The Vinted app has become one of the most popular ways to buy and sell second-hand clothing and accessories – it’s arguably the best second-hand platform out there. You can find vintage, designer, high street or even handmade items, all at affordable prices. Buying and selling is an easy, seamless experience and the more you use the app, the better its algorithm starts to learn what you like – making logging on as addictive as scrolling the “new in” section of your favourite shop. Whether you are a seller or a buyer, Vinted is a great option for those who are new to the second-hand market.
eBay
EBay has cornered the market for pre-loved goods for 25 years, but it’s come a long way since it was known mainly for second-hand books and toys. In recent years, it’s made strides to compete with the likes of Vinted and Depop by ditching fees for selling pre-loved items and offering an authenticity guarantee for luxury goods. Given the quantity of items for sale, the best way to use it is to set up alerts for the specific items you are looking for – whether that’s Manolo Hangisis in a size 7, or a Burberry trench.
Sellier
If you’re looking for a second-hand Hermès Kelly, then this is the place. Specialising in pre-loved designer bags, Sellier offers online and in-person shopping. With stores located in London and Monaco, they make second-hand shopping quick yet just as luxurious as shopping brand new.
Sign of the Times
Sign of the Times has 45 years of experience when it comes to buying and selling luxury. With a Chelsea-based store and online platform, the brand has a specially curated collection of luxury pieces, with particularly good accessories and bags collections.
The Hosta
Whether you want a pristine Chanel flap bag and have £5,000 to spend on it or are after a more budget-friendly designer vintage piece, Hosta has a brilliant edit. Founder Danni Dance has a discerning eye for a special piece and hunts down some great rare but affordable pieces, from vintage Loewe bucket bags to chic Gucci Jackies.
Farfetch Pre-Owned
In Farfetch’s second-hand section, you can expect to find an archival collection of curated vintage designer pieces, spanning a vast array of handbags to suit all tastes, cult shoe styles and much more. Each item is labelled with the model name and the year it was made, making it even easier to track down the archival pieces you’re searching for.
Hardly Ever Worn It (HEWI)
HEWI is an underrated favourite for luxury resale and a place many fashion editors use to re-sell their designer pieces. The easy-to-navigate website eliminates the fear of “Where do I start?” if you’re new to the second-hand designer world – functions such as the “open to offers” label will also guide you through the etiquette of buying.
The RealReal
Boasting 35 million shoppers worldwide, The RealReal is a second-hand designer fan favourite, loved by fashion insiders who adore boasting about their RealReal finds. Offering options to buy or sell, the platform specialises in preserving the craftsmanship of luxury clothing and accessories. The RealReal is an American company, so if you’re shopping outside the United States, be mindful of customs and import taxes.