Exploring the Best Thrift Stores in Cape Town

Thrift stores have become increasingly popular as they offer unique, affordable, and eco-friendly alternatives to the mass-produced clothing items found in traditional retail shops. This guide will introduce you to the best thrift stores in Cape Town, provide tips for shopping at these locations, and highlight the environmental impact of fast fashion and the importance of making sustainable choices.

Criteria for Selecting the Best Thrift Stores in Cape Town

When choosing a thrift store, consider factors such as location, selection, quality, prices, customer service, and reputation. These criteria are important because they help ensure that you find the best deals, high-quality items, and a pleasant shopping experience.

Reviews and Recommendations for the Top Thrift Stores in Cape Town

Cape Town is brimming with unique and affordable thrift stores that cater to a variety of styles and preferences. As we explore the best thrift stores in the city, we'll share some engaging details about each location, including their pros and cons.

1. Dreamland Vintage

Nestled near Kloof Street, Dreamland Vintage is a treasure trove for fashion enthusiasts, particularly those seeking festival fashion pieces. The store's collection spans leather and suede jackets, dresses, skirts, hats, and accessories. Open from Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm, the store boasts items from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s that will undoubtedly elevate any outfit.

• Pros:
  • Extensive vintage selection
  • High-quality items
  • Reasonable prices

• Cons:
• Limited parking in the area
• Smaller store size

2. NeverNew

Located on Lower Main Road in Observatory, NeverNew is a haven for those who appreciate an eclectic mix of second-hand clothes, including vintage denim jeans and designer labels like Gucci and Prada. With its commitment to sustainability and reasonable prices, NeverNew has become a popular choice among Cape Town's thrift store enthusiasts.

• Pros:
• Trendy items at affordable prices
• Commitment to sustainability

• Cons:
• Limited stock availability
• No guarantee on the condition of each item

Customers have praised NeverNew for its commitment to sustainability and its unique selection of items at affordable prices. One customer said, “NeverNew has become my favourite place to shop for sustainable fashion!”

3. Secondhand Rose

Situated in Cape Town's Grove on the Square, Warwick St. Secondhand Rose offers a curated selection of vintage clothing and accessories from around the world. Additionally, the store sells furniture, books, and other one-of-a-kind items at affordable prices. Shoppers can expect to find rare or unusual items, though stock availability may be limited.

• Pros:
• Affordable prices
• Availability of rare or unusual items
• Cons:
• Limited stock availability
• No guarantee on the condition of each item

Customers appreciate the wide selection of quality items at reasonable prices. One happy customer said, “Secondhand Rose is my go-to place for finding one-of-a-kind pieces!”

4. U-Turn Charity Shop

U-Turn Charity Shop, located on Burg Street near Long Street Market, offers an impressive selection of second-hand items at affordable prices. With proceeds going towards charity organisations in need, customers can shop for clothing, furniture, home decor, and more while making a positive impact.

• Pros:
• Wide range of items
• Proceeds go towards charity
• Cons:
• Limited selection of clothing styles and sizes
• Items may not be in perfect condition

Shoppers have expressed appreciation for U-Turn Charity Shop's great finds and the knowledge that their purchases will help others in need. One customer said, “I love shopping here because I know my purchase will help someone else out, plus I get some great finds too!”

5. Oasis Charity Shop

At Oasis Charity Shop on Lee Road near Imam Haron Road, customers can browse a wide selection of second-hand clothes for men, women, and children, along with furniture and homeware items at discounted prices. Despite the low prices, the clothing is of high quality, and customers have reported that they can find great deals on secondhand clothing at Oasis Charity Shop.

• Pros:
• Quality clothes at affordable prices
• Great deals
• Cons:
• Limited sizes available in some items
• May be crowded during peak hours

With retail hours from Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm, Oasis Charity Shop has become a local favourite for its unique selection of items and friendly staff. Customers have praised the shop for its great deals on quality products.

6. Cheap Thrills

Located in Observatory, Cheap Thrills is a fantastic place to find affordable second-hand clothes for men and women, as well as accessories like bags and jewellery. With an online store for those who prefer to shop from home, Cheap Thrills is known for its wide selection of trendy and affordable clothing for everyone.

• Pros:
• Great prices
• Quality products

• Cons:
• Smaller store size
• Limited parking in the area

Open from 9 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday, Cheap Thrills is well-known for its unique selection of items, ranging from casual wear to formal attire. They also offer discounts on certain items throughout the year. Customers have praised the store for its great prices and quality products, with one customer saying, “The quality of the clothing is good, and the prices are very reasonable.”

