Trust us humans to take a critical issue and have some fun solving it. For most of us, thrifting came as a way to hunt for one-of-a-kind pieces. Away from the idea of mass-produced fashion, the definition of personal style saw a shift. Self-expression through fashion took over the demand to stay on top of trends. And it most certainly makes for a pleasant way to beat fashion’s exhaustive waste problem. The concept of thrifting has existed for ages, often in the form of garage sales or vintage shops. Recently, many such homegrown thrift shops have popped up online that offer a whole range of wardrobe essentials. Sometimes more. Let’s dive right into the ones you definitely need to keep handy for your next shopping quest!
Image:@aimee.loved
1. Aimée Loved
Pandemic baby Aimée turned two this year. An ardent curation of fashion's finest luxury brands, the thrift shop is home to my favourite wardrobe pieces. Best place to shop for elevated essentials and statement pieces, without burning a hole in your pocket. They regularly host pop-ups across the country, sometimes even a sale. Aimée also has an under 999 sale section that includes a whole lot of luxury brands. Keep an eye on their Instagram stories for this one.
Image: pandapickedstore
2. Panda Picked Store
Young, colourful, and shopper-friendly. Panda Picked store sells some ‘pretty clothes to light up your closet and mood.’ True to their tagline, the vibrant store houses clothes for all sizes and aesthetics. A unique collection of one-of-a-kind pieces, right from prints and knits to inspired graphics and crafty silhouettes. Best to shop for sweaters, shirts, and accessories. The brand likes to surprise its buyers sometimes with handwritten notes, scrunchies, or tote bags that make for a wholesome shopping experience.
Image: @disco.very.culture
3. Disco Very Culture
Inspired by the disco scene of the 1970s, this timeless thrift shop specialises in vintage clothing for all. As the name suggests, the shop is driven by the love of art, music and obviously dance. If you’re looking to sport some genderless pieces from interesting fashion collaborations of the past, Disco Culture is the answer to your prayers. Best to shop for T-Shirts and pants, carefully curated with a great sense of style.
Image: @bombayclosetcleanse
4. Bombay Closet Cleanse
Bombay Closet Cleanse is a unique shopper experience. Where you not only thrift clothes and accessories but also sell or swap pieces from your own wardrobe. The shop offers the luxury of both online and offline stores, with several pre-loved designer pieces under its wing. Sale items are sometimes priced at as low as ₹99, truly a steal. They currently have an ongoing sale on their website and a holiday pop coming soon with great deals! Get shopping. Mindfully.
Image: @thelocalvintage_
5.The Local Vintage
Shillong- based, is truly a haven for thrifting. Vintage, reworked and up-cycled pieces that make a great fit for any wardrobe, The Local Vintage shop is the best place to shop for dresses, shirts, and blazers. They believe in reinventing pieces, sometimes making feminine co-ord sets made out of vintage men’s blazers. What a fun way to heal the environment while still managing to sashay in style.