Second-hand goes digital: The rise of online thrifting.

In a world overflowing with clothes, why do we still feel a need to buy everything brand new? Seriously- have you ever stopped to think about it? So much waste is created in the fashion industry, and overconsumption is at a high. Online shopping has made it easier than ever—just one click and your next outfit is on its way. But that convenience comes with a cost. Fast fashion isn’t just quick and cheap. It’s wasteful, harmful, and unsustainable, stitching damage into our planet.

Well, what if there was a better way to shop? That's where online second-hand shopping comes in. It's just as easy and convenient, but a smarter and more sustainable way to shop, offering a glimpse of positivity-and honestly, it might just change the way you see fashion altogether.

Online second-hand shopping is exactly what it sounds like. Buying pre-loved items from apps rather than brand new items. Platforms like Vinted, Depop and eBay have made it easy to find unique pieces, and at a more affordable cost. It's like charity shopping but on your phone. I think online second-hand shopping is great, it's cheaper, more sustainable and gives you the opportunity to find one of a kind clothes and give them a new life. Two-thirds of Brits bought second-hand goods online in 2025, keeping 199 million products in circulation. It's clear that second-hand shopping is becoming more popular, so to get a better idea of what people think, I carried out a survey.

82% of people said they have shopped for second hand items online, with 94% saying they use Vinted as their main platform. Depop, eBay, and Gumtree were also mentioned but it seems like Vinted really is dominating this industry, and it's definitely my favourite!

With so many people using these apps, I wanted to find out why. Unsurprisingly, 78% said their reason for buying second-hand was cost. Honestly, I saw that coming. Items are often more than 50% cheaper than the original price, and with the option to make offers, you can almost always grab a bargain. But it's not just about saving money. People also love the ability to find unique, vintage or discounted items. There’s something really satisfying about owning a one of a kind item, and let’s be honest, it feels even better when someone asks where it’s from and you can say Vinted.

I was also really glad to see that some people mentioned the environmental benefits, like reducing fast fashion. One response that stood out to me said: "There are already tonnes of clothes out there, so we might as well avoid contributing to even more production". I completely agree with this. It highlights how second-hand shopping isn’t just about saving money, but about making more conscious choices. With so many clothes already in circulation, it makes sense to reuse what we have rather than constantly producing more.

However, not everyone felt the same. One response shared a different opinion: " I personally don’t second-hand shop, and the reason is hygiene reasons. I don’t trust that the item isn’t damaged, stained or clean". Someone also shared that "Once I second-hand shopped and there was a suspicious stain". These concerns are completely valid, especially when you're buying online and can't see the item in person. Trust and uncertainty are still big concerns for some people when it comes to second-hand shopping online, and no one wants an unexpected mystery stain arriving in the post.

When asking about peoples experiences second hand shopping online, it was mostly positive, with many saying they were happy with their purchases. However a few common issues came up, including tricky sizing and the risk of receiving fake items. Without being able to see or try something on in real life, it can be hard to know if it will actually suit and fit you, and if it's authentic. One person even mentioned receiving a pair of fake shoes. That said, apps like Vinted and others do offer ways to deal with this, allowing users to report issues and return items if they aren’t as described.

Even with these issues, online second-hand shopping still seems to come out on top—69% of people said they prefer it over second-hand shopping in person like at charity shops and car boot sales. With online shopping being so easy and convenient, you don't have to put any effort into it. Being able to search for what you're looking for is also great. But for me, nothing compares to second-hand shopping in real life. Searching through piles, stumbling across unexpected gems, and actually seeing the clothes in front of you is all part of the experience.

I was also really happy to see that 60% of people said they shop second-hand for sustainability reasons. It’s nice to know it’s not just about getting things cheaper—people are actually thinking about the bigger picture too. Fast fashion has such a huge impact on the planet, so choosing second-hand, even occasionally, feels like a step in the right direction. It kind of proves that being more sustainable doesn’t have to mean completely changing your lifestyle.