Thrifting is a popular activity for many people looking to find unique, vintage or pre-loved clothing and accessories. Cape Town has become a hub for thrifting spots and festivals, offering a wide range of options for those seeking to score a great deal or a one-of-a-kind piece. Thrift shops in Cape Town offer a wide range of affordable second-hand clothing and accessories. We will be exploring the various thrifting spots and festivals in Cape Town, and offer tips for making the most of your thrifting experience.
Table of Contents
The list below is in no particular order. Each entry is equally celebrated for their achievements, and the sequence of names is arbitrary, not indicating any ranking or preference.
How to Thrift in Cape Town 🧥
Cape Town is known for its vibrant fashion scene, and thrifting is a big part of that. The city has a number of vintage and second-hand stores that offer everything from high-end designer pieces to affordable clothing and accessories. In addition to these stores, Cape Town also hosts a number of thrifting festivals and markets throughout the year, where shoppers can browse stalls and find unique pieces at great prices.
Glitterati 🕺
Within the charming Long Street Antique Arcade in the heart of Cape Town lies Glitterati, a haven for vintage enthusiasts and fashion aficionados alike. This timeless boutique transports visitors on a sartorial journey through the decades, offering a curated collection of men’s and women’s clothing spanning from the 1950s to the 1980s. What sets Glitterati apart from contemporary retailers is the remarkable quality and durability of its meticulously curated pieces, many of which have endured the test of time, proving that “old” can indeed be “new” again.
With Cape Town’s burgeoning vintage revival, Glitterati stands as a testament to the enduring allure of classic fashion. As seekers of unique and timeless garments flock to this vintage gem, they discover not just clothing but a piece of history that transcends generations. Stepping into Glitterati is like embarking on a nostalgic voyage, where each item tells a story and carries with it the essence of a bygone era. For those looking to capture the essence of Cape Town’s antique trade, Glitterati in the Long Street Antique Arcade is a must-visit destination for vintage treasures that effortlessly blend the past with the present.
Address: The Long Street Antique Arcade, 127 Long St, Cape Town
Website: https://www.theantiquearcade.co.za/glitterati/
Contact Number: 082 819 5247
Nevernew 🌞
Located in the exciting neighbourhood of Observatory, Cape Town, Nevernew has emerged as a beloved treasure trove for thrifting enthusiasts. Offering a diverse range of vintage and secondhand clothing, along with an array of scarves, new hats, footwear, and locally crafted festival attire, Nevernew truly caters to every fashion aficionado’s desires.
What sets Nevernew apart is its ever-evolving inventory, ensuring that each visit promises a fresh and exciting discovery. With their stock rotating weekly, this thrift haven guarantees an exhilarating and unpredictable shopping experience, making it a must-visit destination for those in search of one-of-a-kind finds. Whether you’re a seasoned thrifter or a first-time explorer of vintage fashion, Nevernew’s Observatory location beckons you with its promise of endless sartorial surprises, making it an essential stop on any Cape Town thrifting adventure.
Address: 15b Lower Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town
Contact Number: 079 845 6926
Secondhand Rose 🌹
Step into a world of vintage elegance and timeless treasures at Secondhand Rose, a vintage ladies’ clothing emporium that has graced Cape Town since 1971. This iconic thrift shop, steeped in history, boasts an eclectic selection that spans contemporary and vintage clothing, costume jewellery, accessories, and other coveted items. From smart casual attire to elegant evening wear, Secondhand Rose caters to diverse fashion tastes, making it a haven for those seeking both unique finds and designer labels at unbeatable prices.
What sets Secondhand Rose apart is its vast and ever-evolving collection, with vintage pieces dating back to the early 1900s and contemporary garments featuring upmarket local and international brands. Whether you’re on the hunt for a distinctive outfit or simply exploring for hidden treasures, Secondhand Rose ensures an exhilarating shopping experience. With something new and fascinating to discover with each visit, this beloved thrift shop beckons all in search of vintage charm and fashion bargains in Cape Town.
