Best Online Thrift Stores for Sustainable Shopping
Forget digging through bargain bins and musty clothing racks—the age of digital thrifting is here! Fast fashion and clothing waste are serious issues when it comes to our collective carbon footprint. Landfills are packed with perfectly good clothes that take valuable resources to manufacture. Luckily, in-person and online thrifting can extend the lifecycle of these pre-loved goods, keeping them in circulation and getting them into the hands of fashion lovers around the world. We’ve found some of the best online thrift stores for vintage clothes, designer bags, and second-hand treasures.
What is an Online Thrift Store?
An online thrift store is a place where buyers can find second-hand goods at (hopefully) reasonable prices. These digital marketplaces usually buy or collect gently used clothing, accessories, books, furniture, and other items to sell to consumers. They may also provide a platform for individuals to post items they’d like to sell without a physical storefront.
Traditional vs. Online Thrifting
At traditional thrift stores, the selection is usually limited to clothes and goods from local sources, either through consignment or donations. While there are plenty of treasures to be found in physical stores, online thrift stores offer more variety and reach.
Here’s where to thrift in person:
- Local consignment stores
- Goodwill
- The Salvation Army
- Yard or garage sales
But you can thrift from your phone or computer as well, and we’ve found some great online options.
Top 6 Online Thrift Stores: How We Chose
Thrifting is all about finding pieces that speak to you. Sometimes, it can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. Here’s how we narrowed down some of the best online thrift stores so you can find your new fave:
- Wide selection of items
- Large seller pool
- Reasonable prices
- International shipping
Our Picks
All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author and DGHQ editors. However, Do Good HQ may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
1. Depop
| Best For | Clothes and accessories |
| Price Range | $ – $$ |
Depop is one of the best thrift stores online, particularly for Gen-Z shoppers. They offer an array of vintage and retro finds at affordable prices, including kids’ clothing, athletic fits, snow gear, and even formal attire. They also offer second-had name-brand clothes from popular labels like Lululemon, Urban Outfitters, Patagonia, and more.
Highlights
Depop is committed to sustainability and not just keeping clothes out of landfills. They are working towards a Net Zero emissions target and prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in their business practices.
Things to Consider
The clothing sold on Depop is mostly posted by independent sellers and individuals looking to clear out their closets. Look for clear pictures of items and check the condition of any clothes before buying.
2. ThredUp
| Best For | Clothing and accessories |
| Price Range | $ – $$$ |
ThredUp is an online consignment store that allows users to buy and sell all kinds of clothing, accessories, swimwear, and more. The company’s goal is to reduce fast fashion waste and keep perfectly good clothes in circulation. Users can easily list items, shop others’ closets, and find great deals on gently-used or like-new goodies.
Highlights
ThredUp has a large user base, which means millions of unique products are available to shop. The company prioritizes sustainable packaging and is committed to educating consumers about the environmental cost of fast fashion.
Things to Consider
At the time of publishing, ThredUp only ships to Canada and the US.
3. Poshmark
| Best For | Name-brand and vintage clothing |
| Price Range | $ – $$$ |
It’s one of the best vintage clothing websites for a reason. Poshmark provides an easy-to-use platform where sellers can list, ship, and shop for new and used clothing. They make it easy to search for big-name brands like Zara, Free People, and Anthropologie.
Highlights
Poshmark gives buyers the option to haggle and negotiate prices with sellers. You can even offer trades.
Things to Consider
While there are safeguards in place, buying from independent sellers always comes with some risk. Be sure to look for sellers with a good history and report any items that don’t arrive as described.
4. The RealReal
| Best For | Designer clothing and accessories |
| Price Range | $ – $$ |
When you think of “designer,” you may not immediately think of an online luxury consignment store, but that’s exactly where you’ll find the best deals. The RealReal is a place for thrifters to find genuine designer handbags, shoes, and jewelry at a fraction of their retail cost. From Alexander McQueen dresses to Gucci bags, you can find chic closet staples without paying off-the-shelf prices.
Highlights
The luxury industry accounts for a huge portion of clothing sales every year and is only growing. The RealReal was the first resale company to join the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action and partner with top luxury brands to spread awareness of the importance of resale.
Things to Consider
Sellers can send in items, but The RealReal also has physical storefronts where items can be dropped off and evaluated. If you’re looking to sell, they may not accept everything you’re looking to rehome.
5. Thrifted
| Best For | Vintage clothing |
| Price Range | $ – $$ |
Thrifted is a top digital thrift store when it comes to vintage clothes. They have selections for men’s and women’s clothing, as well as kids’ and sportswear. You can shop by category, brand, or aesthetic, making it easy to find pre-loved clothes that suit your personal style.
Highlights
Hundreds of items are added daily, and Thrifted offers worldwide shipping and a 30-day return window. Items for sale are collected, verified for authenticity, and cleaned before being shipped in biodegradable packaging.
Things to Consider
If you want to return an item, your refund will not include the original shipping cost.
6. Honorable Mention: GoodwillFinds
| Best For | Second-hand clothes |
| Price Range | $ – $$ |
Goodwill is one of the most widespread thrift store chains in the country, but did you know you can shop at an online Goodwill? Discover a wide selection of vintage clothes, toys, accessories, and home goods, all without driving to your local store.
Highlights
Goodwill prioritizes community support, offering job training and placement assistance to those who need it. They provide employment opportunities for people with disabilities, those with criminal records, and teens looking for a leg up. By keeping used products out of landfills, they support environmental health and uplift communities.
Things to Consider
All sales are final, so don’t count on returning any items if you change your mind.
How to Find the Best Online Thrift Stores
Thrifting is all about finding second-hand treasures that suit you. Look for stores that have a wide selection of the sizes and styles you like. Online thrift stores can offer more variety and flexible prices than physical shops, so save some gas and enjoy the convenience of millions of pre-loved goods at your fingertips. It’s good for the planet, your wallet, and your closet!
Featured image via ThredUp
