Nine must have vintage clothing apps for Revival

Whether you’re looking for the perfect accessory to finish off your Revival look or you’re trying to shop in a more sustainable, considered way, vintage fashion has always provided ample opportunity for self-expression.

Vintage shopping apps catering to all genders, sizes and ages are a lot like browsing the rails at your favourite charity shop or well-curated vintage outpost. If you know where to look, there are plenty of one-off vintage treasures to be found. Bonus: you can also discover a community of like-minded secondhand fashion lovers and sellers in the process.

And the apps are certainly having their moment thanks to the pandemic accelerating retail’s digital transformation, which coincided with savvy shoppers moving away from fast fashion in search of secondhand pieces that have lived a life and stood the test of time.

While secondhand pieces are now part of our everyday uniforms, vintage apps are also indispensable when it comes to discovering a unique look for a special occasion, like the Revival. Here are nine of our picks to complement those beehives and barrel curls…

Best variety: ThredUP

Combining well-known quality brands and reasonable prices has been one of the secret’s to ThredUP’s success as a vintage app and online consignment store, but it’s the inclusivity of the app, which includes a plus section as well as maternity, men’s, women’s, kids’, premium and designer that makes it a one-stop go-to for secondhand buys.

Best for vintage from all eras: eBay

From ‘50s Lucite accessories to Hardy Amies Crombie coats, eBay is a veritable treasure trove of vintage clothing, accessories, homewares and knick-knacks to kit yourself out in true vintage style for the Revival. It’s one of the few vintage apps where you can find a selection of authentic mid-century (and older) pieces, and insiders swear the best way to unearth gems is to set alerts so you’re notified each time anything that matches what you’re after is listed. Another top tip? Get specific in your searches, including time periods and brands where possible.

Best for the ‘boutique’ experience: Etsy

The Etsy app has plenty to tempt the vintage lover, from ‘50s prom dresses to vintage tees, mid-century furniture to 1940s rhinestone dress clips. One of the best ways to shop on Etsy is to seek out tried-and-tested sellers curating mid-century through to ‘80s and ‘90s women’s fashions and accessories, like Persephone Vintage, Shop Exile and Minxouri Vintage, to name a few. For an item on Etsy to be considered “vintage,” it needs to be at least two decades’ old.

Best for Gen Z shoppers: Depop

Depop is both a social hub and a secondhand style destination for its mostly Gen Z audience (of its 30 million+ active users, 90 per cent are under the age of 26), with menswear, womenswear, accessories and more. It’s a mecca for TikTok-approved streetwear and ‘90s gear, very user-friendly and a favourite for those looking to sell clothes as well as stock up on vintage and secondhand pieces. Unlike many of the other vintage apps, Depop allows sold items to stay on a user’s profile for buyers to browse.

Best for designer vintage: Vestiaire Collective

B Corp-certified Vestiaire Collective is a favourite for vintage lovers in search of designer gear, like Tom Ford-era Gucci clothing, quilted Chanel flap bags from the ‘80s, and ‘60s A-line Courrèges dresses, if you want to channel the Mod scene for Revival come September. In addition to a plethora of women’s clothes and accessories, the site stocks men’s, children’s and luxury watches and jewellery.

Best value: Poshmark

When it comes to value-for-money and a positive user experience – purchases are usually made after some kind of social interaction on the site – Poshmark is the go-to vintage app for shoppers looking to bag a bargain, with prices typically up to 70 per cent off their RRP. Expect to see more one-off vintage pieces on the app: demand for unique vintage items went up 42 per cent in the final quarter of 2021.

Best for sellers: Vinted 

With zero selling fees, bundle-selling options and the added incentive that Vinted organises everything – down to the shipping label – for its sellers, this app is another favourite for anyone looking to swap, snap up and especially off-load any vintage or second-hand pieces. Vinted shoppers are convinced the site has better-value deals than rivals eBay or Depop.

Best for men: Grailed

Instead of feeling like an afterthought, men’s vintage is the priority at Grailed, which has more than eight million users and considers itself the largest online marketplace for men’s fashion and streetwear. You’ll find all sorts of designer brands from Supreme to Burberry, as well as vintage pieces including ‘70s Levi’s denim and ‘90s Prada nylon jackets.

Best for luxury finds: The RealReal

If you’re after luxury pieces – from diamonds to ‘90s-era Dior saddle bags – then check out The RealReal, where all items have been authenticated. There are some amazing vintage treasures on the app for those who aren’t bothered by designer labels, like ‘60s swing coats, ‘50s floral capes and skirt-suits from the ‘30s and ‘40s. Perfect for a one-of-a-kind look for Revival weekend – one that truly will transport you to another time.

Take a look at our guide to vintage accessories here.

Need somewhere to wear your vintage treasures? The 2022 Goodwood Revival is a weekend of historic racing, mid-century period dress and immersive fun taking place from 16th-18th September, 2022. Get your tickets for the festivities here.