Address: Shop 8 Grove on the Square Warwick Street Claremont, Cape Town
Website: https://www.secondhandrose.co.za/
Contact Number: 021 674 4270
Bangbang Vintage Market 🕶️
Bangbang Vintage Market is a vibrant thrift store located in Observatory, Cape Town. The store features an impressive collection of vintage clothing, shoes, accessories, and home decor items, all at affordable prices. This store and thrift market in Cape Town has a funky, bohemian vibe and is known for its unique finds and friendly staff. Bangbang Vintage Market is a popular destination for shoppers looking to add some retro flair to their wardrobe or home and is one of the best out of all of Observatory’s thrift stores.
Address: 65 Lower Main Road Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
Email Address: bangbangvintagemarket@gmail.com
U-Turn Charity Store 👗
U-Turn Charity Store is a new and well-established thrift store located in Fish Hoek. There are also many other U-Turn Stores located across Cape Town. The store offers a wide range of second-hand clothing and shoes, all at very affordable prices. What sets U-Turn apart is that all proceeds from the store go towards supporting the charity’s work in providing rehabilitation and support for those in need. The store has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere and is staffed by volunteers who are passionate about the cause. Shoppers can find great deals while supporting a good cause, making U-Turn Charity Store a truly rewarding shopping experience.
Address: 8 Recreation Rd, Fish Hoek, Cape Town
Website: https://homeless.org.za/thrift/
Help The Rural Child 📚
Looking for a guilt-free shopping spree that helps a good cause? Hit up Help the Rural Child! These charity shops around Cape Town sell donated clothes, furniture, books, and all sorts of cool stuff. Every penny you spend goes to the Goedgedacht Trust, which helps kids in rural areas by providing education and fighting poverty. There are a bunch of Help the Rural Child stores, each with its own vibe. The Claremont shop is all about trendy threads and homeware, while the Main Road and Victoria Road branches have a wider mix, including books, furniture, and even toys.
You can score amazing vintage finds, unique furniture pieces, and gently-used designer labels at way lower prices than retail. Shopping at Help the Rural Child is a win-win. You snag awesome deals and support a great cause at the same time. The staff is super friendly, and with new stuff arriving all the time, it’s like a treasure hunt every visit. So next time you’re on a shopping spree, remember: every purchase helps a child in need!
Help The Rural Child Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm and Saturday 9 am to 1 pm
Address: 369 Main Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town, 8060
Website: https://ruralchild.org.za/
Contact Number: 021 434 4862
Afraid Of mice 👚
Forget the dingy charity shops of the past! Afraid Of Mice on Harrington St is a funky twist on pre-loved threads. Started by the Brandi sisters (and their surprisingly mouse-fearing cat, Rocky!), this store is all about sharing their love for vintage fashion. Inside, you won’t find dusty racks of mystery clothes. Afraid Of Mice offers a carefully chosen collection of cool stuff, from designer labels like Marc Jacobs to one-of-a-kind finds you won’t see anywhere else.
The vibe is bright and cheerful, with the sisters’ personal touch shining through in the handmade decorations. The best part? Shopping here does good! All the money raised goes to charity. So, whether you’re a vintage fanatic or just looking for a unique piece, Afraid Of Mice is a must-stop on your Cape Town thrifting journey.
Afraid Of mice Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10 am to 5:30 pm and Saturday 10:30 to 3:30 pm
Address: 99 Harrington St, District Six, Cape Town, 7925
Contact Number: 021 423 7353
Oasis Charity Shop 🌴
Forget boring old thrift stores! Oasis Charity Shop in Claremont is a treasure hunter’s paradise, and the best part? Your finds support a great cause. This awesome spot actually has four shops connected, so get ready to spend some serious browsing time. Everything here is pre-loved, and they have a ton of cool stuff. There’s a bric-a-brac section with unique homeware, trinkets, and vintage finds that would make your grandma jealous. Fashion lovers will dig the clothes, jewelry, and accessories – you might even score a designer piece for next to nothing! Furniture and books are also well-represented, so there’s something for everyone.
The staff is super friendly and will happily help you on your shopping adventure. Plus, after you snag that perfect item, you can grab a delicious treat from their on-site bakery. Fresh muffins, swiss rolls, and bread – yum! So, ditch the usual stores and head to Oasis Charity Shop. You’ll have a blast hunting for treasures, and your good vibes will help people with intellectual disabilities. It’s a win-win!
