Secondhand Shopping 2.0: Unveiling the World of Online Thrifting and Vintage Treasures
by Ava Roman - Managing Editor of Revivalist
Welcome to the world of online thrift stores and vintage clothing! If you love unique, one-of-a-kind fashion pieces, online thrift stores offer a treasure trove of hidden gems.
Vintage clothing has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people seeking out retro styles and classic designs that stand out from the fast fashion trends of today. They provide an opportunity to score rare and coveted items from past decades, allow you to shop sustainably, and give old clothes a new lease on life.
Reasons to Thrift and Buy Vintage
Besides the fact that you get to wear unique items that stand out since they’re no longer being made, there are many benefits to thrifting:
Reduce water and oil consumption from manufacturing processes: Wearing thrifted or vintage items that have already been made protects the environment. Vice President of Sustainability at ElectroLux says you can reduce up to 30% of water, waste and carbon footprints by extending the life cycle of clothes by nine months.
Saves money and promotes sustainability: As a consumer, you can help push change by reducing the demand for fast fashion.
Reduce fabric/textile waste: Over 85% of fiber and textiles used in clothes end up in landfills or incinerators. By buying secondhand clothing, you can reduce the levels of fabric waste.
Tips for Online Thrifting
Before you get to scrolling through online thrift stores, you need a plan so you don’t buy seven 80s tees and a sequined jacket that will sit in your closet. Here are a few tips.
Start With Your Closet
Take inventory of your current wardrobe and ask yourself, “What do I actually need”? You probably already have a personal style, which means you often wear the same kinds of clothes. This can end with purchases of duplicate items when thrifting. You may need a long winter coat over a fourth pair of baggy jeans, so go through your closet to see what would make good additions to what you already have.
2. Look for Natural Fabrics
Research different kinds of fabrics to see which are best for your needs. When deciding between two equally chic summer dresses, a fabric comparison could be the tiebreaker. Stick to natural fabrics like cotton, linen, hemp and wool — they’re good for the planet and your skin. Fast fashion often incorporates dyes and chemicals that are harmful to your health in the long run. While buying synthetic goods secondhand is more acceptable, natural is better since you can compost or recycle them once you’ve worn them out.
3. Shop Slowly and Ponder Before You Purchase
While $2 deals are tempting, you want to refrain from buying $100 worth of something purely for the price. Remember — the point of sustainable fashion is to turn from consumerism and buy cheap items in bulk. You also want to think about expensive vintage items before you commit. Once you’ve seen a piece, consider how it fits your current style and how you can wear it.
4. Know Your Trends
A great way to find your vintage treasure and narrow down your search is to keep up with trends. How amazing would it be to get a similar dress to a runway piece for a quarter of the price? While it may not be the same dress, you get a trendy yet unique piece.
Where To Get Vintage Clothing Online
Where do you start? You’ll likely find many online secondhand stores and vintage shops with varying styles and prices in your online search. Here are a few you can find on Etsy that will help you start your vintage clothing journey.
FreaVintage
This store sells upcycled clothing items like tote bags, blouses and dresses. They have a collection of vintage watches in almost any style you can think of and stunning vintage jewelry pieces.
Retro & Me
This online shop mostly stocks items from the 80s and 90s. Not only are the clothes sustainable, but 10% of the profits are donated to people in need and shipping comes with 100% carbon offset, like investing in reforestation or a carbon emission reduction project.
ShopOlga Vintage
ShopOlga’s owner — Sue — spent her childhood weekends with her mother frequenting fleamarkets. She has an eye for classic vintage gems and sells them at affordable prices. You will find a range of accessories, sustainable dresses, and clothing with interesting patterns and unique designs for all occasions.
Persephone Vintage
The beauty of secondhand clothing is the stories behind them. If you’re looking for curated vintage items, Persephone Vintage has a lovely collection of second-hand clothing, shoes and accessories. The owner reconstructs and alters vintage items to suit modern-day styles, so you get a unique item with each purpose.
Vestiaire Collective
This store is not on Etsy, but for those looking for luxury items, this shop has high-end vintage clothes and accessories that go through authenticity and quality checks before being sold. They have an extensive women’s collection from Levi Jeans to Burberry Trench Coats and Chanel wool blazers. You can also get accessories like jewelry, athletic gear and shoes for up to a third of the original price. Each listing has the price and location, so you can shop close to home and reduce shipping emissions.
One Person’s Old Coat Is Another’s Vintage Treasure
Shopping secondhand has many benefits, including its positive impact on the environment and the unique stories behind each item. You get to wear special items and contribute to saving the planet. Whether you're looking for a statement piece or a timeless addition to your wardrobe, online thrift stores are the perfect place to start your search.