Real ones know when it comes to shopping for authentic, one-of-a-kind pieces of clothing, accessories, and everything in between, vintage and secondhand stores are hard to beat.
But if you’re new to the bargain-buying game, navigating its world can be a minefield. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to thrifting and thrift shopping in Singapore which contains all the tips and tricks you need for your next gem hunt.
Before you embark on a thrift trip, take note of the following tips to ensure you won’t go over your budget or waste your time.
Thrift stores in Singapore are a dime a dozen and it’s crucial that you do some research prior to your visits. Some stores, like Cherry Thrift Shop, are known for pre-loved Y2K clothes and cottagecore outfits such as denim, florals, and ruffles. Others, like Flame, specialise in vintage streetwear like oversized graphic tees.
As a bonus tip, make sure you call up the stores to check for their restock schedule. That way, you can time your trip around it to ensure you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
Come with a list of things you’ve had your heart set on so you can swoop in, try on, and check out. In the thrift shopping world, time is often key. Don’t forget to set a budget for yourself. It’s easy to go overboard when everything is below $10.
If you plan to haggle or beg for a discount at the checkout counter, know that your chances are slim. Certain shops might allow you to bargain gently, but most of the time, it’s a solid “no”.
Here’s a rule of thumb: never buy anything with a stain on it because you’ll likely never be able to get it out. Or if it’s too tight or requires major tailoring that’ll cost a bomb.
If it’s a leathered piece, make sure the leather isn’t cracked. Generally speaking, leather doesn’t last in Singapore’s humidity unless it’s been kept in a cool and dry temperature its entire life. Once the leather starts to chip, there’s no going back.
Toss your loot in the washing machine or drop it off at the dry cleaner on your way home. You never know where the clothes you just bought have been and it’s best to give them a thorough clean prior to putting them on.
Thrift store sales are also final so you should triple-check your products before paying. Enlist the help of a friend to give the items a once over if you need to.
Nab some amazing deals at the thrift locations below.
Queensway Shopping Centre is hands down one of the best places to scour for secondhand goods.
Over here, the options are endless. You’ve got big names in the bargain-buying game like Nightingale Thrift Shop and WEARE, as well as smaller shops like Hikari Space. For those seeking vintage apparel, a surefire haunt to hit is Honsie Ponsie.
Instagram has plenty of fun and funky thrift shops for you to browse vintage goods at the comfort of your couch. @jiggythings_stores, for instance, is known for racks of hypebeast tees, tanks, and jackets. Come here if you’d like to achieve a cool girl or boy vibe.
There’s something satisfying about combing through thousands of pages of clothes and used goods, and scoring rare gems off Carousell. Besides preloved items, you can easily acquire brand new merchandise with tags on for cheap. All you need is a few hours and some serious willpower to scroll through infinity.
For a treasure trove of secondhand stuff, head to Lucky Plaza. A few standouts where you can get the most bang for your bucks are LPB Thrift, Thrift Label, Thrift Apparel, Vivi K, and Lucky Flea Market. Trust that you’ll locate a variety of groovy finds from apparel to accessories.
If you’re looking to clean out your closet, there are a few ways for you to sell or donate your stuff.
One of the easiest ways is to sell them on online marketplaces like Carousell. The process of listing your goods is pretty straightforward. Just be prepared to wait for the right buyer who won’t try to lowball you. You can also bring your stash to a flea market like The Luggage Market. However, you’ll be required to man your booth and spend the whole day there.
Then, there’s Refash that’ll be willing to buy your old outfits, shoes, and accessories. Selling your stuff to Refash requires minimal effort. You can either bring a bag to one of its outlets or schedule a courier pickup. Just keep in mind that you won’t be able to determine the pricing, and the amount of payout largely depends on the quality of your items and how likely the store can sell them.
Thrift shopping is good for the environment and even better for your wallet. Just make sure you take a leaf out of our trusty guide to thrift shopping in Singapore. That way, you won’t ever have to blow your hard earned money on another mass-produced mesh top again.
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