Secondhand shopping is exploding right now! The secondhand fashion market is expected to grow to $218 billion worldwide by 2026, according to a report by treadUP. In the U.S., 10% of all clothing sales will be secondhand items by the end of 2025, according to eMarketer and Insider Intelligence.
By shopping secondhand, you are reducing the fashion industry’s carbon footprint by purchasing items that have already been produced. Plus, you are contributing to a circular economy by supporting small businesses and sellers and keeping garments out of landfills.
Yes, the sustainability factor is a major benefit to purchasing secondhand. But the best part? Buying preloved items mean you can access higher quality clothes and accessories at more *wallet friendly* prices and you can curate a well-built wardrobe that makes you feel and look your best. It’s a win-win.
But, if you’ve never shopped secondhand before or done any secondhand shopping online, it can seem daunting. Here are my favourite places to do secondhand shopping online, from the comfort of your phone, couch, bed, or wherever!
My favourite online stores for secondhand shopping
For the best curation: VSP
VSP is hands down my favourite place in Toronto and online to shop secondhand. Focused on high-end luxury consignment, the store is amazingly curated with great visual merchandising. That care and attention extends to their online presence with a super functional website, incredible photography and styling — in addition to great inventory! If you looked through my camera roll, you’re likely to see their product photography saved for styling inspo. 😂
While VSP focuses on luxury and higher-end brands, they do curate a selection of contemporary/mid-point brands and even some high street items from brands like Aritzia and Zara. So, don’t let your budget deter you from taking a look! Rather shop in person? VSP has physical locations in Toronto, Calgary and Edmonton.
Pro tip: Follow VSP on Instagram for daily exclusives. These items are usually from contemporary brands and at a lower price point, but warning they go quick!
Start shopping: https://vspconsignment.com/
For the newbie: Poshmark
If you’re looking to get your feet wet with online secondhand shopping then Poshmark is the place to start! While the interface could be better, the app allows you to search by brand, your sizes, or style (e.g., cowboy boots) so you can easily see if anyone is selling any items on your wishlist.
Poshmark doesn’t offer any authentication for items so I would steer clear of luxury shopping on the app and avoid purchasing highly trendy items that tend to get illegally reproduced (I’m looking at you Acne beanies). Only purchase these items if you’ve purchased authentic versions directly from the retailer and know the authenticity signs.
Instead, I focus on contemporary or up-and-coming brands like Ganni, Anine Bing, Reformation, Sezane or Farm Rio. Poshmark is also a goldmine for NWT Aritzia (that’s new with tags for any newbies!). My Likes tab is full of 100% wool and 100% cashmere sweaters from the brand. As with any app, the more you search and save items to your wishlist, the better it will get at suggesting items you might like. Online secondhand shopping simplified!
Keep in mind, you will need to pay taxes and shipping in addition to the listed price. If you’ve got your eye on something, I recommend waiting for a “Closet Clear Out” to happen, which will entice sellers to send shoppers reduced prices and shipping. Can’t wait? You can submit an offer to the seller and see if it’s accepted or you can contact sellers directly to ask if they will send you an offer with reduced shipping.
New to the app? Use my Poshmark referral link for a $15 CAD credit.
Start shopping: https://poshmark.ca/ or https://poshmark.com/
For the fashionphile: The RealReal
The RealReal is the world’s largest luxury resale site, giving you access to a massive selection of preloved luxury and contemporary goods.
Some of you make recall #chanelgate when Chanel accused The RealReal of listing seven counterfeit bags for sale. With more than 32 million (!!!) items sold since its inception in 2011 and about 2000 employees, I’m not surprised a few counterfeit items have slipped past their authentication process.
Personally, I’ve had great experiences shopping secondhand via The RealReal, but I would never buy any “high risk” items aka those prone to counterfeiting. No Chanel, no Hermes, and no Dior Book Tote.
Instead, hunt for contemporary brands (Rag & Bone, Veronica Beard, Baum Und Pferdgarten, Stine Goya) or smaller designers (Marni, Isabel Marant, JW Anderson, Loewe) that will still be high quality and great craftsmanship at reasonable prices with high resale value!
Items I’ve bought have been shipped quickly, were as described and were covered under the return policy in case they didn’t fit. Disclaimer: Read the return policy and check if the item you’re interested in qualifies for returns. You will need to pay for return shipping or a restock fee if you return the item in-store.
Start shopping: https://www.therealreal.com/
For the luxury bag addict: FashioNica
I truly felt like gatekeeping this one…BUT if you’re looking to purchase your first designer bag secondhand then Nica is your gal. Based in Orange County, she releases a thoughtfully curated selection of vintage luxury bags in small batches every Wednesday at 7 p.m. PST via her website. She also does a weekly surprise drop via the auction website Whatnot.
The selection and curation is unmatched, the products are all Entrupy certified and the vibes are right. I have spent many hours watching her share her weekly selections on Whatnot and she has developed a devoted following of serious vintage bag collectors who know their stuff.
Warning: Before you get too attached, her weekly bag drops sell out in minutes and her auction competition is fierce! I haven’t actually been successful yet in purchasing a bag from Nica yet but that day is not far off!! As soon as she drops a LV Speedy 25 in Damier Ebène…
Start Shopping: https://shopfashionica.com/
I’d love to hear your favourite places for shopping secondhand online. Let me know in the comments!
Note: All photos courtesy of the brands mentioned. Cover photo courtesy of The RealReal.
Wow such great recommendations!!