites, Farfetch has long been a pioneer, launching its pre-owned section back in 2010. The e-tailer blends seamlessly with the rest of its offering, allowing you to store second-hand while enjoying the same luxurious experience it offers to those shopping brand new.
Vestiaire Collective: Founded in 2009, Vestiaire Collective is Europe's largest resale site for luxury fashion. Every day, 25,000 pieces are added to the platform. With no shortage of choice, you should search for your favorite brands or the exact piece you're looking for to avoid being overwhelmed.
Reluxe: Launched in February 2022 by stylist Clare Richardson, Reluxe offers a curated luxury offering with many handpicked pieces from the closets of the most stylish women in fashion. The site features the likes of Céline, Prada and Balenciaga from the Phoebe Philo era. The platform has also recently teamed up with Matchesfashion to create an exclusive collection.
Sellier: Specializing in pre-owned designer bags, Sellier is your go-to destination for accessories from top luxury brands such as Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton and Hermès. The store has a team of experts who check the authenticity of the pieces and make the resale process as smooth as possible.
Reissued (Retold): For those who prefer a more minimalist aesthetic, Retold is the resale site to visit. The collection includes trench coats from Burberry and Max Mara from the 90s. Founder Clare Lewis curates weekly deals that sell out shortly after they appear on the website - subscribe to the Retold newsletter to make sure you don't miss out.
Lampoo: If you're looking for quiet luxury - think brands like The Row, Khaite and Nanushka - then you should try Lampoo. With branches in Milan and London, the site is perfect for anyone looking to put together a capsule wardrobe without buying brand new pieces.
Rites: Founded by Meg O'Hara of the Sustainable Department Store, Rites is a resale and rental platform that aims to promote the circularity of fashion. With high-end brands like Prada and Balenciaga and modern labels like Aje, Stine Goya and Matteau, there's something for every style.
1stDibs: If you want to get your hands on a piece of fashion history, 1stDibs is the place to go. Whether you are looking for a rare dress by Jean Paul Gaultier or a corset by Vivienne Westwood, the platform is particularly popular with vintage dealers and collectors.
The RealReal: The RealReal may be based in the US, but its huge selection of luxury items is worth browsing from the UK too. Just remember that additional import taxes and customs charges will apply at checkout.
These sites offer a wide range of second-hand options, from luxury fashion to vintage treasures, allowing you to shop sustainably and find unique pieces.
February 01, 2024