In fact, according to research carried out by Stylus, last year 31 percent of consumers in the UK were using second-hand clothing websites to buy or sell items, an increase of a staggering 20 percent from 2019. It’s there in black and white. Could this mean we're finally stepping off the fast fashion treadmill?
The increased rejection of throwaway micro-trends has been further amplified by the news that eBay is once again sponsoring ITV’s
Love Island - stealing the spot from fast fashion giants Missguided and I Saw It First. Even reality TV - the Queen of on-screen 'Influencing' - has caught on.
Sustainable, pre-loved fashion has tumbled well into the mainstream, and it’s predicted to only get bigger. But now we've established that, where are the best places to get your hands on some second-hand garms in Manchester?
From vintage shops to independently ran boutiques, Manchester’s northern quarter has become something of a pre-loved metropolis, a treasure trove for people looking to make more sustainable choices with their wardrobes. It’s arguably got one of the best networks of second-hand options next to London’s infamous Brick Lane, so let’s take a look at some of the best spots to scour down some hidden gems up in the North:
Oxfam Originals
Cementing itself as a go-to charity shop spot of Cottonopolis, Oxfam boasts an array of stand-out pieces, designer steals and vintage staples. It's well worth trawling the rails for - you might just find a hidden gem.
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| Credit: oxfamoriginals/Instagram |
Standing tall at the top of Oldham Street is Gone Fishing Vintage, sourcing quality, handpicked and high-end garms from across the globe. Looking for some cheeky 80s and 90s Stone Island? Or perhaps some statement vintage Prada sportswear? You've come to the right place.
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| Credit: gone_fishing_vintage_/Instagram |
It's easy to walk straight past Blue Rinse, but it's certainly not one to skip. Making home on Oldham Street, the store is renowned for its colourful ensembles, specialising in 80s and 90s vintage pieces, with particular credit to its impressive array of football jerseys.
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| Credit: blue.rinse.manchester/Instagram |
Having branched out to several locations across the country - and now even Sweden! - Pop Boutique began here in Manchester, still boasting two floors of incredible thrifts in its first ever home. I would highly recommend its extensive Harley Davidson collection and banging dungaree selection.
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| Credit: popboutiquemanchester/Instagram |
Tucked away on the corner of Tib Street, Bags of Flavour is small but mighty, packed to the brim with founder Richard Gill's handpicked 70s and 80s menswear garms. There's some ace Adidas finds in here, with many hailing from across the pond.
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| Credit: bagsofflavormcr/Instagram |
The beating heart of NQ, the Willy Wonka for fashion lovers... Afflecks. The multi-floored emporium is truly a delight for fashion fanatics to gorge on, filled with independent traders, vintage stalls and retro gems. If you can't find what you want here, I have no hope. Sorry.
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| Credit: afflecks_manchester/Instagram |
Spread across two floors of vintage goodness, COW is the bustling haven for fashion buffs seeking out high-end 90s and Y2K-inspired fits. They also offer their own reworked pieces, a unique twist on a worn out Ralph Lauren shirt or tired Tommy Hilfiger jacket reborn again.
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| Credit: wearecow/Instagram |
Part of the COW franchise, Thrift Shop Manchester is nestled within the heaving Piccadilly gardens. For those craving some bargain denim or leather to inject onto their rail, this is the place.
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| Credit: thriftshopmanchester/Instagram |
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