Picture this. You've decided to shop second hand, you open your phone, and you're instantly hit with thousands of listings, endless scrolling and no idea who you're actually buying from. Sound familiar?
You're not alone. Finding the best second hand and vintage shops online in the UK can feel like a job in itself. That's why we've rounded up 8 independent UK shops where someone has already done the hunting for you, covering preloved fashion, vintage clothing and second hand home decor.
Quick answer: if you want hand-picked second hand clothes and quirky home decor in one place, start with Sunshine Thrift. For classic vintage clothing, try Rokit. For Y2K and 90s pieces, head to Christie's Cupboard. And for vintage home decor, Some of a Kind and Gwen's Attic are well worth a browse.
Full disclosure: we are one of the shops on this list. We've included ourselves because we'd love you to shop with us, but every shop here is one we genuinely rate.
Contents
- What makes a great second hand or vintage shop online?
- The best second hand and vintage shops online UK
- Quick comparison: second hand and vintage shops online
- Tips for shopping second hand online
- FAQs
- Our final thoughts
What makes a great online second hand or vintage shop?
Not all online vintage shops are created equal. Before you hit "add to basket", here's what we think separates the great from the not so great.
It's curated
Marketplaces like Vinted and eBay are brilliant, but you're digging through thousands of listings from thousands of sellers. A curated shop has already picked out the best pieces, so you get the treasure without the hunt.
The descriptions are honest
Good second hand shops tell you exactly what you're getting: clear photos, accurate measurements and an honest note on condition. If there's a tiny mark or a missing button, you should know before you buy.
You know who you're buying from
Independent shops have real people behind them. If you have a question about sizing or care, you can just ask.
It's good for your planet (and your bank balance)
Every second hand piece you buy is one less new item that needs to be made. According to research from WRAP, keeping clothes in use for just nine months longer cuts their carbon, water and waste footprints by 20 to 30% each. Not bad for a new-to-you dress.
The best online second hand and vintage shops in the UK
Sunshine Thrift
Best for: affordable second hand women's clothing and unique home decor in one place
That's us! Sunshine Thrift is a UK based online thrift shop selling hand-curated second hand women's clothing and quirky, unique home decor. Every piece is chosen by us, so you won't find endless pages of the same high street tops.
Expect up to 85% off RRP, a dedicated Everything Under £10 collection and free delivery when you spend £30. On the home side, you'll find one-of-a-kind finds like vintage lamps, kitchenware and funky home decor you won't see anywhere else.
Rokit Vintage
Best for: classic vintage clothing and denim
Rokit is something of a legend in the vintage world. It started as a market stall in Camden and opened its first shop on Camden High Street in 1986. It now has stores in Camden, Brick Lane, Covent Garden and Cardiff, as well as a full online shop.
You'll find vintage clothing for women and men, from denim and leather jackets to knitwear and sportswear. Look out for Rokit Originals, its reworked range made from vintage and deadstock fabrics.
Christie's Cupboard
Best for: 90s and Y2K vintage womenswear
If your style leans towards cami tops, sequin knits and the kind of mesh top you wore to every party in 2003, Christie's Cupboard is for you. It sells curated 90s and 2000s vintage womenswear, handpicked in Italy and shipped from East London, with free UK postage on orders over £100.
Sister Sister Preloved
Best for: affordable, everyday preloved fashion
Run by Steph in London and Essex, Sister Sister Preloved sells curated preloved dresses, jumpsuits, tops, outerwear and accessories at a range of budgets, including a £10 shop. You can also sell your own clothes through the shop. We love its motto: "Because the most sustainable clothes already exist."
Preworn
Best for: huge choice of second hand clothing for the whole family
Based in Llangollen in Wales, Preworn is one of the biggest second hand clothing sellers in the UK. It says it has over 1 million items for sale and lists around 6,000 new items every day, covering women's, men's and children's clothing. If you know exactly what you're looking for, the sheer choice here is hard to beat.
SweetPeaPreloved
Best for: nearly new women's clothing from brands you love
SweetPea Preloved sells new and nearly new women's clothing in sizes 6 to 24, from dresses and knitwear to coats, shoes and maternity wear. Expect brands like Boden, Hush, Ghost and Zara for a fraction of the original price. It'll also buy your unwanted clothes, which is handy if your wardrobe needs a clear-out, and there's a sister shop for children's clothes too.
