The 11 Best Brands To Buy Second-Hand

19 May 2025

Shopping for second-hand clothes, shoes, and accessories isn’t just a smart way to save money; it’s one of the best things you can do for your wardrobe and the planet.

Whether you're on the hunt for statement jewellery, vintage denim, or timeless coats, second-hand shopping opens up a world of fashion possibilities at a fraction of the cost.

In this guide, we’re highlighting the best brands to buy second-hand, including cult favourites, high-street heroes, and iconic luxury labels.

We’ll also explore the best types of clothing to thrift, what to avoid, and how to get the most out of your second-hand shopping experience.

Why Should You Buy Second-Hand?

From lowering carbon emissions to elevating your style, second-hand shopping ticks every box.

Choosing pre-owned clothing reduces the demand for newly manufactured garments, which reduces water usage, harmful chemicals, and textile waste.

Here’s why second-hand fashion is worth it:

Reduce waste: Keep quality garments out of landfills and give them a new home.
Lower environmental impact: Buying used clothing avoids the emissions created when producing new pieces.
Affordable access to luxury brands: Get high-end pieces at a price that suits your budget.
Find one-of-a-kind styles: Vintage and second-hand shops are full of unique pieces you won’t see on the high street.

Our Favourite Brands to Look Out for When Second-Hand Shopping

1. Patagonia

Beloved for its sustainable ethos and rugged outdoor gear, Patagonia clothing is built to last.

Second-hand Patagonia jackets and fleeces are easy to find and often in fantastic condition, ideal for anyone looking for ethical, high-performance fashion without the retail markup.

2. Eileen Fisher

Known for minimalist silhouettes and eco-conscious materials, Eileen Fisher garments are timeless and made with quality fabrics like organic cotton and wool.

Buying second-hand Eileen Fisher means investing in classic wardrobe staples with a lower environmental footprint.

3. Levi's

A true second-hand staple, Levi’s jeans only get better with age.

From vintage 501s to oversized denim jackets, Levi’s is one of the best denim brands to buy second-hand. The worn-in feel and classic cuts make them a thrifting favourite.

4. Ganni

Scandi-cool meets sustainability. Ganni pieces tend to hold their value and style season after season.

Look for playful prints, contemporary tailoring, and statement outerwear when shopping second-hand.

5. Burberry

A true icon in British fashion, Burberry trench coats, scarves, and handbags are high-value finds in the resale world.

Timeless and durable, these items are often passed down through generations, making their vintage pieces excellent long-term wardrobe investments.

6. Ralph Lauren

From tailored shirts to cable-knit jumpers, Ralph Lauren offers American preppy style at its finest. Second-hand Ralph Lauren clothing is widely available and often in great condition.

Keep an eye out for Polo pieces and classic outerwear.

7. Louis Vuitton

Buying second-hand Louis Vuitton is the way to go for those wanting to own luxury bags without the luxury price tag.

Sites likeeBay (with its Authenticity Guarantee),Vestiaire Collective, andFarfetch are trusted places to purchase pre-owned Louis Vuitton handbags and wallets with peace of mind.

8. COS

Minimalist, high-quality basics make COS a second-hand favourite. Known for its modern tailoring and neutral colour palettes, COS pieces are well made and ideal for building a sustainable capsule wardrobe.

9. Zara

Though Zara is technically fast fashion, its pieces are trendy and plentiful on second-hand platforms.

When you shop Zara second-hand, you're avoiding the environmental cost of buying new, and scoring trendy pieces for less.

10. Weekday

As part of the H&M group, Weekday offers fashion-forward pieces made with a slightly more sustainable approach.

Its denim, outerwear, and basics hold up well second-hand, especially if you're looking for casual-cool additions to your wardrobe.

11. Free People

Boho style lovers will appreciate the floaty dresses, vintage-inspired blouses, and accessories that Free People is known for.

The brand’s aesthetic makes it perfect for second-hand shopping, where you’ll likely find well-kept garments with lots of life left.

Looking for true vintage pieces? Check out our guide to the best vintage designer brands to look out for.

The Best Things to Buy Second-Hand

Coats

A good coat makes a big impact on any outfit, and buying second-hand coats is one of the easiest ways to elevate your wardrobe sustainably. Look out for trench coats, puffers, and wool overcoats.

Don’t forget to check both men’s and women’s sections for oversized fits and premium fabrics.

Knitwear

There’s no shortage of vintage knitwear in charity shops and thrift stores. Whether you want chunky cardigans, retro jumpers, or trendy sweater vests, second-hand knitwear is a sustainable style win. Look for natural fibres like wool and cashmere for the best quality.

Shirts

Classic button-downs, floaty blouses, and standout band tees are second-hand staples. Charity shops are packed with options in every colour, print, and fabric.

And when it comes to graphic t-shirts, you can uncover some real gems, including vintage styles that are no longer in production.

Denim

One of the most thrifted wardrobe staples, denim is easy to find and often better second-hand than brand new. Worn-in denim looks and feels more authentic, and it’s less likely to shrink or lose shape after washing. Keep an eye out for jeans, jackets, and skirts.

Bags

From classic totes to vintage leather crossbodies, the right second-hand bag is out there. It just might take time to find it.

If you're after designer handbags, use trusted resale platforms like eBay, Vestiaire Collective, and Farfetch, all of which offer authentication services.

Brands to Avoid When Shopping Second-Hand

Not all fashion is created equal; some brands aren’t worth buying even second-hand. Avoid ultra-fast fashion labels like SHEIN, Primark, or anything that feels poorly made.

These items are often low quality, don’t last, and contribute heavily to textile waste and unethical labour practices. Stick to well-made garments that will actually hold up with continued wear.

Explore More Fashion Favourites with Slingo

Looking to upgrade your wardrobe? Whether you're searching for sustainable basics, designer dupes, or capsule wardrobe ideas, we’ve got all your fashion needs covered.

From fragrance finds to luxury lookalikes, the Slingo lifestyle blog is your go-to for affordable, stylish inspiration.

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