The modern-day consumer has become more conscious about what they consume and why.
As a result, we are seeing people steering further away from products and services that negatively affect the environment and cause harm to others during the production of certain products. And with that have come new - more sustainable ways to shop.
One of the most sustainable and easy to shop is thrifting. Now I know what you’re going to say, “Why would I want to buy someone else's old clothes?”. And to that, I say thrifting is so much more than that!
Thrifting is a lot more exciting than that, and I’ll tell you why in a second.
But all in all, thrifting is about repurposing pre-loved gems and upcycling them by giving them a new home and a new purpose. Now, what is so exciting about this? THE THRILL OF THE FIND!
As an online pre-loved marketplace, Wisi-Oi recognizes how difficult it is to find thrift stores with a constant supply of quality items. But fear not, your Thrifting Fairy Godmother has come to bless you with all things preloved in Johannesburg.
So in no particular order, let’s get into the best clothing thrift stores in Jozi.
Unlike your typical retail stores, thrift stores focus on selling items that still have a long wear life on them. Therefore, you don’t necessarily go in with a list of things to buy when you thrift.
You go in blind, which makes it just that bit more exciting. The focus here is to find unique pieces of clothing to give your wardrobe a bit more character and depth.
Vintage Thrift Hub
Starting us off strong with this incredible store run by two fantastic women, Vintage Thrift Hub is all about making women feel amazing in quality thrift power suits. They sell a wide variety of items, but they also rework blazers into two-piece suits!
Their assortment of various sizes ensures that women with several body shapes feel as comfortable as they do powerful.
Thrift Happens
If you have ever worried about thrift items taking away from the sophistication of your wardrobe, Thrift Happens puts all those concerns to rest. They are an online thrift business based in South Africa specializing in high-quality new and preloved clothing and accessories.
Locally sourced, they meticulously select each item to ensure you receive the most distinctive and stylish pieces to add to your wardrobes. Put another way; you'll be the only one who owns a high-quality piece that doesn't come with a hefty price tag! How could you not love that!
Lucid Lemon Thrift
This local gem is based in Johannesburg, South Africa, and offers some of the most retro-chic pieces on the preloved market. They are a brand that is passionate about sustainability.
Lucid Lemon Thrift has emphasized that they are committed to ensuring that clothes have an increased lifespan by selling good quality clothing that has character in all the good kinds of ways. Personally, they had me at their petition against fast fashion and their endorsement of sustainable shopping such as thrifting, which they do so incredibly well.
Waviest Thrift Store
Another Instagram/online thrift gem is Waviest Thrift Store. This local goldmine has all things women. So if power meets sophistication is what you are after, Waviest Thrift Store can definitely assist.
For those who are not too keen on doing the heavy lift that sometimes comes with thrift shopping clothing, Waviest Thrift Store allows you to browse their selection of preloved clothing items and delivers it right to your door. If that was not the cherry on top, they are often open to negotiating prices. What a bargain!
27 Boxes
For all my trendy thrifters, I need you to RUN to 27 Boxes in Johannesburg. Run as fast as you can because this location has several stunning thrift stores. They are located all within close proximity to each other, which allows you to hop in and out of stores to your heart's content.
To make the deal even sweeter, many restaurants have some of the best food and drink Johannesburg has to offer within the same vicinity.
Thrifting, food, and drinks? SIGN ME UP!
Junkie Charity Store
When I think of Junkie Charity Store, one thing comes to mind: Jack of All Trades. Junkie - a non-profit organization - sells anything from trinkets, art, and vintage preloved clothing and accessories to a wide range of homeware, including furniture and appliances.
They also have specialty items like haberdashery, toys, books, and long-play records. Junkie honors the value of items over generations by elevating the concept of preloved items.
Bounty Hunters Charity Shop
Thrifters who have the heart of a treasure hunter? It’s your time to shine. Bounty Hunters prides themselves on having hidden gems people have long forgotten. They love finding new purposes for seemingly outdated items.
If anything, they may as well be the champions of repurposing those quirky items. Located at the heart of Johannesburg, Bounty Hunters source all their things locally, and I must say they have some of the most fabulous upcycled items out there. But then again, that’s what you get when thrifting in Johannesburg.
Rags and Lace
We are calling all vintage designer lovers! This Johannesburg thrift store has some of the best-thrift designer items in the region. As deceiving as the name may be, rags are the last thing you get when shopping for well-kept, high-quality upper-end clothing.
Rags and Lacework to ensure they have only the best quality items for their customers at reasonable prices. They not only have clothing but some of the best-kept shoes in mint condition.
Kevdon & Co
I will share a little secret: I'm OBSESSED with graphic tees. So you can only imagine my excitement when I walked into Kevdon & Co and found an assortment of graphic t-shirts, retro dungarees, and uber-cool jackets and coats.
They have everything from band t-shirts to vintage Levi's for all my rock fans. They really do give old clothes a new look for a good vibe because some of those prices are good vibes only!
Dear gentle thrifter, if my carefully curated list of various thrift stores has not convinced you that thrift shopping is the future, hear me when I say this: sustainable shopping is the best way to shop.
Why? It forces you to consider quality over quantity. You may not always find what you are looking for, but whoever does?
You will find a piece of clothing - perhaps multiple pieces - that will elevate your entire wardrobe and give you a distinct and unique character.
And that gentle-thrifter is more important than keeping up with trends that will leave you lost in a sea of similar looks. So do the right thing and thrift away.
Unlike your typical retail stores, thrift stores focus on selling items that still have a long wear life on them. You don’t necessarily go in with a list of things to buy when you thrift.
You go in blind, which makes it just that bit more exciting. The focus here is to find unique pieces of clothing to give your wardrobe a bit more character and depth.
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