10 of the Best Secondhand Platforms to Shop Pre-Loved From
Secondhand September is a celebration of pre-loved treasures. Our passion for vintage, secondhand, and pre-loved fashion (and really, anything else) is a big part of what defines us as Sustainable Baddies. This month highlights the importance of circularity and reminds us that everything we need—whether for survival or creative expression—already exists. In a capitalist society constantly pushing the allure of the latest “new” thing, it's crucial to remember that most things are already out there, waiting to be found secondhand. Shopping secondhand not only supports circularity but also encourages us to look to our communities for resources and repair. It can teach us to cherish what we already own and appreciate items that come embedded with history and love.
If you’re looking to send your pre-loved items off to a new home, trade with people in your community (near and far), or discover vintage gems to add to your wardrobe, these platforms are some of our favorites for embracing circularity and secondhand living.
1. Gem
photo courtesy of Gem
Gem is all of your go-to secondhand platforms in one. It functions as a search engine for vintage and secondhand items, bringing together products from platforms like eBay, Etsy, Poshmark, and more, all in one place. Founded by Liisa Jokinen and Sampo Karjalainen in New York City, Gem offers an easy secondhand shopping experience with no extra costs.
2. Vinted
photo courtesy of VInted
Vinted is a global platform dedicated to making secondhand fashion your first choice. The platform is connecting people looking to buy, sell, and swap preloved clothing. Vinted encourages users to reduce their environmental impact by choosing secondhand items over new ones and helping to support a circular economy.
photo courtesy of Lucky Sweater
Lucky Sweater is like a virtual clothing swap; it’s got cool clothes and community and all. It’s an app where you can connect with others to trade and share clothes that focus on slow fashion, vintage, and handmade pieces. On the app, you can list items you want to trade, browse what others have available, and match with people to swap clothes, so you can refresh your wardrobe without buying new.
4. Depop
photo courtesy of Depop
Darling (and occasionally controversial) platform of vintage and secondhand fashion girlies, Depop is a circular fashion marketplace where anyone can buy, sell, and discover pre-loved clothing. Since its founding in 2011, Depop has grown into a community of 35 million users who are passionate about extending the life of clothes and making fashion more sustainable.
5. eBay
photo courtesy of eBay
eBay is a global online marketplace where people can buy and sell everything from everyday essentials to rare collectibles. Founded in 1995, eBay has long connected buyers and sellers worldwide to buy, auction, and trade both new and secondhand goods. Recently, the platform has begun focusing more on pre-loved fashion, even launching its own pre-loved fashion week at this year’s NYFW.
6. Etsy
photo courtesy of @cuginoceramics on Etsy
Founded in 2005, Etsy is an online marketplace dedicated to unique, handmade, and vintage items. Etsy has the same vibe as an online flea market; seemingly infinite and full of beautiful handmade things. From personalized gifts to rare small independent designers, what makes Etsy special is their focus on items crafted by independent artisans from all over the world.
7. Poshmark
photo courtesy of Poshmark
A staple of our secondhand shopping folder since the early 2010s, Poshmark is a social marketplace where users can buy and sell new and secondhand fashion, home goods, and beauty products. Launched in 2011, Poshmark combines shopping with social networking, allowing users to follow closets, share listings, and discover items through their community-driven platform.
photo courtesy of Vestiaire Co.
Since their recent cameo in Emily in Paris, Vestiaire Collective is proving they’re the go-to resale platform of even the chicest fictional characters. Vestiaire Collective is a marketplace for pre-loved luxury and designer fashion. In a show of commitment to sustainability, Vestiaire Collective has permanently banned fast fashion brands, ensuring only high-quality, long-lasting pieces are available.
9. The RealReal
photo courtesy of The Real Real
The RealReal is an online marketplace for authenticated luxury consignment that offers a wide selection of pre-loved designer fashion, fine jewelry, watches, and home decor. Every item is vetted for authenticity so buyers can shop with confidence that what they’re getting is the real deal. Through their circular approach to luxury, The RealReal makes high-end fashion more accessible and sustainable.
10. ThredUp
ThredUp is an online consignment and thrift store that promotes sustainable fashion by offering a vast selection of secondhand clothing for women and kids at affordable prices. ThredUp makes it easy to refresh your wardrobe while reducing fashion waste.
Where do you find your secondhand goodies?