The Rise Of Thrift: The 15 Accounts Influencing the Rise of Preloved Fashion Online

We know what you’re thinking – second hand just means smelly clothes. We’re here to tell you it doesn’t, it means so much more, and here you’re going to find out exactly why! 

The global, secondhand market is expected to reach $350 billion by 2027, it’s even expected to surpass the global fast fashion market. This is because vintage clothes truly do stand the test of time, they are built from quality fabrics and of course – the style is just unbeatable. 

But with the new age comes the rise of buying preloved fashion online. The awareness for Depop, a popular online preloved fashion marketplace, alone grew by 57% in 2023. Moreover, the popularity of the app grew by 21% compared to the year before with the usage rising by 17%. This is testament to the extraordinary rise of preloved fashion online, but who are the accounts spearheading this? Read on to find out.

The Accounts Championing Preloved Fashion Online

Ayesha – Cinchonasthrift

Ayesha is a style goddess! One look at her first three posts and you can see how she is completely unafraid to mix and match tones, colours and styles from the 80’s and 90’s. She’s a thrifting queen, and is even selling some of the cool pieces on her online store. 

Paul Cantu “Thrift God”

Heavy on this!! If you know you know, but for those who don’t, Paul Cantu is a legend in the vintage scene. His expertise sweeps across various categories: Apparel, streetwear, accessories, wool & knits and more. He owns a store where he sells his insane preloved fashion online and people love his insights when he shares them (be there or be square!). 

Karolina Zebrowska 

Her Instagram is DEFINITELY old school vibes! Karolina is a deep lover of all things Victorian, Elizabethan and generally older pieces that probably your great grandmother used to wear. The difference? You’re here to see Karolina make these pieces look jaw-droppingly stylish and exude main character energy! 

Owen – Fishbowl Vintage

If you’re looking for quality luxury like CP Company, Stone Island, Armani and more, Owen is your man. He owns Fishbowl Vintage, where he sells exclusive preloved fashion online and alone has garnered massive attention and popularity amongst his followers for his unparalleled extensive knowledge and deep love for old but gold thrifted pearl drops (clothes, for those from Essex).  

Julie Selman 

We heard you were looking for some vintage gal glam content, right? Here’s Julie, a fashionista who makes vintage clothing look like the newest item from your fave fast fashion brand. She’s making waves in the USA fashion scene with her 93k followers, prompting them to buy into preloved fashion online, and you’re next after reading this, right? Right. 

Ritchie Hope

If you thought Ritchie wasn’t going to make the cut, you thought VERY wrong! How could we not include the man who gives us timeless mens fashion inspo, whether it’s softcore, blokecore or old money style, his influence on the rise of preloved fashion online is heavy! 

Caitlin Hare 

If the Swinging Sixties or the Disco Era is your cuppa tea, then you’re going to adore Caitlin’s style. Similar to Ayesha, a splash of colour is something she embraces. She teaches her followers how to live in a mid-century rainbow-coloured house and wear awesome preloved fashion from the 60’s and 70’s to complete the aesthetic. 

Dita Von Teese

Did you know Dita’s first love for vintage fashion was inspired by Vivienne Westwood and Jean Paul Gaultier? Now you know. Vast numbers of people have seen Dita’s stunning outfits and gone straight to Vinted, Depop or Poshmark to buy preloved fashion online that is influenced by her old school, badass style! 

Noausterity

Surely if you get featured in Vogue, you’re doing something right, right? This account has MASSIVE influence mainly because it’s super exclusive and features rare items with fantastical designs that you won’t find in your local H&M. This account is bringing super creative vintage fashion to the forefront of online thrifting. 

Marco Leisten

You know when you look at your grandpa and you secretly love his rusty, beaten up knitwear and want to buy it? Marco’s aesthetic is a lot cleaner and minimalist but he will make your grandpa’s wardrobe look like Timothee Chalamet’s new runway inspiration. If buying preloved fashion online was a person, Marco is THE person! 

Vasti 

Honestly, take our credit card. TAKE IT! And buy everything this man has! You’d never think to combine Y2K and cycling clothes, but Vasti does, and boy does he make it look good. His niche is his ability to experiment and combine different styles seamlessly and his followers are immediately on Depop scouring for the gems in his closet! 

@scarfxce.xo

This jacket tho 😮‍💨 #wearingvsstyling #ootd #fashion

♬ original sound – Vasti Nico

Beth 

#ALWAYSPLAYDRESSUP is her motto and damn it works! Her fashion is mostly Victorian blended with 20th Century core and sprinkled with modern colours and designs. She’s got an all round flair when it comes to the preloved fashion market and her followers are avid fans.

Jacob Starr

Jacob mixes modern streetwear with vintage grails, what more can you ask for when looking for retro inspo and preloved fashion online. Whether it’s second hand fashion trends or just making aesthetically beautiful 80’s and 90’s designs look like the items you’re missing in your wardrobe, Jacob is your guy! 

Vintage Threads

This London-based store has been making massive steps recently with their comedic Reels showcasing sales, new items, vintage fashion trends and more. Their store attracts thousands of visitors both online and in person, driving incredible awareness for preloved fashion.

Rick’s Retro 

Last but not least is Rick’s Retro. Rick is a one-man band with a very successful vintage store. Based in Colchester, Essex, Rick sources gorgeous gems from Italy and worldwide, bringing the nostalgia back into the modern day. His approach is unmatched, his Reels comedic and his audience are eager vintage clothing enthusiasts waiting for the next gem!

Whether you’re looking for vintage style inspo, second hand fashion influencers or informative updates about vintage clothing, follow these accounts above and watch your wardrobe thank you for giving it the upgrade of the century (and last century too!). 

FAQs

Why has second hand clothing become popular?

It’s the age-old stigma – why should I wear someone else’s clothes? Yes, that’s a factor. But it’s not just that – it’s about sustainability, reducing waste, not contributing to fast fashion and of course, upgrading the hell out of your stale old wardrobe that’s literally begging for it. Vintage fashion has come back into circulation because of its timeless style, the simplicity, the quality of the garments and most importantly – it’s here to stay.

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