And so, my thrifting journey continues wherever I journey. In Berlin, I discovered an indication for a thrift store tucked behind a seemingly stale alleyway of bleak white and blue buildings. I walked in to a leap scare of colours and materials—and was instantly greeted by a towering pair of heels. It was a weigh-and-pay retailer: Toss what you like in a bag and pay a (very reasonable) flat price. I’d by no means do not forget that journey—nor would I’ve one thing to put on to get into the notoriously elitist nightclubs—the identical approach with out that retailer.
Then there’s the group side of thrifting: When we’re in the proper temper, thrifting collectively is the supreme bonding expertise for me and my pals. Especially for certainly one of my closest pals, who was lastly coming into his personal pores and skin in fashion and style whereas navigating his queer identity. We thrifted collectively in cities throughout Europe. In London, he tried on a set of the most fantastic of classic silk blouses. “Edgy chic-grandma,” he stated, continuing to put on it out dancing that night time. And thus started the begin of a brand new section—I’ve by no means seen somebody look a lot like themselves as he did in that becoming room. If it weren’t for secondhand outlets, how else would he have identified of this superpower capacity to drag such appears to be like off?
Like outlets on Long Island and all through New England, lots of the thrift shops in the UK are charity outlets, or partnered with non-profits to assist both scientific analysis, environmental initiatives, or lower-income communities who may gain advantage from donations. When buying from these sorts of shops, you’re doing a little good, each in supporting stated causes and curbing your contribution to textile waste and overproduction. In 2025, fast fashion giants are nonetheless pumping out garments at breakneck velocity—many destined for landfills throughout the Global South. “Fast fashion is fueling a global waste crisis,” the latest UN report reads. And whereas I’m not excellent—I’ve dipped into chains when it felt “necessary”—procuring at a mega-store by no means fails to really feel hole. Conversely, there’s no thrill fairly like rustling by stocked thrift retailer racks, coronary heart pounding, and discovering one thing undeniably becoming.
Where to thrift round the world
New York City While there’ll at all times be a fair proportion of dependable chain thrifts like Beacon’s Closet and Buffalo Exchange, I like to recommend avoiding the crowds and heading to smaller outlets. Some of those outlets, like Monk Vintage in Williamsburg, supply choices of all types of types. Others, like Trintage Harlem, have a extra curated choice. For an suave oasis in the Lower East Side, Desert Vintage presents archival designer items—and so they only in the near past began promoting menswear, too. In the hotter months, be certain that to hit the outside flea markets; my favourite is in Dumbo, Brooklyn, the place you may take the ferry to buy tables arrange by hip retailers promoting secondhand or independently designed crafts and garments proper beneath the Brooklyn Bridge. On Sundays, be certain that to take a look at the Grand Bazaar on the Upper West Side for the greatest equipment and restored designer finds.
Sydney
Take a complete day (or two, or three) exploring the outlets of Newtown. I nonetheless consider a flirty velour costume patterned with leis of orange and yellow that I attempted on and need I purchased at Vintage313. It’s a kind of outlets the place the costs aren’t outrageous—which may be harmful in a retailer filled with uncommon finds. And whereas there’s no set schedule, you’ll discover heaps of artsy distributors with stellar classic picks promoting secondhand at and round Camperdown Memorial Rest Park, generally with reside music performances, too. Surry Hills is one other treasure for any classic fiend—from C’s Flashback to Storeroom Vintage. Their iconic market can be open one Saturday a month, and is dwelling to numerous vibrant artwork, classic clothes at inexpensive worth factors, in addition to meals stalls and reside music.
London
There are wonderful thrifting and classic outlets in just about each pocket outdoors of the Square Mile in London. Head to the facet streets of Shoreditch to search out stylish chain outposts of Atika London, buzzy Rokit in Covent Garden, and ever-happening Bricklane Vintage in East London. Stop in each store that calls your title on Portobello Road in Notting Hill, and don’t overlook to pop into Lover’s Lane. At the finish of the highway, cease at Found and Vision, beloved by style icons from Kate Moss to Alexa Chung.
The better UK
North of London is the music- and art-filled metropolis of Nottingham. Take a bus from London for a day or two right here—simply be certain that to cease and store at easy-to-navigate Oxfam, Cow Vintage, and ethereal Braderie, which additionally delivers with free transport in the UK. And for those who ever end up in Wales, don’t miss the charming, quirky city of Swansea in the Gower. The coast is ideal for surfers, as the metropolis heart is for fashionable consumers—you are more likely to discover your subsequent favourite merchandise at YMCA Retail.
Paris
My absolute favourite thrift store in Paris is Cinemachine, Montmartre. A haven of organized chaos, the small area in the shadow of the Sacré-Coeur is greatest for these prepared to rummage all the approach right down to the spiral staircase’s entrance to the basement, which overflows with garments. Here, I purchased my famed fur coat and date-ready crimson silk costume. In Marais, at Palettist Vintage, you’ll find all of it: from designer to unmarked. Thanx God I’m a V.I.P. is one other gigantic store which fell sufferer to lots of our procuring sprees.
Berlin
Secondhand procuring in Berlin was too simple: While there are PicknWeights scattered all through the metropolis, the one in Kreuzberg looks like the neighborhood’s candy little secret. Around the nook you’ll discover Checkpoint and Cinema. While extra obvious and fairly massive, true hidden gems are scattered by its racks and bins. On the identical nook, pop into City-Market for button-down fundamentals and colourful jackets. (Not to be confused with Berlin’s precise metropolis markets. Among the trendiest: Neukölln or “Nowkoelln flow market,” situated immediately on the Maybachufer.)
This story is a part of April’s sustainability package, highlighting journey manufacturers which are prioritizing environmental and social duties in a significant approach.