7. Second Time Around

For those seeking authentic vintage and designer goods, Second Time Around is a must-visit. Located in Observatory, the store offers a wide range of used products, including clothing, furniture, home accessories, electronics, books, toys, and more. Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, the store boasts an impressive selection of used clothing from various brands.

• Pros:
• Impressive selection
• Discounts on specific items
• Friendly and knowledgeable staff
• Cons:
• Limited size variety
• Some items may not be in the best condition

Customers who have shopped at Second Time Around appreciate the selection of goods and the helpful staff members, who are always willing to answer questions or address concerns. One customer said, “I love shopping here because there’s always something new! The staff are really helpful too, which makes it even better!”

8. The Vintage Experience

The Vintage Experience, open Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm, is a warm and inviting store that offers high-quality vintage items. With an extensive selection of formal wear and elegant accessories, it provides a unique shopping experience for those seeking vintage and antique items.

• Pros:
• Wide selection of vintage items
• Reasonable prices and sales on certain items
• Cons:
• Lack of customer service
• Store can be crowded

Customers who have shopped at The Vintage Experience rave about their great finds and friendly staff. One customer said, “I love coming here for unique pieces that I can’t find anywhere else! The staff are always so helpful and knowledgeable about the items they carry.”

9. The Slow Fashion Collective

Specialising in sustainable and ethically-made clothing and accessories, The Slow Fashion Collective offers a varied selection that includes everything from casual wear to formal attire. Though prices may be slightly higher than other sustainable fashion stores, the quality of the items is top-notch.

• Pros:
• High-quality products
• Support for ethical practices in the fashion industry

• Cons:
• Prices can be higher than other thrift stores
• Limited range of items

Customers who have shopped at The Slow Fashion Collective love the quality of their products and how they are helping reduce waste in the fashion industry by making sustainable clothing more accessible to everyone. 

One customer said, “I love shopping at The Slow Fashion Collective because I know I am supporting a business that truly cares about the environment and ethical practices in the fashion industry. The quality of the products is excellent, and I feel good about my purchases knowing they are sustainably made.”

10. Vintage & The City

Located in the heart of Cape Town, Vintage & The City offers an assortment of vintage and secondhand clothing, accessories, and shoes. Open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm, Vintage & The City is an ideal destination for those looking to add some unique, vintage flair to their wardrobe.

• Pros:
• Organised by colour for easy shopping
• Wide variety of items

• Cons:
• Limited stock availability
• Prices can be higher than other thrift stores

Customers who have shopped at Vintage & The City appreciate the store's unique setup and selection of items. One customer said, “I love how the store is organised by colour! It makes it so much easier to find what I'm looking for. And the selection is always fantastic—every time I visit, I find something new and exciting.”

Tips for Shopping at Thrift Stores in Cape Town

To make the most of your thrift shopping experience, follow these tips:

• Dress comfortably for easy try-ons
• Allocate plenty of time for shopping and exploring
• Bring a friend for decision-making assistance and feedback
• Maintain an open mind for unique finds
• Inspect items for defects before purchasing
• Negotiate prices on damaged or imperfect items

The Impact of Thrift Stores on the Environment and Sustainability

Shopping at thrift stores contributes to environmental sustainability by:

• Reducing waste and keeping items out of landfills
• Decreasing demand for new products, conserving resources like water, energy, and materials

Benefits of Buying Second-Hand

Some of the benefits of buying second-hand items include:

• Being environmentally friendly
• Saving money compared to buying brand new items
• Discovering unique pieces unavailable elsewhere
• Supporting local communities and businesses

Making Sustainable Choices When Shopping at Thrift Stores

To make more sustainable choices when shopping at thrift stores, consider:

• Opting for natural materials (cotton, wool) over synthetics (polyester, nylon)
• Choosing well-cared-for items for longevity
• Shopping at locally owned stores to support the local economy and minimise shipping costs

Cape Town offers a diverse range of thrift stores, from vintage clothing shops to charity shops, providing customers with unique, affordable, and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional retail shopping. Head on over to our website for a list of more stores that share our vision and values at Shiftr. By visiting these stores and making sustainable choices, shoppers can help reduce the environmental impact of fast fashion while discovering one-of-a-kind items and supporting local businesses.