Out with the old, and in with the… well, slightly older.
Though fast fashion hasn’t quite left our collective consciousness for good, the fashion world has certainly seen a significant shift into the circular model that promotes an entirely more sustainable approach to retail.
Rather than lining our wardrobes with hangers of poorly made garments purchased at disturbingly low prices, engaging in circular fashion promises to revamp your entire clothing collection with high-quality pieces – both vintage and from newer collections – at a budget price. After all, cheap is expensive in the long run, but investing in quality doesn’t necessarily have to bankrupt you.
Demand for second-hand clothing is through the roof, especially amongst Gen Z– who are far more likely to be spotted trawling vintage markets and resale platforms for bargains than they are fast fashion sites. Consumers are becoming more selective about their purchases, with a greater awareness being placed on the origin and materials of garments, as well as the working conditions of those who create them.
Despite the increased regulation of resale platforms such as Depop, you’ll often find listings for t-shirts which traditionally retail at £15 or less being resold for almost three times the original price. This mark-up is promoted under the guise that the cheaply-made piece is ‘rare’ or even vintage – even if the brand in question dates back to 2009 and is widely considered to be one of many fast fashion retailers.
As such, while the desire to shop sustainably is high, it seems as though fashion lovers can only have one foot in the circular fashion market, while the other is left in the pond of unsustainable retail – threatening submersion as soon as a new micro trend reaches TikTok.
Nevertheless, regulated websites and resale platforms such as the ones we’ll introduce you to in this article offer a more financially sustainable and eco-conscious means of shopping conscientiously - with prices accurately determined based on the quality of the piece, its true rare or vintage nature, as well as the general going prices associated with the brand.
What’s more, resale platforms offer luxury and high-end brands the opportunity to demonstrate the high quality nature of their products, and how they have been crafted to stand the test of time – making resale not only a viable, but desirable option for those looking to upgrade their wardrobes for a fraction of the retail price.
Keep scrolling for a round-up of the best UK-based fashion resale platforms.
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Hewi
Hewi, which stands for ‘hardly ever worn it’, is relatively new to the circular fashion game – having been founded in 2012. Offering discounts of up to 80 per cent off high quality, second-hand designer garments, accessories, and fine jewellery, Hewi also offers an in-person VIP service to buyers from their Marylebone HQ.
Over the years, Hewi has partnered with the likes of Sotheby’s and British Vogue to host auctions, which have included garments and accessories straight from the wardrobes of iconic supermodels such as Kate Moss and Gigi Hadid.
The platform even hosts live shopping events in an almost modernised QVC-like manner. During these exciting live events, the host shares a curated collection of the most sought-after designer pieces which are available on the platform, all while answering your burning questions about the products in real-time.
The sense of community amongst avid users of Hewi is strong, making it one of our top picks when it comes to buying second-hand luxury fashion.
Buy now, Hewi
eBay
Though eBay has existed since 1995, and has been a much-love platform amongst second-hand clothing fiends since its inception, the online retailer has witnessed a renaissance as of late following its partnership with the hit UK reality show Love Island. As such, the second-hand retail giant has been exposed to an entirely new market, with fans of the show swapping out their wear-once-then-chuck clothing for discounted designer items form the likes of Jacquemus, House of CB and more.
Though eBay has previously been considered notoriously difficult to navigate, dedicated summer wardrobe pages and women’s vintage clothing tabs have making trawling the depths of the site easier than ever.
You’ll also find more retailers joining its fold as well as typical peer-to-peer sellers.
Buy now, eBay
Vestiaire Collective
Another cult-favourite option for lovers of all things luxury, Vestiaire Collective has a vast and varied collection of second-hand designer items, with approximately 35,000 new items comprising of more than 12,000 brands available daily for up to 70 per cent of the original retail price.
The collective’s official partners include Gucci’s preloved range, Chloe and Alexander McQueen. When buying a product from one of these partners, you’ll enjoy the benefits of complimentary authentication and expedited shipping.
Buy now, Vestiaire
Farfetch Second Life
Farfetch’s Second Life service is strictly designer bags only. Whether you want to buy or sell, you can be sure that all the bags listed are of the highest quality, 100 per cent authenticated and range from rare vintage finds to the brand-new and in-demand.
What’s more, as a seller, you can enjoy a range of benefits, including Farfetch credits to spend on revamping your on wardrobe, which vary depending on whether you’re a Silver, Gold or Platinum member.
Buy now, Farfetch
By Rotation
Though originally a garment and accessory rental service, By Rotation has recently introduced a resale element to the already booming business. If you’re already familiar with By Rotation from a buying or selling perspective, you’ll be pleased to know that products posted by verified members are automatically listed with the option for resale.
Users can pick and choose which products they’re willing to either sell or lend by simply editing a listing and adding a selling price. We’re big fans of the fact that the selling price is entirely self-determined due to the peer-to-peer nature of the platform. Expect highly in-vogue designer dresses, bejewelled bags and accessories at a wonderfully affordable pricepoint.
Buy now, By Rotation
The Cirkel
Taking its name from the mode of consumption it wishes to promote, The Cirkel is new to the fashion resale platform scene and was founded in 2018 by Made in Chelsea star Eliza Batten. What sets The Cirkel apart from most vintage and second-hand designer platforms is the fact that each and every item sold via the platform is professionally cleaned, dispatched the next day and delivered with a quality guarantee. If you join The Cirkel as a seller, you’ll receive a voucher worth up to 70 per cent of the price you paid for your listed item, provided it is in excellent condition and sent within six months of purchase.
Buy now, The Cirkel
Reselfridges
In a similar manner to Farfetch’s Second Life service, the Reselfridges initiative is filled to the brim with like-new designer bags at discounted price, and also offers credits in exchange for preloved items. Though the planet-saving platform, which is part of the retailer’s wider ‘Project Earth’ scheme, offers fantastic deals on preloved bags, designer jewellery and watches –we’re particularly fond of the vast range of vintage homeware on offer. Reselfridges is available both in-store and online.
Buy now, Selfridges
Consigned Sealed Delivered
With multiple stores across London as well as a vast online offering, Consigned Sealed Delivered has been a go-to destination for second-hand luxury lovers for years. But what exactly is a consignment store? Like the majority of resale platforms and applications, consignment stores sell items on behalf of the original owner and take a small percentage of the overall selling price in the process. What’s unique about CSD, however, is that it has a large selection of never-worn luxury clothing that may not have ever found their way to the racks – helping to alleviate the sheer amount of wastage within the luxury fashion industry.
Buy now, Consigned Sealed Delivered
