5 Affordable Fashion Thrift Stores in Singapore

Published/Updated on:
November 25, 2020
It can be a real dilemma when you really want to own that extra beautiful piece in your wardrobe, but also want to keep to your commitment to Mother Earth and be sustainable at the same time! How do you own new pieces of clothes without contributing more waste to the earth? Well, shopping at thrift stores may just be your perfect solution! 

There are many benefits to thrifting in terms of environmental sustainability in our capitalistic, consumerist fast fashion industry. Thrifting helps to reduce the amount of clothing produced, which can reduce manufacturing which in turn reduces tons of energy, and crude oils like petroleum. It’s also a way to counter the fast fashion industry which is built on cheap labour who have little access to fair working conditions. In ways more than one, thrifting is definitely a socially conscious way to shop for less and get unique outfits at the same time!

1. REFASH

REFASH Store
Source: asiaone.com

REFASH is a thrift shop haven for those of us who love fast fashion and luxury brands but find the price tags slightly on the high end. The store offers a curated collection of well-known international brands such as Zara, Topshop and also local favorites like Love, Bonito and The Editor’s Market. The best part is that REFASH has both an offline and online presence for those who love online shopping as well! The price of tops starts from as low as $10, and you can find dresses below $30!

Address: You can view the full list of outlets on REFASH’s website.

2. LOOP GARMS

LOOP GARMS' founders: FJ Sai and Isaac Ang
Photo source: Female Mag 

For those looking for one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, be sure to check out Loop Garms, started out by two youths FJ Sai and Isaac Ang. Its old-school shopfront located beneath a HDB block in Jalan Besar exudes a vintage charm and promises a unique shopping experience, almost like travelling into the past! More importantly, the owners personally curate its collection of ’80s and ’90s apparel with their regional and international contacts, offering shirts, pants, graphic tees and sports jackets from popular brands such as Nike and Adidas. You can get T-shirts and caps from $15, and jackets from $35.

Address: 635 Veerasamy Rd, #01-148, Singapore 200635

Opening Hours: Daily: 12pm - 7.30pm (Closed on Wednesday)

3. DEJA VU VINTAGE

DEJA VU VINTAGE Store
Source: blog.travelshopa.com

At Deja Vu Vintage, you can expect to find vintage fashion from all over the world at your fingertips, with designer vintage dresses and bags sourced from the US, Europe, Australia and Japan. This store found right in the heart of CBD has a cult following of returning customers coming back for their range of tops, skirts, jumpsuits, outerwear, dresses and evening dresses! Prices range from $35 for a pair of earrings to under $500 for a formal ball gown.

Address: 9 Raffles Blvd, #01-70, Millenia Walk, Singapore 039596
Opening Hours: Monday -Thursday: 12pm - 8pm | Friday - Sunday: 11am - 9pm

4. NEW2U

NEW2U Store
Source: Racheeng Wordpress

Opened in 2002, New2U is the thrift shop to find the best bargains, with pre-loved clothes going for as low as a dollar! The best part is that you can shop to your heart’s content and be contributing to a good cause at the same time, because the store donates its sales proceeds to Star Shelter, a refuge for victims of domestic violence, and also various initiatives by the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO) including The Women’s Register, a platform for mentoring young women.

Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO)
Source: Racheeng Wordpress

Address: 96 Waterloo St, Singapore 187967
Opening Hours: Monday - Friday: 10.30am - 2.30pm

5. Praisehaven Mega Family Store

Praisehaven Mega Family Store
Source: Reddshop Facebook 

The list of thrift shops wouldn’t be complete without the Praisehaven Mega Family Store operated by the Salvation Army. This is one of the largest thrift stores in Singapore, and also offers the largest variety of clothes under one roof, from wedding dresses, shoes, clothes, antique collectibles, to furniture and art pieces. There is definitely something for everyone here!

Address: 500 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 678106
Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday: 10am - 6pm | Friday - Saturday: 10am - 9pm

In Conclusion

The art of thrift shopping

While thrift shopping seems to be perfect for a sustainable and socially conscious way of shopping, we may not always find the perfect fit when it comes to pre-loved clothes. If you want to learn how to do basic alteration on the clothes that you have bought from your thrift shopping, TaF.tc offers two basic courses that would be perfect for you!

Basic Alteration

The Fit Evaluation and Pinning for Alteration course can be completed in just 8 hours, and you will learn how to evaluate the fit of a garment based on its fabric and material, as well as simple pinning that will help to indicate the necessary adjustments you want when you take it to a seamstress. 

Fit Evaluation and Pinning for Alteration

Alternatively, you could also learn how to make basic alterations on various types of woven and knit clothing including tops, shirts, skirts, pants and dresses with the Basic Alteration course! You’ll have the chance to learn how to alter garments using proper sewing and finishing machines from the comfort of your homes in just two days! 

Both courses are applicable for the SkillsFuture Singapore Grant, SkillsFuture Mid-Career Enhanced Funding as well as the Enhanced Training Support Funding (ETSS), and is highly recommended for anyone who has a flair for design, or works in the fashion retail service sector.

If you are interested to find out more about TaF.tc’s alteration courses, do drop us a call at 6011 8066 or WhatsApp us, and our friendly customer service team will be able to assist you!
Sarah Tang

Part-time shopaholic and bubble tea addict, full-time supporter of local fashion, local business, local designers, and local artists! I also enjoy spending my weekends at museums, galleries and also the occasional pop-up flea markets (before COVID-19!)

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