Categories > Guides and Tips

10 Best Online Thrift Stores in South Africa Where We Grabbed Unique Finds
I’m an old soul, and I love anything vintage, especially clothes. The problem? Most malls are all about the latest trends, and finding those classic, old-school pieces isn’t easy.
Thrift stores are my go-to, but sometimes my favourite spots don’t have fresh stocks. That’s when I turned to online thrifting where I found unique clothes and accessories without sifting through racks.
If you’re not in the mood for in-person browsing, I’m letting you in on my secret online shops. Happy hunting!
Cry Baby.Thrift
Media From: crybaby.Thrift
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crybaby.thrift/?hl=en (Operates through Instagram only)
Phone: +27 714 693 897
Price Range: RR
Cry Baby.Thrift is an online store operating through Instagram. While they specialise in second-hand baby clothes, they also have a great selection of women’s and men’s fashion. They source their stocks from local and international brands.
In most online stores, you have to message them directly, but not this shop. Everything is listed in the post, so there’s no need to ask.
If you found something you like, just comment “mine” to claim an item and wait until they message you. You can also drop “NIL” (next in line) to be the next buyer if someone beats you to it.
I ordered a Sunset cropped shirt here, and it was in excellent condition for a second-hand product priced at R180. The seashell buttons were complete, and the satin was still in top shape. It was comfy, especially when I wore it during the summer!
Tips: Buyers who reside in Rosebank can enjoy free delivery on weekends. There’s an R100 delivery fee for customers outside Mzansi. Be on the lookout for their grand sales like “R50 for All Items.” They post these deals on their IG. |
Yaga
Media From: yagasouthafrica
Website: https://www.yaga.co.za/
Phone: +27 680 651 497
Price Range: RRR
For a wide selection of pre-loved items, visit Yaga, an online marketplace. It has an Instagram-like user interface combined with the shopping feature of eBay, making thrift hunting less hassle.
Payments are handled securely through the app (available on Android or iOS) and are put on hold until you receive your order.
Second-hand items from brands like Nike, Zara, Old Khaki, and Woolworths are common on this platform. However, there are also brand-new ones that sell cheaper than retail. And if you’re patient, you might come across luxury brands like Chanel and Gucci!
I always dreamt of owning a Nike Vomero 5, but the original price of R3,000 was too steep for me. Then I found one with a silver metallic colourway on this platform. It only cost me R300, which was 70% cheaper than the new ones!
Tip: To save up on delivery fees, use Pudo. It sometimes delivers without any cost! |
Thrift Happens
Media From: thrifthappensjhb
Website: https://thrifthappens.co.za/
Phone: +27 815 768 291
Price Range: RRR
Thrift Happens is an online thrift store specialising in rare pre-owned and brand-new clothes. Each item is sourced straight from the streets of Joburg, so there’s a big chance you’ll get a one-of-a-kind design.
Their clothing and accessories for men, women, and kids are in top condition. Items from brands like Levi’s, Lululemon, Patagonia, and Banana Republic are often regularly stocked. At times, they also would sell barely used genuine leather and suede bags.
I found a genuine ladies’ leather belt here for only R180! There were only a few scratches on the buckle, but for the price, and the material used, it’s worth it. The buckle needed a bit of polish, but it looked like it was brought brand new!
Tip: Spend at least R999 to enjoy free shipping, or R599 to cut your delivery fees in half. |
Moee House Thrift Streetwear
Media From: moee_house_street
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moee_house_street/ (Operates through Instagram only)
Phone: +27 817 987 909
Price Range: RR
Visit the Moee House Thrift Streetwear if you’re on the hunt for quality pre-loved casual wear. It’s a virtual shop with loads of vintage and brand-new clothes, selling jerseys, sweatshirts, and essentials like shirts and tees.
They also offer an excellent denim collection, with jackets, blouses, and pants that come in different styles.
The item’s price and condition are also included in the post, so you don’t have to guess. If there’s any damage, they’ll include it so you won’t be surprised when your order arrives.
I love their vintage Dri-Fit polo shirt collection, especially those from football teams. I bought a classic all-black rugby top from 2011. It barely looked pre-owned, and it only cost me R350!
Tip: They regularly stock up on their items. Turn your Instagram notifications on for this shop so you won’t miss new drops. |
Thrift Culture
Media From: thrift_culture
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrift_culture/ (Operates through Instagram only)
Price Range: RR
Thrift Culture is an excellent site for ladies looking for vintage fashion. It has a wide range of stylish pre-loved items, from dresses to shoes. You can also score some cute bikinis here.
The shop uses a bidding system, meaning you have to outbid other buyers to secure the item. It often receives fresh stocks every Tuesday, which they post on their social media feed—complete with details like price, size, and condition.