Oasis Charity Shop Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 3:30 pm and Saturday 9 am to 1 pm
Address: Cnr Lee Road, Imam Haron Rd, Claremont, Cape Town, 7708
Website: https://www.oasis.org.za/
Contact Number: 021 671 2698
Hoop gemeentskaps projek 🌻
Looking for a treasure hunt with a good cause? Hoop gemeenskapsprojek (“Hope Community Project” in Afrikaans) is your hidden gem! This Cape Town thrift store isn’t just about scoring awesome second-hand finds. It’s a social enterprise that supports local initiatives with every shirt, couch, or kitchen gadget you buy. Their racks are stocked with donated goodies, from clothes to furniture.
Prices are friendly on your wallet, and the good vibes are even better. Plus, all the cash goes straight back to helping the community. Hoop gemeenskapsprojek isn’t just a store, it’s a community hub. The volunteers are super friendly, and there’s often cool events going on. So next time you’re on the hunt for bargains, swing by Hoop gemeenskapsprojek – you might just find the perfect outfit (and help make Cape Town a brighter place).
Address: Unit 17, 13 Patrys Cres, Okavango Park, Cape Town, 7560
Contact Number: 063 137 0063
Bethany Charity Thrift Shop 👒
Want a killer deal while doing good? Bethany Charity/Thrift Shop on Imam Haron Rd. is your spot. This store donates all its profits to the Bethany Christian Trust, which fights homelessness all the way over in Scotland (pretty cool, right?). They’ve got tons of pre-loved stuff – clothes, furniture, books, you name it. New donations roll in all the time, so you never know what hidden gems you might find. Need a rad outfit that won’t break the bank? A unique piece for your apartment? A book to get lost in? Bethany’s your treasure chest.
Plus, with fresh items hitting the shelves daily, there’s always a chance you’ll score something totally unexpected. The vibe at Bethany’s is super chill. Browse at your own pace, and the friendly staff is always there to lend a hand (or answer your endless outfit questions). So next time you’re craving some shopping with a good cause attached, swing by Bethany Charity/Thrift Shop, you won’t regret it!
Bethany Charity Thrift Shop Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 8:30 am to 4 pm and Saturday 9 am to 1 pm
Address: 225 Imam Haron Rd, Claremont, Cape Town, 7708
Website: https://www.bethanyfgc.co.za/
Contact Number: 021 671 9400
The Slow Fashion Collective 💙
Forget dusty bins and random finds! The Slow Fashion Collective is a breath of fresh air in the Cape Town thrifting scene. It’s like a superhero team-up, but for vintage clothes! Eight killer pre-loved clothing vendors come together under one roof, offering a treasure hunt of unique styles. Whether you’re a funky fashionista or a classic dresser, there’s something for everyone. Here’s the coolest part: The Slow Fashion Collective isn’t just about scoring awesome threads. They’re on a mission to make sustainable fashion accessible and ditch the negativity around secondhand clothes.
They support smaller vendors and local brands, making thrifting way more interesting. Plus, it’s a great way to be part of Cape Town’s eco-conscious fashion movement. So, ditch the fast fashion frenzy and head to The Slow Fashion Collective. You might just find your next outfit obsession and become a champion for pre-loved clothing, all while having a blast!
The Slow Fashion Collective Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10 am to 5 pm and Saturday 10 am to 3:30 pm
Address: 89 Lower Main Rd, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925
Ons Winkel Milnerton 🤝🏻
Forget fancy boutiques, Ons Winkel Milnerton in Milnerton is all about scoring awesome stuff for a good cause. This thrift store is part of the Solidariteit Helpende Hand network, which means your finds help the community.
They have everything from couches to clothes and kitchenware, all at seriously low prices. It’s like a treasure hunt – you never know what unique vintage piece you might snag! The staff is super friendly and helpful, and the whole vibe is chill. Plus, knowing your cash goes towards helping others makes scoring that perfect thrifted item even sweeter. So next time you’re in Milnerton, swing by Ons Winkel, grab a bargain, and support a local cause!
