Although we are consumers, most of us are still trying to consume fashion in a more environmentally friendly way. Whether it's buying from sustainability-conscious brands, choosing to rent fashion, or passing on idle items and buying second-hand goods, there are plenty of great options to consider when adopting a greener approach to fashion. But in fact, it's very simple.
One of the favorite ways to become a sustainable consumer is to embrace the circular fashion model. There are now many great luxury resale websites and stores to choose from, where you can sell unwanted designer items and invest in new (well, second-hand, but new to you) pieces for your wardrobe.
Streamlining your wardrobe is not only good for the soul, but also for the environment. When rethinking what you own, you might ask yourself if you are truly making the most of the clothes and accessories you already have. Do you feel guilty for holding onto things you might never wear again for the wrong reasons? Organizing your wardrobe is the first step to making your existing clothing choices as effective as possible; after all, if you forget something exists, you are less likely to wear it.
Today we have collected the best designer resale websites to help you give unwanted pieces a new home. All of these sites are reputable, easy to use, and carefully curated. Whether you want to sell a designer handbag, a pair of shoes, or an item of clothing that no longer "sparks joy" for you but might for someone else, visit one of the websites below.
Of course, if you are on the market looking for something special, these websites are also a paradise for your overseas shopping.
Vestiaire Collective is one of the overseas shopping websites with the largest selection of second-hand goods, releasing thousands of new items every week, and is a favorite of the Bazaar fashion team. With an online fashion community of over 23 million shoppers, through its verification process, items you buy on Vestiaire Collective are also guaranteed to be authentic. A useful feature is the ability to set email alerts to let you know when a specific item you are looking for is listed. The site also regularly holds flash sales, meaning your money can go further.
By Rotation is not only one of our top destinations for renting fashion, but now you can also buy second-hand items here. The app recently launched in New York and introduced a resale feature last year to encourage a wider audience to shop more sustainably. Shoppers have purchased Dior shoes, Stella McCartney bags, and Bottega Veneta accessories through By Rotation, as well as more affordable items from brands like Rixo, De La Vali, Reformation, and Ganni. Founder Eshita Kabra-Davies explains: "Thanks to our highly insightful analytics, our Rotators have become very strategic and deliberate when adding new pieces to their wardrobes, which continues to help us make these decisions."
Recognizing how easy it is to fall in love with a dress or bag you've rented and want to keep it forever, HURR has introduced a special resale feature. Customers can now send offers to sellers for purchased items, and sellers have 48 hours to accept or decline. Founded in 2018, the platform has changed the way we rent wardrobes, with a permanent space in Selfridges allowing customers to try items before renting. HURR is also the first rental platform to achieve B Corp certification, meaning it has successfully met high standards for ethical business.
1stDibs is a unique online marketplace that connects shoppers with extraordinary items, from furniture and fine art to jewelry and fashion. It only offers items from trusted sellers, and each piece is reviewed by in-house experts. Shoppers can bid on items or negotiate prices in auctions, as they connect directly with sellers. It's worth keeping a close eye on its website and sales, as thousands of new items are added every week.
The RealReal is the world's largest online marketplace for authenticated luxury resale, with over 25 million members. Known for its rigorous authentication process overseen by experts, the site provides a safe and reliable platform for consumers to buy and sell luxury goods across multiple categories, including women's and men's fashion, fine jewelry and watches, art, and home goods.
Lampoo is a second-hand designer website, originally launched in Milan and now live in the UK, aiming to give new life to pre-owned luxury goods. Filled with a curated selection of women's clothing and accessories from most major fashion designers, including Dolce & Gabbana, Alexander McQueen, and Chanel, it hopes to help consumers make the most of their wardrobes and grasp trends in a more accessible way. The brand also has a store on King's Road, well worth a visit.
Rites is a luxury rental platform and resale marketplace designed to make the fashion industry greener. The company knows how sharing wardrobes can help protect the environment without compromising on look and feel. Rites stocks beloved fashion brands like Prada, Reformation, Rixo, Stella McCartney, and Ganni, available for rent or purchase as second-hand items. Shoppers can easily sell or rent items through its simple and free wardrobe management service. Rites also offers special charity resales where customers can donate a portion of sales to support causes important to them.
Another excellent addition to the UK designer resale market is The Luxury Closet, which just launched in the UK this summer. Originally founded in Dubai, the brand quickly became the largest luxury resale marketplace in the Middle East, and its dominance is spreading globally. The platform is known for its exceptional white-glove concierge service, superior customer experience, and strict authentication process. Moreover, with a global community of over 15 million, its second-hand inventory is truly special.
Luxury handbag rental website Cocoon has launched a resale service to help clients sell their beloved luxury handbags and receive payment from the site's members in cash or credit. The site offers a subscription service allowing you to rent different designer bags monthly, meaning you can update your wardrobe as often as you like; great news if you love that new bag feeling but find yourself getting bored quickly. Founder Ceanne Fernandes-Wong says: "This is the perfect solution for bag lovers who want to enjoy fashion in a smarter, more sustainable way."
Sign of the Times is a Chelsea-based institution that has been selling designer vintage pieces in West London for 45 years. Originally a store selling clothes that once belonged to celebrities, Sign of the Times quickly grew into a vintage store with an excellent reputation and a very stylish selection of items. The store has a huge celebrity following, with new items arriving daily, over 5,000 items available online, and more than 1,800 in the physical store.
HEWI (Hardly Ever Worn It) is similar to eBay but specializes in brand new or barely worn second-hand designer items. Shoppers can watch items, follow sellers, and choose "Buy It Now" or make an offer on future purchases. Sellers can list items for free or opt for a VIP service where HEWI London handles everything on your behalf - from collecting the item to handling all buyer inquiries. It also allows you to sell anonymously; all you need to do is choose your preferred payment method.
Located in the heart of Knightsbridge, Sellier promises to offer you the finest luxury ready-to-wear, handbags, shoes, and accessories. "Whether you are buying or selling, we are passionate about creating the best experience for our clients and consignors," its website explains. Sellier Knightsbridge also has a range of authentic Hermès bags available for resale in London.
The company partners with Entrupy, using AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology to authenticate its products, ensuring they are genuine for customers. This innovative technology checks microscopic areas of an item by comparing it to the original to verify its legitimacy.
Bagista gives beloved designer bags a second home; customers can buy, sell, or exchange their luxury items. The company is great at keeping fans updated, regularly posting new arrivals on Instagram Stories so you can stay on top of the latest drops. Bags are inspected by experts before being listed on the site to ensure authenticity, whether it's a one-off piece or everyone's favorite must-have.
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