Looking to refresh your wardrobe without spending a fortune? Thrifting in Adelaide is a smart way to upgrade your style on a budget – and it’s perfect for international students who want to get into local fashion while saving money.
Secondhand shopping is a fun and social activity, letting you experiment with new looks and become more creative with your style. Adelaide’s thrift shops are packed with one-of-a-kind finds, so you can mix and match to create a wardrobe that’s perfect for you. Read on for a list of the best thrift stores in and around Adelaide.
Savers
Known for: A huge selection of clothes, accessories, and home goods all in one place
Savers, with locations in Kilburn, Tea Tree Plaza and Noarlunga, is a dream destination for thrifters, who can hunt for a bargain amongst hundreds of items. Known for its well-organised layout, this spot has everything from clothing and shoes to accessories, books, electronics and other household items.
You’ll find plenty of affordable options and often some big-name brands in the mix, making it ideal for students looking to build a wardrobe or pick up essentials for their space.
Dulcie’s Vintage
Known for: Unique vintage style and a truly fun thrifting experience
Dulcie’s Vintage Bus is more than a thrift store – it’s a vintage fashion boutique on wheels! Dulcie’s Bus, packed with some of the best vintage and secondhand items in the city, was designed to bring unique fashion pieces to events and pop-ups across South Australia. You can find its next stop on their Instagram.
Dulcie’s also has two permanent locations – one in Kidman Park and one in Adelaide Arcade in the city centre, so if you’re looking for gorgeous vintage clothing, you won’t have to travel too far.
Goodbyes
Known for: Buying and selling unique, on-trend clothing
Goodbyes is a curated consignment store on Rundle Street offering high-quality secondhand clothing and accessories, perfect for students looking to shop sustainably and stay stylish.
Goodbyes doesn’t just sell clothing – they’ll buy your own gently used fashion, shoes and accessories, making it easy to clear out your wardrobe and give your pieces a second life! Refresh your style, earn a bit of cash, and contribute to the sustainable fashion cycle.
Salvos
Known for: Affordable basics and household items
The Salvation Army’s Salvos Stores are a great starting point for any thrifter, offering everything from clothes to furniture and kitchenware. Their many locations in Adelaide are well-stocked, affordable and organised, making it easy to find what you need.
A favourite among students, keep an eye out for special discounts on certain items, so you can snag even better deals on essentials.
Worn Again
Known for: Budget-friendly finds and community support
Worn Again is a bargain hunters’ dream, offering a great selection of clothing, and the best part? Nothing is priced over $3! With store locations in Glenelg, Marion, and Port Adelaide, this op shop is perfect for students looking to build their wardrobe on a budget.
You can find everything from unique, on-trend pieces to comfy basics, all while supporting a great cause. Worn Again’s profits help to fund local community projects, making your shopping experience both affordable and meaningful.
RSPCA Op Shops
Known for: Op shopping to help animals in need
The RSPCA op shops in Adelaide are a great choice if you’re into vintage shopping and care about animal welfare. With multiple locations, these shops offer an abundance of pre-loved clothing at wallet-friendly prices.
Every purchase not only scores you a unique find, but also contributes to the care of thousands of vulnerable animals in South Australia each year.
Donating and selling your pre-Loved clothes
Adelaide’s thrift stores rely on donations, so if you’re planning to clear out your wardrobe, think about donating items you no longer need. Here’s how to ensure your clothes are ready for donation:
- Items must be clean and wearable
– Thrift stores can only accept clothes that are in good condition, so make sure everything is washed and free of damage.
- Seasonal relevance
– Donating items in line with the current season (like warm jumpers in winter) increases the chance they’ll find new homes quickly.
If you’d like to sell your clothes instead, rent-a-rack stores like U-Turn, Goodbyes and Prelove offer a great solution. You rent a rack for a set amount of time, set your prices, and keep any earnings from items sold. It’s a great way to make a little extra money and keep your wardrobe sustainable by giving your old clothes a new life.
