The Covid-riddled world, apart from changing our lives forever, also forced one and all to ask themselves their lifestyle habits, with a definitive focus on the consumption of fashion. Retail therapy sounds fun and all that but ever wondered how much the planet dreads it? A new outfit for every new occasion; is repeating really that bad? These are a couple of questions that I asked myself in the year that has gone by every time I wanted to satisfy an irrational need to hoard. That’s when the thought of thrift shopping dawned upon me along with an unanswerable question: why did I never consider it?
What’s really the need to buy something brand new to spruce or switch up my wardrobe when vintage and pre-loved items can do so, as well? Especially since hand-me-down has always been an important aspect of Indian culture? And it’s been around 350 days since then, I last bought something from a fast fashion brand. Because sustainability in fashion doesn’t only mean shopping from eco-friendly brands. It also means altering your shopping habits, from consuming less to stopping the need for overproduction at the very beginning of the entire chain, simply by opting for clothes that already exist in the cycle.
And let me tell you, thrift shopping is far more fun, cost-efficient and unique for no two people will have the same thing. If we’ve managed to spark some interest in thrifting at your end, ahead, we list out a few Indian thrift shops you can virtually visit and shop from. From lingerie to outerwear to accessories, they’ve got it all!
11 thrift shops for you to explore, fall in love with and shop your heart out from:
1. VRTT vintage
Crazy about luxury bags and shoes? VRTT vintage offers you a myriad of yummy-looking options, from Chloe to Louis Vuitton to Chanel; pick from the best of brands and designs!
2. Folkpants
If you’re fond of the minimalistic street-style aesthetic, Folkpants will have you scrolling through their feed for hours together. From oversized shirts to blazers, printed dresses and skirts, chic coats and more, their anything-but-basic vibe will leave you wanting for more!
3. Stockpyl
Whether you’re looking to be spoilt for choice with swimwear options and sexy lingerie or want to curate a college-friendly wardrobe with affordable price tags, Stockpyl will sort you out with all that they have to offer!
4. The Local Vintage
It’s hard to deny the charm of vintage clothing, especially when it’s as stylish as the curation on The Local Vintage. Their pieces—picked from northeastern local shops—span from the ’60s to the ’90s. So if you’re looking to add some zing to your closet with retro-esque designs and style them in contemporary ways, TLV will be a dream destination for you!
5. Carol’s Shop & Tea Room
Quirky prints? Check. Pretty clothes? Check. Straight from the luscious fields of Nagaland, Carol’s Shop & Tea Room not only have an assortment of sustainable and stylish pre-loved clothing, but they also have a collection of vintage collectables comprising tea sets and Pinterest-worthy home decor items.
6. Bodements
Are you an old soul at heart with an affinity for clothes that remind you of the past? Then I suggest you check out Bodements—a label that aims to teach everyone the importance of slow fashion and upcycled clothing with an assortment of handpicked shirts, jackets, dresses, skirts and corsets featuring interesting prints! From animal to florals to abstract prints with vibrant hues and luscious fabrics, the maximalist in you will jump in joy while browsing through their aesthetic Instagram feed.
7. RedEmpress
Have a knack for unique finds? Things that not every other high street store has? The ladies at RedEmpress do, too. From basic shirts featuring statement prints to bottoms in the most vibrant colours, with sparkly accents here and there and most importantly, designs that are balanced between minimalistic and maximality; there’s probably nothing that you won’t love about RedEmpress’ curations if your aim, at the end of the day, is to stand out in the crowd!
8. The ReLove Closet
The ReLove Closet is a one-stop-shop for all your everyday-wear needs. Think casual tops, jeans, jumpsuits and more with a variety of shoes, juttis and other accessories, along with occasional luxury treasures like Louis Vuitton boots and Chanel tote bags. Oh, and did we mention the part about how they’re easy on the pocket?
9. Aura Thrift Store
First things first, you’re going to fall in love with their pleasing feed and then everything they have to offer. Think formal tops and pants, sweatshirts, romantic dresses, simplistic kurtas and more. Another thrift store to sort out your everyday-wear needs!
10. RIRI
There’s nothing I love more than quirky prints on wardrobe basics because then half your work to look good is already done! And that’s precisely why scrolling through RIRI‘s feed was such a visual delight. If you’re a fan of oversized shirts and the good old jeans, you’re going to love RIRI‘s edit, I promise!
11. Panda Picked
There’s nothing like good, sexy lingerie to serve as a pick-me-up on dull days, no? Panda Picked‘s edit is all about delicious innerwear as outerwear, think lacy bralettes and corsets with a mix of retro shirts and bottoms, knitted sweaters and just about everything that’ll come in handy to dress up for fashion weeks!
Do you know of any more thrift stores? Tell us in the comments below!
And don’t forget to follow @missmalinifashion on Instagram to never miss a style tip!