Some of a Kind
Best for: quirky vintage and second hand home decor
Some of a Kind is a curated online shop for vintage and second hand homeware and home accessories. Its whole focus is on finding fun, original and quirky pieces, so you don't have to. It's one of the best online vintage shops for home decor, and a great pick if you want your home to feel like you, not a showroom.
Gwen's Attic
Best for: vintage and preloved homeware & fashion
Based in the North West of England, Gwen's Attic sells vintage, preloved and second hand homeware. It's the kind of shop that's perfect for a slow browse with a cup of tea in hand. Expect a range of vintage home decor styles plus a splash of curated vintage women's fashion too.
Quick compare: online second hand and vintage shops
| Shop | Clothing | Home decor | Best for |
| Sunshine Thrift | Women's | Yes | Affordable clothes and unique home decor in one place |
| Rokit Vintage | Women's and men's | Blankets only | Classic vintage and denim |
| Christie's Cupboard | Women's | No | 90s and Y2K vintage |
| Sister Sister Preloved | Women's | No | Affordable everyday preloved |
| Preworn | Women's, men's and kids' | No | Huge choice |
| SweetPea Preloved | Women's and kids' | No | Nearly new branded womenswear |
| Some of a Kind | No | Yes | Quirky vintage home decor |
| Gwen's Attic | No | Yes | Vintage and preloved homeware |
Tips for shopping second hand online
Whichever of these second hand and vintage shops online you choose, these tips will help you buy with confidence.
Check the measurements, not just the size: Sizes vary hugely between brands and decades, especially with vintage. Compare the listed measurements with a piece you already own and love. Our guide to taking clothing measurements shows you exactly how.
Read the condition notes: Honest shops will flag any marks, wear or repairs. A small flaw can be part of a piece's charm, but you want to know about it first.
Look at the care label: Older pieces and delicate fabrics often need a little extra love. If you're unsure what the symbols mean, our complete guide to laundry symbols has you covered.
Check the returns policy: Most independent shops accept returns, but policies vary. Have a quick look before you buy, especially for sale items.
Sign up for new drops: One-of-a-kind means once it's gone, it's gone. Signing up to a shop's emails is the easiest way to get first dibs on new stock.
FAQ's
What are the best second hand and vintage shops online in the UK?
Our top picks this year are Sunshine Thrift, Rokit Vintage, Christie's Cupboard, Sister Sister Preloved, Preworn, SweetPea Preloved, Some of a Kind and Gwen's Attic. Each one is independent and curated, so you get the best pieces without the endless scroll.
Where is the best place to buy second hand clothes online?
It depends on what you're after. For hand-picked women's clothing at affordable prices, try Sunshine Thrift. For classic vintage, Rokit is a go-to, and for 90s and Y2K pieces, try Christie's Cupboard. We find that once you find your go-to online second hand shop, you often return time and time again!
What are the best sites for second hand and vintage home decor?
If you're looking for the best sites for vintage home decor and quirky, one-of-a-kind homeware, try Sunshine Thrift, Some of a Kind and Gwen's Attic. They're all curated, so you can find vintage home decor without trawling through car boot sales.
Is second hand the same as vintage?
Not quite. Vintage usually means an item is at least 20 years old, while second hand (or preloved) simply means it's had a previous owner. Our second hand glossary explains the difference, plus other terms you'll see when shopping online.
Is buying second hand really cheaper than buying new?
Usually, yes, and often by a lot. Our guide to second hand clothes versus brand new breaks down the savings. We'll never preach to you that you should choose online second hand clothes over brand new, second hand fashion is all about finding what works for you.
Our final thoughts
Shopping second hand doesn't have to mean hours of scrolling. The best second hand and vintage shops online in the UK do the hunting for you, so all you have to do is pick your favourites.
Whether you're after a 90s slip dress, a vintage denim jacket or a lamp that becomes the talking point of your living room, there's a shop on this list for you. And if you fancy a mix of affordable clothes and unique home decor, you know where to find us.
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