11 Pre-Loved Fashion Stores for the Coolest Thrifted Finds

Lead Image credits: Carol's shop / Folkpants Instagram 

India is no stranger to the concept of pre-loved fashion. If we think back, most of us grew up wearing hand-me-downs from older siblings and unearthing precious finds tucked away in the corners of our grandmother’s closets. By re-wearing clothing, caring for the items we own better, and choosing pre-loved items to add to our fashion closets, we can do our bit to help shift the dial of consumption of fast fashion and decrease the amount of textile waste heading to our landfills.

Recent reports show that consumers bought less apparel overall throughout the pandemic. Many turned to thrifting and shopping for pre-loved clothing and accessories as more sustainable and budget-friendly choices. We understand that taking the plunge and starting out on a journey of pre-loved fashion might seem daunting at first, but the easiest way is to consider opting for a pre-loved find the next time you shop.  If you’re looking to discover exclusive finds, a once-loved dress, or a forgotten treasure trove of jewellery, curated collections of pre-loved clothing are a great way to start. To help you along the way, we have put together a list of 11 pre-loved fashion stores in India to shop from, from high fashion finds to budget-friendly options for clothing and accessories. Head over to their online or Instagram stores listed below to get started on your very own pre-loved fashion journey today.

For Those Seeking Out a Wide Selection of Clothing 

1. Bodements

Handpicked, exclusive, upcycled, and curated with love, Bodements’ moto is to buy less but better. Stylist Divya Saini started Bodements by collecting unique pre-loved pieces from all over the world. With an aesthetically styled Instagram and selective designs from Jean Paul Gaultier, Burberry to Saint Laurent. Divya holds an extensive understanding of fashion with a strong personal style, and each piece reflects that.

 

2. Bombay Closet Cleanse

Starting as a small garage sale, sisters Alfiya and Sana Khan run the Bombay Closet Cleanse today as a thrift and consignment store. They have a physical store, an online site, and an Instagram handle from where they bring you pieces from all over the world. Collaborating, organising pop-ups, donating, and creating upcycled clothing are all the ways Bombay Closet Cleanse aims to reduce and prevent waste from reaching landfills. Its mission is to make circular fashion a way of life and add value to your closet.

 

3. Folkpants

Minimal aesthetic, gingham prints, florals, and dramatic collars and sleeves; Folkpants steers away from mainstream fashion trends. Their second-hand and locally made products vividly stand apart from the crowd. Two sisters from Manipur started Folkpants to engage with their community about the planet, practice sustainability and conscious living to bake the most amazing slow fashion cake.

 

4. The ReLove Closet

The ReLove Closet is a female-led resale platform with a mission to be kinder to the planet, where you can shop pre-loved pieces plus sell and donate from your closet. A section of their proceeds goes to charities and the various social causes they support. The platform holds a wide selection of items and curates special edits for all your shopping needs—from bridal to luxury fashion and accessories.

 

5. Carol’s Shop and Tea Room

Carol started Carol's shop and Tea room in Dimapur, Nagaland, by putting together clothes, books, accessories, and collectibles. It is essentially a curation of all the things she loves, giving preference to colours, patterns, fabrics, and comfort. She currently sources locally and from several places in India and New York.

 

 

 

6. Gon Vintage

Gon Vintage is curated for the modern wardrobe. Creative, contemporary styling techniques such as donning scarves as tops & skirts are used to create striking visuals. Launched in Milan, now also based in Pune and shipping all over India, Gon Vintage mindfully handpicks quality pieces to rediscover the charms of the past again.

 

For Those Seeking Out Stylish, Budget-Friendly Options 

7. The Vintage 

Assam-based affordable thrift store The Vintage sources all its items locally. With a variety of dresses, tops, and skirts in florals, patchwork denim, crocheted patterns, and light fabric, it’s the perfect place to get exclusive items if you’re looking to update your summer wardrobe.

 

8. Vintage Laundry

In their own words, gen-z approved thrift store Vintage Laundry has branded itself as the 'It" place for “Gender fluid and thrifted sasta kapda for broke millennials.” Their collection screams colour, bold patterns, and chaotic prints.

 

For Those Looking to Indulge in Luxury Finds 

9. Saritoria

Saritoria celebrates pre-loved South Asian fashion with Indian heritage, with some of the biggest names in Indian couture from Tarun Tahiliani, Sabyasachi, and Anita Dongre available for purchase. Launched in 2020, Saritoria hopes to start the ‘pre-love revolution’ and promote sustainability by providing a platform for buying and selling preloved, luxury Indian fashion.

 

10. Viange Vintage

Viange Vintage is India’s first vintage designer jewellery label, started in 2011 by sister duo Mehak and Shikha Agarwal. Viange presents the most diverse and eclectic range of vintage costume jewellery. Browse through their Instagram handle, and you will come across a range of absolutely stunning finds like chunky vintage Celine logo earrings, Givenchy logo hoops, Christian Dior charm necklaces, and an enviable collection of vintage Chanel jewels such as the brand's Camelia flower earrings. Various Indian celebrities such as Deepika Padukone and Ananya Panday have been spotted wearing Viange Vintage jewels in recent times. 

11. VRTT Vintage

Started by Entrepreneurs Gabriella Demetriades and Diva Dhawan, VRTT Vintage champions the need for an eco-conscious change in consumer shopping habits and lifestyles. An authenticated luxury consignment site, its main focus is on buying and selling previously-owned luxury goods. Equal parts fashion and conscious consumerism, VRTT hopes to extend the life of luxury products and is a great option to check out if you’ve been pondering about owning or selling your pre-loved luxury items.

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