Thrifting: A Resurgence
Thrifting has undeniably become a mainstream fashion trend, but its roots run deeper than recent TikTok fame. To understand the full scope of thrifting, we must delve into its history.
The idea of thrift can be traced back to the early 19th century when charities and religious groups began collecting and selling second-hand clothing to support their missions. However, it was during the Great Depression in the 1930s that thrift shopping became widely embraced. During that time, many individuals faced financial hardships, making it difficult to purchase new clothes. Consequently, thrift stores became a more accessible option as they were often operated by charitable organisations, offering donated items at a fraction of the cost of new products.
In the subsequent decades, thrift stores gained popularity, especially among the hippie culture of the 1960s and teenagers seeking to keep up with fashion trends in the 1980s. This led to thrift stores expanding their inventory beyond clothing and household items. Today, thrift stores offer a wide range of items, including vintage clothing, designer pieces, furniture, and even electronics.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, thrifting saw a resurgence in popularity again among millennials, partly thanks to the TikTok hashtag #ThriftTok, which has amassed 1.6 billion views. Generation Z has also played a significant role in the trend for second-hand clothing, viewing thrifting as a means of self-expression and a way to discover unique pieces. The increase in thrift shopping in recent times can also be largely linked to a growing awareness of the environmental impact of consumerism and a desire to minimise waste. Embracing thrift shopping offers a sustainable alternative to fast fashion and helps reduce the volume of clothing and household items disposed of in landfills. This shift towards sustainability is a positive step, but it's important to note that not all thrifted items are created equal. The rise of fast fashion has led to an influx of low-quality garments into thrift stores, challenging the notion that thrifting is always a sustainable choice.
Thrifting has undeniably gone mainstream. From Gen Z collectors seeking unique pieces to millennials reselling their wardrobes on platforms like Vinted, secondhand shopping is no longer a niche hobby. Driven by a growing awareness of consumerism's environmental impact, thrifting isn't just a trend; it's becoming the future of fashion.
London’s Best Thrift Stores
We recently came across a study from Public Desire that ranked the top countries with the best thrift shopping culture, and found out that the US is the best country to do your vintage shopping in. With 28,849 thrift stores across the country, 93% of the population is engaged in online second-hand shopping, making the USA a leader in this sector.
That said, you’ll be glad to hear that the UK was actually ranked second in the world. With 4,082 thrift stores across the country and 70% of the population engaging with the industry, that’s some high stats for a small(ish) country like ours. But if you’re a Londoner like us, then you are in one of the best places in the world to find vintage and thrifted goods. The city is overflowing with places and resources to get your thrifting hat on! Today, we’re breaking down what we think are the best thrift stores in the city. Believe us when we say they’re all worth a visit.
Beyond Retro's main vintage superstore is in Dalston and features a large, yet carefully curated selection of vintage and second-hand clothing for both men and women, all within an aesthetically pleasing Art Deco setting. You can also shop their wide selection of thrifted clothes online if you don’t feel like going out, but we think you’ll only find some gems when you get your hands in the racks…
Rokit's flagship store in Camden offers an extensive range of second-hand items, including tutus, military gear, cowboy boots, and sunglasses. While you may not find many popular brands, exploring the store is worthwhile. If the main store doesn't have what you're looking for, you can check out their branches in Covent Garden and Brick Lane, which has a more boutique feel.
Reign Vintage was founded in 2002 and quickly made a name for themselves in the London vintage fashion industry. They now proudly own two stores, one in the city and one in Oxford. Conveniently, they also maintain a well-stocked online store that is regularly updated, simplifying the process of finding unique second-hand items even more, and for everyone. Their inventory is largely sourced from Europe, so it includes a variety of items such as logo sweatshirts, quirky dresses, Gucci loafers, and Versace blazers. With prices starting from £25, there are plenty of affordable finds.
House of Vintage, located in Shoreditch, is a carefully curated shop that simplifies the vintage shopping experience for those looking for one-of-a-kind pieces. From '20s gowns to '70s point-collared shirts, you'll find plenty of unique pieces in both stores, even the one near Broadway Market. If we’re looking for a statement piece, this is where we go.
Retromania, under the management of charity FARA, is another one worth a mention right in the centre of London, near Victoria and Pimlico stations. The store boasts a team of fashion experts who price items thoughtfully, offering a selection ranging from £15 to over £200. Think embroidered shirts, quirky 70s dresses, vibrant oversized sweaters, old vinyl records and fashion magazines.
Frank Styling Boutique is also worth a mention - very small independent shop selling on Etsy, our friend Frank actually has one of the best vintage selection we’ve ever come across. Check out his selection here, or find him at Portobello Road Market on Fridays!
With these shops gaining our top five of London’s best thrift stores, there are so many shops out there that sell incredible second-hand pieces, that one blog post couldn’t possibly be enough. Our advice? Next time you’re walking around London, look around for shop windows and between thrift shops, markets and charity shops, you’re bound to find many pieces you’ll love for years to come.
We’d love to hear from you… What’s your trusted thrift store in London? We’re always on the lookout for new amazing hidden gems in the city. So comment, share and let us know! ;)
Love,
Scarlet Destiny X
[info sourced on goodfair.com, timeout.com and fashionunited.uk; images sourced on canva.com]