The $70 Secret: 7 Top Apps and Websites to Buy High-Quality Secondhand Clothes

Saving money while shopping for stylish clothing doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the rise of online marketplaces and resale apps, you can find high-quality clothes at a fraction of the retail price. The Frugal Glow brings you seven trusted platforms that make secondhand shopping easy, affordable, and fun — proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to look great.

1. Poshmark

Poshmark is a major online marketplace that connects buyers and sellers of new and gently used fashion. It has grown into one of the most popular platforms for secondhand shopping in the U.S., offering everything from everyday wardrobe essentials to high-end designer pieces. The platform is designed to make buying and selling easy, with a strong focus on user experience and community engagement.

Why Poshmark stands out:

• Wide selection: You can find brand-name clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories at various price points.
• Seller ratings and reviews: Every seller has a rating and feedback from previous buyers, giving you confidence in your purchase.
• Authentication for premium brands: Poshmark offers authentication services for luxury items, helping ensure you’re buying genuine products.

How to shop smart:

• Use the “Offer” feature: This allows you to negotiate prices with sellers, potentially saving even more.
• Follow favorite sellers: By following sellers whose style matches yours, you’ll get notified when they list new items.
• Check return policies: While Poshmark generally offers limited returns, knowing the rules can help avoid surprises.

Poshmark is perfect for shoppers who want a combination of variety, convenience, and access to both mid-range and luxury brands, all while staying budget-conscious.

2. ThredUp

ThredUp is a curated online thrift store that specializes in high-quality secondhand clothing for women, children, and maternity wear. Unlike peer-to-peer marketplaces, ThredUp carefully inspects each item to ensure it meets quality standards, making it a trusted option for buyers who want a hassle-free experience.

Why ThredUp stands out:

• Quality inspection: Every item is reviewed for wear, defects, and cleanliness before being listed, giving buyers confidence.
• Easy filtering: You can sort by size, brand, category, and price, making it simple to find exactly what you need.
• Sustainability: Buying through ThredUp helps reduce waste and promotes eco-friendly shopping habits.

How to shop smart:

• Take advantage of seasonal promotions: ThredUp often offers discounts of up to 70% during end-of-season sales and special promotions.
• Stock up on basics: Everyday items like jeans, t-shirts, and jackets are often heavily discounted.
• Check sizing guides carefully: Because all items are pre-owned, sizing can vary slightly, so double-check measurements to ensure the best fit.

ThredUp is ideal for shoppers seeking a curated, stress-free secondhand shopping experience with consistent quality and a strong focus on affordability and sustainability.

3. eBay

eBay is one of the oldest and most established online marketplaces, serving buyers worldwide. It has a massive inventory of both new and secondhand fashion, ranging from everyday clothing to rare vintage and designer pieces. eBay’s platform combines auction-style listings with instant purchase options, making it versatile for bargain hunters and collectors alike.

Why eBay stands out:

• Variety: You can find everything from affordable basics to limited-edition or luxury items.
• Auction and Buy It Now options: Auctions can help you secure items below market value, while Buy It Now offers immediate purchase.
• Global reach: Sellers from around the world list items, giving access to unique pieces not available locally.

How to shop smart:

• Check seller ratings and reviews: This helps ensure the credibility of the seller and the quality of the item.
• Read item descriptions carefully: Pay attention to measurements, condition notes, and authenticity guarantees.
• Set bidding alerts: For auctions, setting alerts on items you want ensures you don’t miss out on a deal.

eBay is ideal for shoppers looking for both bargains and rare fashion finds, combining flexibility with a global marketplace.

4. Depop

Depop is a modern, mobile-first marketplace popular among Gen Z and younger shoppers. It emphasizes individuality, allowing users to buy and sell unique fashion items, including vintage clothing, indie labels, and streetwear. Its social-media-like interface makes browsing fun and interactive.

Why Depop stands out:

• Trendy and unique selection: Focuses on rare, stylish pieces you won’t find in traditional stores.
• Direct communication: Buyers can message sellers to ask questions, negotiate prices, and request custom bundles.
• Social experience: Following favorite sellers and browsing through curated feeds makes shopping more personalized.

