The Beginner's Guide to Thrift Shopping in Cape Town

By Sloane · Re:dressed · Thrift Tips · Cape Town

So you want to start thrifting but you don't know where to begin. Maybe you've walked into a second-hand store, felt completely overwhelmed, and walked right back out. That was me once. Now I can spend two hours in a thrift store and come out with five incredible pieces for under R200. Let me show you how.

Why thrift shopping in Cape Town is actually amazing

Cape Town has one of the best second-hand scenes in South Africa. Between the charity shops, flea markets, Yaga sellers, and vintage boutiques — there is genuinely something for every style and every budget. The key is knowing where to look and what to look for.

Where to start — the best spots in Cape Town

Shout SA (multiple locations) — This is your entry-level thrift store. Clothes are sorted by type and prices are very reasonable. Great for basics, denim and unexpected gems. Check the Kenilworth and Claremont branches for the best stock rotation.

Hospice Charity Shops — Underrated and undervisited. Hospice stores across Cape Town often have beautiful, well-kept donations from all kinds of households. You'll find everything from office wear to vintage pieces. Prices are low and the cause is good.

The Cape Town Flea Market (Greenmarket Square) — More curated than a charity shop, great for vintage accessories, jewellery, African print pieces and one-of-a-kind items. Go on a weekday morning for the best selection before tourists get there.

Milnerton Flea Market — A Cape Town institution. Open on weekends, massive, and full of surprises. Arrive early (before 9am) for the best finds. Bring cash, wear comfortable shoes and go with no expectations — that's when you find the best things.

Yaga — Cape Town's best online second-hand platform. You can filter by size, location and price and shop from real people selling their pre-loved pieces. It's thrifting from your couch and I personally sell on here too — check out my store for current listings! 🤎

What to look for when thrifting

Check the fabric first — natural fibres like cotton, linen and wool last longer and feel better than cheap polyester. Look for quality stitching, strong buttons and zips that work smoothly. Don't get distracted by the print or colour before you've checked the construction — a beautiful piece in bad condition isn't worth it.

Also check for: fading, pilling, stains (some come out, many don't), missing buttons, broken zips, and underarm discolouration. Hold the item up to the light to spot thin patches in the fabric.

The golden rules of thrift shopping

Go with an open mind, not a shopping list. Thrifting rewards spontaneity. If you go in looking for a specific item you'll almost always leave disappointed. If you go in open to anything — magic happens.

Try everything on. Sizing in second-hand stores is all over the place — a medium might fit like a small, a vintage piece might be cut completely differently. Try it on before you decide.

Visit regularly. Stock changes constantly. A store that had nothing interesting last week might have incredible pieces this week. The thrifters who find the best stuff are the ones who go back again and again.

Don't overlook the "wrong" section. Some of my best finds came from the men's section, the oversized section, or the formal wear rack. Fashion doesn't have rules — neither should your thrifting.

Your first thrift haul checklist

Starting out? Focus on these easy wins: a good quality denim jacket, a plain white or black tee, a versatile blazer, and one statement piece that excites you. These form the base of almost any outfit and are almost always available second-hand for a fraction of retail price.

Happy thrifting, Cape Town. The best wardrobe you'll ever have is waiting for you in a second-hand store. 🌿

— Sloane xo