A great way to shop sustainably and save money without sacrificing your personal style is by buying second-hand. Known as ‘thrifting’, ‘op shopping’ or ‘charity shopping’ in Australia, Sydney is home to many stores that offer unique finds and great deals on clothes, shoes, and accessories, making it easy for students to dress well on a budget. Many of these stores also sell homewares, furniture, and books so you can furnish your home affordably.
From well-known stores to hidden gems, we’ve gathered our favourite thrift stores where you can find yourself a bargain around the suburbs of Sydney and the CBD.
SWOP
Location: 219 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
What to expect: Find second-hand clothes, shoes, and accessories for men and women. Everything from seasonal trends, modern pieces, vintage garments, and designer items are available. SWOP also has an online store if you can’t make it out to their city location, and they offer a buy-back service where they will purchase your old clothes that meet their criteria.
The Real Deal
Location: 308 King Street, Newtown
What to expect: Specialising in vintage goods and sneakers, The Real Deal stocks a wide range of brands at affordable price points, including Harley-Davidson, Carhartt, Nike, Calvin Klein, Levi’s, and many more for men and women. They also stock an impressive range of popular sneakers like Adidas Sambas, Yeezy 350, and Jordan 1 High.
Salvation Army
Location: Multiple locations
What to expect: This not-for-profit charity shop features everything from clothes and accessories to homewares, furniture, and kitchenware. Standout locations include the Salvation Army (Salvos for short) in Seven Hills and the Minchinbury location, which houses plenty of second-hand clothing items in its warehouse-like shop.
C’s Flashback
Location: 314 Crown Street, Surry Hills
What to expect: This recycled clothing store sells American and Australian vintage goods at affordable prices. Find a huge array of old-school graphic t-shirts, hats, sports jerseys, leather jackets, handbags, and plenty more.
Reunion
Location: Shop 2/112 Enmore Rd, Newtown
What to expect: Rummage through pre-loved designer and high street goods, including vintage pieces. Don’t forget to check out their Instagram page and Instagram Stories for updates and to see what’s available. Like SWOP, you can sell your old clothes that are still in good condition to Reunion for cash or store credit.
Storeroom Vintage
Location: 294-296 Crown Street, Darlinghurst
What to expect: Discover authenticated vintage clothing and accessories, including bags and rare pieces. Catered towards both men and women, you’ll also find one-of-a-kind items created by Storeroom Vintage using unsaleable vintage items so nothing goes to waste.
St Vincent de Paul
Location: Multiple locations
What to expect: Commonly referred to as ‘Vinnies’, these second-hand stores dotted around Sydney and Australia are home to plenty of affordable second-hand clothing, furniture, books, homewares, and more. Check out popular stores in Bankstown, Greystanes, and Mosman. You may even find some luxury goods in the Mosman location if you’re lucky!
Wayside Chapel Op Shop
Location: Multiple locations at Bondi and Potts Point
What to expect: Located in the affluent suburbs of Bondi and Potts Point, it has been known to stock local Aussie and international brands like Ugg, Prada, Sandro, Valentino, and plenty more. Shop for designer, vintage, and high-street pieces at discounted prices.
UTURN
Location: Multiple locations in Surry Hills, Punchbowl, Bondi Beach, Marrickville, Rozelle, and Newtown
What to expect: You’ll see plenty of women’s and men’s used clothing, shoes, and accessories, including hats, bags, jewellery, and sunglasses. Brands range from luxury to local Australian designers, and international labels. The outlet in Punchbowl has stock at a further reduced price.
How to donate your clothes
There are a number of ways you can donate clothes, shoes, and accessories you may have sitting in your wardrobe. Whether you’ve outgrown them or want to downsize your collection, items that are clean and wearable with no holes, stains, or marks can be donated at clothing recycling bins. You’ll often find these in shopping centre car parks or near public transport.
You can also try selling your pre-loved clothes to stores like SWOP and Reunion, at local weekend markets, or ‘rent-a-rack’ stores where you can offer your goods at some consignment stores.