How to shop smart:

• Follow sellers with your style: This ensures early access to new listings and limited pieces.
• Check condition photos and descriptions: Because most items are pre-owned, ensure there are no unexpected damages.
• Negotiate when possible: Many sellers are open to offers, allowing for better deals.

Depop is perfect for shoppers seeking standout pieces, vintage finds, or streetwear, especially if you enjoy a social, interactive shopping experience.

5. The RealReal

The RealReal is a premier online consignment platform that focuses on authenticated luxury fashion. It caters to shoppers who want genuine designer items at reduced prices, providing access to high-end clothing, handbags, shoes, jewelry, and accessories from brands like Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton.

Why The RealReal stands out:

• Authentication: Every item is carefully verified to ensure authenticity, giving buyers peace of mind.
• Curated selection: The platform emphasizes quality, so you can trust that items are in excellent condition.
• Luxury at a discount: Seasonal promotions and consignment events allow you to purchase high-end fashion at significant savings.

How to shop smart:

• Watch seasonal sales: Major discounts often occur during holiday periods or end-of-season promotions.
• Check item condition and details: Read descriptions carefully to ensure the piece meets your standards.
• Set alerts for favorite brands: Stay updated when new luxury items are listed that fit your style.

The RealReal is ideal for shoppers who want the prestige of designer fashion while still being mindful of budget and quality.

6. Vinted

Vinted is a rapidly growing European-based platform that is gaining popularity in the U.S., offering a marketplace for pre-owned clothing at all price points. It is user-friendly, focusing on casual wear, vintage pieces, and everyday essentials.

Why Vinted stands out:

• No selling fees: Sellers can list items without extra charges, which often translates into lower prices for buyers.
• Wide variety: From affordable basics to trendy vintage finds, Vinted caters to diverse fashion needs.
• Community-driven: The platform encourages interactions between buyers and sellers, including direct messaging and offers.

How to shop smart:

• Browse frequently: Listings update constantly, so checking often helps you snag the best deals.
• Set notifications: Follow favorite brands or sellers to be alerted when new items are posted.
• Check item details carefully: Review photos, sizes, and conditions before purchasing to avoid surprises.

Vinted is perfect for shoppers looking for affordable, everyday clothing or unique vintage finds while enjoying a simple, community-focused buying experience.

7. Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is a local, convenient option for buying and selling secondhand clothing and accessories. It connects buyers with sellers in their own community, making it ideal for those who prefer in-person transactions and want to avoid shipping costs.

Why Facebook Marketplace stands out:

• Local convenience: You can browse items near you and arrange pickups to save on shipping.
• Wide variety: From everyday basics to unique or rare pieces, you can often find hidden gems.
• Negotiation-friendly: Buyers can communicate directly with sellers to negotiate prices or bundle items.

How to shop smart:

• Check item condition: Examine photos carefully and ask the seller questions about wear, sizing, and quality.
• Arrange safe pickups: Meet in public spaces or follow safety guidelines to ensure secure transactions.
• Compare prices: Even locally, prices can vary; check other listings for similar items to gauge value.

Facebook Marketplace is perfect for shoppers seeking local deals, flexible negotiations, and the chance to discover unique items without paying extra for shipping.

How to Shop Smart on Secondhand Platforms

To get the most value when buying secondhand, follow these practical strategies:

• Set a budget: Determine in advance how much you’re willing to spend and stick to it to avoid impulse purchases.
• Check for quality: Carefully read item descriptions, examine photos, and ask questions to ensure items meet your standards.
• Compare prices: Different platforms may offer varying prices for similar items, so comparison helps maximize savings.
• Be patient: The best deals may require waiting for new listings or browsing multiple times, so take your time to find quality pieces at great prices.

Final Thoughts

With these seven platforms, you can build a stylish wardrobe without breaking the bank. Whether you’re hunting for brand-name pieces, vintage treasures, or everyday essentials, secondhand shopping is a practical and sustainable way to save money. Following the strategies shared by The Frugal Glow, you can confidently enjoy fashion while keeping your wallet happy.