Receiving your orders isn’t a drag as well, with Pudo delivering the items to your door.
I snagged a pair of authentic minimal-scuffed Woolies leather ankle boots, outbidding other buyers. The price of R440 was worth it. My wife loved the shoes and constantly tried to match her outfits with them.
Tip: They also have a separate website called Chici Bongi, where they sell unique fashion pieces made from secondhand materials. |
ThriftyWays
Media From: thriftyways
Website: https://thriftyways.co.za/
Phone: +27 723 562 313
Price Range: RR
For solid vintage and casual wear finds, visit ThriftyWays. It has a great selection of tops, bottoms, and sweaters. Plus, there’s a stunning sportswear collection featuring shirts, caps, windbreakers, and shorts.
It’s a winner for online shoppers because of its flexible payment options. You can split your total into four installments without worrying about any interests. If you purchased at least R1,000, your shipping will be free!
I’m a fan of Led Zeppelin, and their merch can cost a fortune. Luckily, I found one in this shop featuring their Electric Magic show. It only cost me R299, sparing me enough to get myself a Pokémon baseball cap for R150.
Tip: If you prefer shopping in person, they also have a physical shop in Randburg. |
Chic Mamas Jozi
Media From: chicmamasjozi
Address: 59 4th Ave, Linden, Randburg
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Saturday – 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Website: https://www.chicmamasdocare.org/
Phone: +27 836 508 522
Price Range: RR
Shop for pre-loved fashion while giving back to the community by thrifting at Chic Mamas Jozi. They offer a great mix of comfy loungewear, dresses, jewellery, and handbags. Every purchase helps fund education programs and support children in need!
There are also options for teens, like dresses and shoes. They also have well-kept cocktail dresses, evening gowns, and wedding dresses, perfect if you’re searching for an outfit to wear on a special occasion.
A Cristofoli Brazilian platform stiletto can cost nearly R2,000. But here, they only went for R650, which I immediately checked out to give my wife!
Tip: Trade your clean, high-quality seasonal clothes via their Swap4Charity program to earn store credits. |
Dashing Fashion
Media From: dashingfashion1
Website: https://dashingfashion.co.za/thrift-shop/
Phone number: +27 823 197 791
Price Range: R
Another online thrift store for ladies is Dashing Fashion. It has blouses, dresses, and bodysuits that are not only stylish but also budget-friendly.
They have a physical store in Benoni. However, you won’t find most of their pieces there, so it’s worth browsing online for the best finds.
Most items start from R50, and beautiful dresses only go around R200. Sizing is not an issue here too, since they have the smallest to the largest sizes.
I recommended this shop to my wife, and now she’s a loyal customer. The items are cheap, yet the quality is excellent. The dresses she ordered had no issues with stitching, so she never had to worry about wardrobe malfunctions on a night out.
Tip: There’s also a pre-order feature, allowing you to secure your desired item. |
Vintage with Love
Media From: vintagewithlovesa
Website: https://www.vintagewithlove.co.za/
Phone: +27 657 069 928
Price Range: RRR
Support literary programs by thrifting at Vintage with Love. Every sale they make goes to charities focused on education, helping underprivileged children and individuals gain important knowledge.
It’s a win-win situation for you since they have great items in stock. You can find affordable clothing and accessories from brands like Gucci, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. They also have some good furniture if you’re looking to redecorate your home.
With winter coming, I was on the hunt for a jacket to give my wife. I found one here: a sleek Motys black coat for R1,000. She loved it and described it as one of the warmest jackets she had ever worn.
Tips: Get free door-to-door delivery by purchasing at least R1,000. Anything below the amount will cost you an R100 delivery fee. Donate your old furniture through their Decor for a Difference program. Your donation can help raise funds for the literacy programs they’re supporting. |
Never New
Media From: nevernewstore
Address: 15b Lower Main Rd, Observatory, Cape Town
Phone: +27 798 456 926
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nevernewstore/
Price Range: RR
For easier thrifting, consider Never New, which has both physical and online stores. They sell a range of vintage products, from shirts to shoes, and take cash, cards, and SnapScan for flexible payment.
If you prefer shopping virtually, just head to their Instagram, comment “Mine” on a post, and wait for them to message you.
You can also find blouses, dresses, and jackets that, while a bit pricier, are in top-notch condition and worth the price. It’s also a great place to hunt for costume accessories, like spiked cuffs, masquerade masks, wigs, and even pashminas.
For a costume party I attended last year, I went for a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles-inspired outfit. The purple faux fur and Ninja Turtles-themed Doc Martens boots I wore that day only cost me R1,750!
Tip: Don’t miss out on grabbing one of their funky shades collection! |