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Look good without breaking the bank. Moroetsana Serame rounds up the best spots in your city and online.
Thrifting is the perfect hobby for those fashion enthusiasts who can’t afford high-end looks and instead opt for pre-loved unique vintage items at affordable prices. Here’s a superuseful guide on the best thrifting spots, in your city and online:
PRETORIA
Popularly referred to as Dubai, Marabastad and Bosman Street have an array of vendors selling stylish pre-owned clothes at affordable prices.
“If you’re thrifting, check every detail of the clothing – check the quality, when it was made and its wear-and-tear – to gauge if the price is worth it. Make sure you buy things you can wear and if something isn’t in great condition consider having it tailored if it’s worth the buy,” said one thrifter.
JOHANNESBURG
Joburg’s most famous thrifting spot is located on Wanderers Street near the MTN taxi rank, and is fondly known as “kwadunusa”, a clever term for the myriad of shoppers bending over trying to find coveted items in the heaps and piles of clothing. Here, you can buy T-shirts ranging from R5 to jackets for R20. Another spot is Park Station, which is popular for finding winter coats and denim jackets. Other notable spots are at the Noord taxi rank, Ghandi Square, Eloff Street and a store called CheapCheap on the corner of Harrison and Bree street.
One shopper suggests that you leave your belongings, such as your cellphone and wallet/purse, and rather just carry cash in a secure place on your person as a safety precaution. Opt for a backack over shopping bags. If you’re too busy or feel that it’s too unsafe, you can always commission someone to go on a thrifting haul for you. There are many people who have side hustles that include running errands for their clients at the Johannesburg CBD. One such person is #InnerCityErrandGirl, whom you can find on Twitter @Lebogangratau.
If the CBD isn’t your vibe, there are pop-up stores such as iVintage Yakho (Workshop Newtown, 100 Carr Street), which sells stylish and unique pieces at affordable prices. You can also find it on Facebook @i.Vintage.Yakho. Pop-up markets such as the Vintage and Artisanal Market Joburg host many of these stores. Catch it next on September 29 from 9am at The Parks, 63 Kent Road, Dunkeld.
BLOEMFONTEIN
Dear Earth is a Facebook thrifting page that hosts pop-up stores every second week at different locations.
“I got really cool pants there and their jackets are top tier. I spent roughly R250 on my thrifting haul. I would recommend that you get there early because the good stuff gets sold quickly. Bring cash as it is less hassle than cards. Have fun!” one thrifter enthused.
DURBAN
For those who don’t mind rolling up their sleeves and using their boots for walking, Slick Vintage situated at the Victoria Embankment near the high court is a favourite for many.
“Kwagobiqolo, located in Durban central is another really great place to find bargains. Victoria Street is the main one, but Pine Street has amazing jackets and there are also other stalls on Queen street,” says one shopper. She says that the cheapest clothing items range from R2 to R5 and are good quality. The jackets are also great for those aiming to resell them, as you can purchase them in bundles.
CAPE TOWN
Fashion enthusiast Nosipho Motsamai cites Art Club and Friends (artclubandfriends.com) as one of her favourite Cape Town online stores and says: “Malls will be necessary for as long as fast fashion is more accessible logistically. If we want more local online stores, we’re going to have to be okay with paying more, going to collect ourselves from the guy who just started his T-shirt label and waiting a week for deliveries. We have to be okay with growing pains and teething our own fashion ecosystem.”
For those who can’t afford local online stores, Mowbray Street near the bus terminus is a popular spot for thrifting and will see you spending between R30 to R50 for items.
“Start at the men’s section, there are always gems there. Be open-minded and don’t cloud your experience with expectations. If you’re getting a blazer or any outer wear piece, check the shoulder pads, buttons and zips for quality and functionality. They only operate using cash, so be sure to withdraw enough money,” said one shopper.
