Second-hand stores have been around for ages, but in recent years we’ve seen a rise in the call for sustainability in fashion and a rise in the mainstream popularity of thrifting. What’s not to love about the treasure hunt of finding the perfect vintage denim jacket, with the added bonus of a cheaper-than-retail price? I’ve shopped secondhand my entire life, started an online shop selling secondhand vintage and designer clothing (@allthatglows on the Poshmark app), and now I’m here to give you the scoop on the best thrifting spots in Philly.
- Buffalo Exchange
-
Located in Center City, this buy-and-sell consignment store is easily accessible from Drexel’s campus. Buffalo Exchange is a great place to find a curated collection of vintage and secondhand items. The funky-fresh store carries something for everyone, from Urban Outfitters pieces for slashed prices to vintage leather. They also buy clothing for cash on the spot or in-store credit if you’re interested in cleaning out your closet.
- Philly AIDS Thrift
-
A popular spot to volunteer to fulfill the Drexel CIVIC 101 requirement, Philly AIDS Thrift is also a great place to shop second-hand. They sell an assortment of men’s and women’s clothing and as is the case with most thrift shops, you never know what you’re going to find. I recommend visiting often to check out new merchandise as they receive lots of donations and are constantly selling new things! Philly AIDS Thrift also offers on-site HIV testing in-store.
- Goodwill
-
An oldie but a goodie. You can’t go wrong checking out a Goodwill store for thrifting around the Philly area. No two Goodwills are the same, as each carries a unique selection of items based on whatever is donated. There are a handful of stores in Philly, and I recommend taking an Uber as it may be harder to use public transportation or walk.
- Just a tap away…
-
While not local to Philly (with the exception of Facebook Marketplace, which is specific to each and every city) an amazing way to thrift from the comfort of your bed is through apps and websites like Poshmark, Ebay, Depop, Thredup and Mercari. You can search by size, color and style, as well as by specific keywords. Looking for a 90s motorcycle black leather jacket with a Tweety Bird embroidery graphic on the back? (Yes, that’s a thing, and it’s fabulous). Type those keywords into the Poshmark, Ebay, or Mercari search bar and results will immediately pop up. No going outside necessary!
Sustainable fashion can often be on the pricier side, but thrifting is one of the most environmentally-friendly and affordable ways to be sustainable. College-student budget? No excuses here! Set aside a Saturday to explore and you’ll find that there are options for all price ranges, budgets, and styles all throughout Philly.