Ons Winkel Milnerton Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 7:15 am to 5 pm and Saturday 9 am to 1 pm
Address: 1-11 Millvale Rd, Milnerton, Cape Town, 7441
Contact Number: 072 286 9567
Blue Cherry Thrift 🍒
Love a good bargain and rocking unique threads? Then hit up Blue Cherry Thrift in Simon’s Town! This store’s got you covered with a treasure trove of pre-loved clothes, shoes, books, and accessories – all without breaking the bank. It’s like thrifting with a stylist, from classic vintage pieces to trendy street style. Need a awesome jacket to turn heads? A timeless pair of shoes to build your look around? The friendly crew at Blue Cherry Thrift is there to help you unearth hidden gems.
This spot caters to all sorts of thrifter needs. Dig through their gently-used books for your next literary adventure, or score unique accessories to personalize your style. Blue Cherry Thrift isn’t just shopping, it’s about rocking sustainable fashion, finding one-of-a-kind treasures, and supporting a local business, all with a smile!
Blue Cherry Thrift Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 9 am to 4 pm, Saturday 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday 10 am to 3 pm
Address: Pepper Place, Wickboom Ln, Simon’s Town, Cape Town, 7974
Contact Number: 076 304 2931
One Honey, Second Hand Clothing ♻
One Honey shouldn’t be confused with your typical second-hand store. This boutique-style treasure trove caters to lovers of unique style with a focus on pre-loved designer items and high-quality vintage finds. They source clothing with an emphasis on timeless design and current trends, ensuring you can discover pieces that won’t look out of place in your modern wardrobe. One Honey Shop offers a selection of dresses, outerwear, and separates, with a focus on statement pieces that can elevate any outfit.
Whether you’re searching for a show-stopping dress for a special occasion or that perfect vintage jacket to add a touch of individuality, One Honey’s friendly staff is there to guide you through their collection. So ditch the fast-fashion cycle and delve into the world of pre-loved gems at One Honey. You might just walk away with a one-of-a-kind piece that will become a cherished part of your wardrobe for years to come.
One Honey, Second Hand Clothing Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm and Saturday 9 am to 2 pm
Address: De Waal Rd, Fish Hoek, Cape Town, 7975
Contact Number: 072 432 2277
Living Hope Thrift Store 🙌🏻
Live Hope is your one-stop shop for amazing deals and good vibes. This Muizenberg thrift store isn’t just about scoring a sweet vintage lamp or a designer jacket for next to nothing (although, you totally can). Living Hope uses the profits from their awesome selection of clothes, furniture, and knick-knacks to support folks battling HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses.
They even have monthly specials on different things, so you can snag some seriously cool stuff. Plus, their shop is in this cute historical building on Main Road, so browsing feels like stepping back in time. So ditch the fancy stores and head to Living Hope for a treasure hunt with a cause. You’ll leave with a bag full of finds and a happy heart.
Living Hope Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8 am to 4 pm and Saturday 9 am to 1 pm
Address: 171 M4, Muizenberg, Cape Town, 7950
Website: https://www.livinghope.co.za/charity-shop/
Contact Number: 021 788 7766
Tips for Thrifting in Cape Town ✍️
- Do your research – Before heading out to a thrift store or festival, do some research to find out what types of items they offer and what their price ranges are. This will help you to better plan your budget and find the best deals.
- Go early – If you’re looking for the best deals and the most unique pieces, it’s always best to go early. Many thrift stores and festivals have limited quantities of items, so arriving early will give you the best chance of finding what you’re looking for.
- Try everything on – When thrifting, it’s important to try everything on before you buy it. Vintage and second-hand clothing can often have a different fit than modern clothing, so it’s important to make sure that the item fits properly before making a purchase.
- Don’t be afraid to haggle – Many thrift stores and festival vendors are open to haggling on prices, especially if you’re buying multiple items. Don’t be afraid to ask for a lower price or to negotiate a deal.
Thrifting is a great way to find unique, affordable, and sustainable fashion items, and Cape Town is a great place to do it. Thrift stores in Cape Town offer a diverse selection of second-hand clothing, furniture, and accessories at affordable prices. In Cape Town, there are various cheap thrift stores where one can find affordable clothing and accessories. By doing your research, arriving early, trying everything on, and haggling on prices, you can make the most of your thrifting experience in Cape Town.
