Thrifting is having its moment—and it’s happening on Instagram! South Africa's thrifting culture has taken off, and it's not just a trend; it's a full-blown movement.
Instagram thrift stores are transforming how people shop, dress, and even how they think about fashion.
With sustainability on everyone's minds and budgets tightening, finding pre-loved gems has never been more stylish—or more accessible.
But what exactly is this all about, and how can you jump on the thrifting train, save money, and look fabulous at the same time?
Grab your phone (you’re probably on it already), because it’s time to explore the exhilarating world of Instagram thrift stores in South Africa!
"fashion doesn’t have to be fast to be fire 🔥"
THE THRILL OF INSTAGRAM THRIFT
It’s no secret: fast fashion is out, and secondhand is in. The global shift toward sustainability, driven by Millennials and Gen Z, has reshaped the fashion landscape, with pre-loved clothing taking center stage.
According to a 2023 report by GlobalData, the secondhand apparel market is projected to grow 127% by 2026.
South Africa is no exception to this trend, and Instagram has become the go-to platform for the most fashionable & most creative thrifters.
But why Instagram?
Simply put, Instagram is where fashion happens. With its highly visual format, the app is a perfect match for sellers to showcase their collections and for buyers to scroll through curated feeds of unique finds, all with a tap of the screen.
For South African thrifters, Instagram isn’t just a shopping platform; it's a community.
Thrift store owners connect directly with their customers, share styling tips, and create an environment that feels more like a cozy neighborhood than a marketplace.
People are no longer just buying clothes—they're buying stories, supporting local businesses, and reducing their carbon footprint.
Let’s talk about the numbers. Thrifting saves you a lot of rands! The average retail store price for a trendy jacket might be R1000 or more. But find that same jacket in an Instagram thrift store, and you could snag it for R300.
That’s a whole wardrobe refresh without breaking the bank!
And it’s not just about your wallet. Thrifting is a major win for the environment.
The fashion industry is notorious for its negative environmental impact—contributing to 10% of global carbon emissions and producing excessive waste.
And it’s not just about your wallet. Thrifting is a major win for the environment. The fashion industry is notorious for its negative environmental impact—contributing to 10% of global carbon emissions and producing excessive waste.
By choosing secondhand, you're contributing to the circular fashion economy and making a stand for a more sustainable future.
It’s the feel-good fashion you’ll love showing off.
Why Instagram Thrift Stores are Booming in South Africa
Thrifting is on the rise globally, but South Africa has embraced it in a uniquely digital way.
The country’s young entrepreneurs are turning Instagram into a thriving marketplace for preloved clothing. For sellers, it’s a low-cost, high-impact way to reach customers, and for buyers, it’s an engaging, fun way to shop.
Plus, the fashion itself is irresistible—vintage, retro, and rare items that tell a story.
With such a boom in digital thrift stores, South Africans are now redefining their closets.
Every purchase is a step towards sustainability, supporting local businesses, and getting fashion that’s truly one-of-a-kind.
Recommended Instagram Thrift Stores in South Africa
Ready to explore the world of Instagram thrifting, here's a list of must-follow stores offering fantastic pre-loved finds across South Africa, LET'S GET INTO IT!
90s___thrift
One of the OG Instagram thrift stores, 90's Thrift specializes in high-quality, trendy items, from streetwear to classic pieces.
They’re known for their detailed photos, making it easy to spot the perfect piece for your wardrobe.
preloved_thrift__
Dedicated to promoting sustainable fashion, Preloved Thrift offers everything from vintage jackets to casual tees. Their collection is updated regularly, so you’ll want to keep an eye on their stories for new arrivals.
_used2be.yours_
This Cape Town-based store curates the best vintage pieces, often with a retro 80s and 90s vibe. If you love quirky, bold prints and statement clothing, this is your go-to store for unique finds.
classic.thrifting
A store with a mission! Classic Thrifting offers hand-picked thrift & vintage clothing offering the convenience of collection from Rondebosch or delivery through Paxi.
wisi_oi
Okay, so technically this isn’t just an Instagram store, but no list would be complete without WISI-Oi! As South Africa's go-to platform for all things preloved fashion, WISI-Oi allows thrifters to list and sell their clothing with ease. It’s a hub for sellers, brands, influencers, creators, and designers, bringing them together in one fun-filled digital marketplace.
The Ease of Thrifting Online
Thrifting used to mean spending hours sifting through racks at a brick-and-mortar store, but now it’s as easy as scrolling on Instagram through your feed.
Here’s how you can start shopping online through Instagram and platforms like WISI-Oi:
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Follow Your Favorite Stores
Instagram thrift stores often post new items in batches, so following your favorites ensures you’ll never miss out. Be ready for “drops,” which are essentially mini-collections that can sell out fast! Turn on Notifications
Enable post notifications on Instagram for your favorite thrift stores so you can be the first to snag that must-have vintage dress or jacket.DM to Buy
Most stores operate through direct messaging on Instagram. See something you love? Send a quick DM to the seller to confirm availability, negotiate if needed, and arrange payment.Secure Payment Methods
Sellers usually accept payments through EFT or apps like SnapScan. Many Instagram thrift stores in South Africa have streamlined their payment processes, making it a safe, secure experience.Enjoy the Delivery!
Once you’ve paid, all that’s left is to wait for your package to arrive. Many sellers offer nationwide shipping, so no matter where you are in South Africa, you can participate in this digital thrifting revolution.
Why WISI-Oi is the Future of Thrifting
If you’re a serious thrifter or looking to turn your closet into a side hustle, WISI-Oi is where it’s at. The platform has made buying and selling preloved fashion incredibly easy. Unlike Instagram, which requires you to DM sellers, WISI-Oi has an integrated system where users can upload, list, and manage their items in one place.
The steps to selling on WISI-Oi:
Create a Profile
Start by setting up your seller profile, complete with your store’s bio and photos.Upload Your Listings
Add clear, attractive photos of the items you’re selling, fill in the necessary details (size, condition, price), and hit publish.
Watch the Sales Roll In
WISI-Oi guarantees quick turnover, and you can easily manage sales, shipping, and customer interactions all through the platform.Make Extra Cash
Once your items sell, you can choose how you want to get paid, either directly or through the platform.
Why You Should Thrift Your Closet Too?
- Haven’t worn that shirt in two years? Haven’t touched that dress since you bought it? Then it’s time to give your clothes a new life by thrifting them! Whether through Instagram or WISI-Oi, selling your preloved items is a great way to declutter your wardrobe, make extra money, and support sustainable fashion.
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Here's how to start!
Declutter
Take a good hard look at your closet and decide what you love, what you wear often, and what you haven’t touched in years.Sort
Create piles for selling, donating, and keeping.List on Instagram or WISI-Oi
For items that are still in great condition, list them on Instagram thrift stores or WISI-Oi. It’s a quick and easy way to get some extra cash and keep the fashion cycle going.Feel Good
Not only will you feel great about cleaning out your space, but you’ll also be contributing to a more eco-friendly, sustainable world of fashion.
The Instagram thrift store scene in South Africa is only getting bigger. It's more than just a trend—it’s a movement toward sustainable, affordable, and unique fashion that anyone can participate in. Whether you're a thrifter, a seller, or just someone looking to declutter, there's a place for you in this growing community.
So, the next time you're scrolling through Instagram or browsing WISI-Oi, remember: your next fashion statement could be just one click away. Time to join the revolution, and thrift your closet today!
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