The Kair guide to online vintage consignment stores
You’ve probably seen them popping up across fashion markets in recent years but how much do you know about Online Vintage Consignment Stores? Put simply, they’re an upmarket version of the second-hand store, giving pre-loved pieces a new home. Each store has specialists on hand to assess and authenticate each piece so both buyers and sellers can be sure they are getting a fair price.
As fashion lovers, we’re constantly reminiscing on the styles and trends of years gone by. Take Dior’s Saddle Bag: debuted on the runway in 1999 during John Galliano’s reign at the French fashion house, its revival in recent years has seen it climb back to the top of the trending charts. Online Vintage Consignment Stores can help make our dreams a reality by giving us access to purchase an original design; and often at a lower price point too.
As sustainability continues to be a hot topic in the fashion industry, this approach allows us to still enjoy clothes but reduce our contribution to fashion’s carbon footprint at the same time. Buying pre-loved means we extend the lives of pieces that could have ended up in a landfill. It also encourages us to look after our garments correctly and with care. If we do, we prolong their lives in our wardrobes, or someone else’s.
With the rising popularity of re-wearing, recycling and renting treasured pieces, it’s no wonder these stores have become an overnight success. They have a winning formula.
We’ve rounded up some of the Kair team’s favourite stores to help you find the one for you.
VESTIAIRE COLLECTIVE
With sellers from all over the globe, from a Ganni Dress to a Hermés Bag, you can be sure to find the piece that you’re looking for on Vestiaire Collective. They also offer a rewards program and direct shipping on many items, so you can get your piece swiftly.
Vestiaire Collective Selfridges Pop-Up, Image by Tom D Morgan via The Guardian
THE REALREAL
The Real Real has a vast collection of pieces from all over the world in several categories such as watches, home and kids. Be sure to check out their ‘Featured Shop’ where you’ll find editor’s picks, beauty and vintage.
The RealReal store, SoHo, New York. Image by Casey Kelbaugh for The New York Times
FARFETCH
Global designer boutique Farfetch has entered the world of consignment with a twist. The pre-loved section sells verified second-hand designer pieces, while Farfetch Second Life allows customers to sell their designer bags and receive store credit for the amount of their sales.
Image via Farfetch
CUDONI
Cudoni values and authenticates each item that they receive, so both sellers and buyers get a fair deal, they also offer contact-free home collection for UK sellers.
Image via Cudoni
THREDUP
ThredUp offers a collection of premium and high street brands rather than luxury for pre-loved pieces at a lower price point.
Image via ThredUp
REBAG
It’s in the name, Rebag lets you rehome your designer bags (as well as, jewellery, watches and accessories) and find the pieces you’re looking for.
Image via Rebag
THE HOSTA
Both a consignment store and a curated collection of bags sourced by the founder, The Hosta is a great place to find both vintage and contemporary designer bags.
Image via @the_hosta
SUBRINA HEYINK
If you’re looking for the perfect pair of Levi’s head to Subrina Heyink. From vintage 501’s to custom pairs and alterations, Subrina Heyink’s collection might be small, but it’s beautifully curated.
Image via @subrinaheyinkvintage
ELIA VINTAGE
Elia Vintage sources elevated basics with vintage flair, think oversized blazers, linen trousers and calf-grazing midi skirts. The pieces are all sourced for a curated collection of nonchalant, feminine pieces.
Happy Shopping - and Long Love Your Wardrobe 🧺 ✨
Cover Image via Selfridges
