Chanel on a budget? This is the coolest way to shop in Sydney right now

The pre-loved fashion scene is thriving and it’s never been cooler (or easier) to win big when secondhand shopping in Sydney. Here’s your guide for where to shop, from budget-friendly to high-end.

Secondhand shopping is cool these days. In New South Wales last year, Vinnies op shops reported a 50 per cent increase in sales and Gen Z are leading the trend. So much so that big-name brands like Patagonia and Levi’s have launched their own circular fashion initiatives that allow customers to trade in their old items for resale.

For me, its Sydney’s op shops and markets that are the gifts that keep giving. From $10 Levi’s and vintage Y2K tops, to a half-price Zimmerman dress with its label still attached, you really never know what’s lurking on the rails. Never miss an opportunity to browse the racks.

There’s a spot for every style and budget. everything from local op shops and weekend markets to high-end resale boutiques and curated vintage, here’s your tiered guide to the best places to shop secondhand fashion in Sydney.

1. Budget-friendly: Op shops and markets

If you love the thrill of finding a fashion bargain, Sydney’s op shops and weekend markets are a treasure trove. With a keen eye and a bit of digging, you can score everything from $5 Levi’s to one-off vintage jackets, all while supporting charity or local creatives.

Vinnies is a go-to for secondhand style across the city, especially the Glebe and Paddington stores, where fashion-forward locals regularly donate. Scan racks of denim, pre-loved designer labels and plenty of layering staples. They’ve just made it even easier too, with the launch of their online shop last month. You’ll find a curated selection of secondhand clothing, shoes and accessories with nationwide shipping on vinniesfinds.com.au. It’s a total game-changer.

Potts Point is one of Sydney’s most stylish neighbourhoods and the donations at Wayside Chapel reflect that. The racks are often filled with designer donations, vintage coats and trendy basics, and all proceeds support homeless people. In Newtown, the Red Cross store on King Street is a secret weapon. It’s neat, stylishly curated and often stocked with affordable high-street and vintage pieces. In nearby Camperdown, Savers will soon open its biggest Sydney store. The American brand only opened its first Sydney store in May 2024, but will have expanded to five by the end of August. The Camperdown thrift store opens on July 31 and will have three floors filled with bargains, most listed at less than $10. It’s the Costco of op-shopping.

Pro tip: The best time to thrift is mid-week, when fresh stock hits the racks. Bring a tote, wear easy-to-change clothes and always check menswear for oversized gems like blazers, tees and knits.

Sydney’s markets are always filled with treasures and you can never be sure what you’ll find. Glebe Markets (Saturdays) is a long-time favourite for vintage lovers, stylists and stallholders clearing out their wardrobes. There are more cargo pants than we’ve seen since the ’90s, handmade accessories and retro sunglasses. In the Inner West, meanwhile, Rozelle Collectors Market (Sundays) is where you’ll find quirky one-offs, antique jewellery and pre-loved clothing. Get there early for the best finds.

2. Mid-range: Vintage gems and boutique stores

Not quite op-shop prices but miles more affordable (and sustainable) than buying new, Sydney’s vintage and boutique resale scene is packed with curated gems and cult streetwear. These are the stores where you’ll find one-off pieces, fashion nostalgia and serious cool-girl (or guy) energy.

Irreplacable Store in Newtown might be the city’s worst-kept vintage secret — especially since Zendaya visited while here promoting Challengers last year. You’ll find the basis of some series Insta-worthy outfits here, including early-2000s streetwear and rare Y2K finds. The space is small but the edit is tight and always on trend.

Reunion in Paddington feels more like a boutique than a secondhand store. It’s sleek and filled with designer dresses, high-quality wardrobe staples, and effortless labels like Acne Studios, Miu Miu and Ganni. All pre-loved and beautifully presented. It’s a great stop if you want to shop sustainably without sacrificing style.

In Darlinghurst, you’ll find the Sydney branch of SWOP, which first opened in Brisbane in 2013 but now has three stores (there’s one in Melbourne too) and an online shop. Tabis, a new Fendi handbag or a luxe Zimmerman coat; who knows what you’ll find here.

As we work our way up the price scale, The Real Deal straddles the line between mid-range and high-end. This Newtown fave specialises in vintage tees, sweatshirts and jackets, but it’s the sneakers that catch most peoples’ eyes — it’s hard to miss the floor-to-ceiling shelves. While some of the pieces can top the $100+ mark, you’re paying for (as the name suggests) the real deal.

Pro tip: Follow these stores on Instagram or TikTok to keep up with stock drops, and slide into their DMs if you see something you love. There’s no second chances with vintage shopping.

3. High-end resale and consignment

For those who love designer fashion but not the full-price tag, Sydney’s high-end consignment scene is a dream. These are the stores where you’ll find pre-loved Zimmermann, Gucci, Jacquemus and Prada hanging on minimalist racks, and few things beat the thrill of scoring something rare (or half price).

Newtown’s KOT-J is part concept store, part luxury resale boutique. Their style is modern and ultra-stylish, with pieces from cult brands. The most recent curation featured archived pieces by Jean Paul Gaultier, Maison Margiela, Versace, Alexander Mcqueen, Issey Miyake, Dirk Bikkembergs, Rick Owens, and Comme des Garçons. It’s edgy and designed for the fashion-savvy, with prices reflecting the quality but still significantly below retail.

From a Chanel tweed mini dress to a pair of Sergio Rossi black patent knee high boots or a drop of YSL accessories over the weekend, The Sleeveless Society is always fully stocked a mix of Australian and international brands that has earned them a cult following. While they offer a lot online, their Waverley store is perfect for those who’d rather try before they buy. The Frock Exchange is another Eastern Suburb gem, where pieces by local and international designers are carefully selected by sisters Wendy Murray and Bee Smith.

Carrying pieces with some of the largest price tags, Blue Spinach in Redfern is the heavyweight champion of Sydney’s luxury resale scene. More designer showroom than secondhand shop, it specialises in top-tier labels like Chanel, Hermès and Louis Vuitton, and is a must for collectors or anyone looking to make an investment purchase. Meanwhile, over in Woollahra, Di Nuovo delivers timeless European elegance, with pre-loved pieces from Max Mara, Marni and Céline. Both offer a highly curated, boutique feel that appeals to serious fashion lovers with deep pockets.

If, like Carrie, shoes are your thing, make sure you pay a visit to Pelle. Nestled amongst the small boutiques on Paddington’s William Street, Monican Schnieper’s consignment shoe boutique (the first in Sydney) has been prioritising quality over quantity and championing sustainable fashion since the mid ’90s — long before it was in style. New stock arrives weekly and shoppers can visit by appointment only.

Last but by no means least, REVIVRE in Double Bay has provided luxury consignment services for almost four decades, meticulously checking items and guaranteeing authenticity. Elegantly tailored blazers, good-as-new shoes and Chanel Timeless Classic Flap handbags are presented in the showroom (Tuesday–Saturday 10am–4pm or by appointment).

No matter your budget, whether you’re hunting for a one-off vintage gem, refreshing your wardrobe sustainably, or eyeing off a secondhand Chanel, Sydney’s secondhand fashion scene has something for everyone. Saving your wallet and the planet simultaneously, there’s also nothing more pleasing that scoring a unique vintage find. So roll your sleeves up and get busy digging through crates at Rozelle Markets or browsing racks in Double Bay. Secondhand style has never looked so good.