There’s nothing fashionable about landfill. In the past ten years though, the amount of textiles being sent to a landfill in Wellington has doubled. Even more shocking is the fact It’s estimated around a quarter of the clothes being dumped are perfectly wearable.
Shopping second hand is an easy solution to this problem that allows you to refresh your wardrobe at a lower cost to the planet and your wallet.
However, fossicking around op shops isn’t for everyone. Between racks brimming with clothes of every shape and size and that musty clothing smell, sorting treasures from the tat is a particular kind of challenge.
Luckily, a cohort of sustainable fashionistas is making second-hand shopping easier than ever; you can now shop as you scroll. Savvy sellers use Instagram to make second-hand goods readily available to everyone.
These sellers do the legwork for you, finding stunning clothes, cleaning, mending and styling them so all you need to do is snap them up from the comfort of your own home. These vintage and second-hand Insta clothing stores are all New Zealand based, so with each purchase you’re supporting small businesses and making sure clothes stay out of landfill.
Follow a few of these gems to fill up your feed with sustainable, original and drool-worthy fashion. Here are the 10 best vintage and pre-loved Kiwi stores to follow on IG.
Welcome Back Slow Fashion
Di, the fashion maestro behind @welcomeback_slowfashion, is a champion of locally made and shopped items. Her frequent clothing drops are full of unique and collectable items. Along with immaculately styled photos, Di shares the stories behind iconic labels and tidbits of New Zealand’s fashion history.
Fruit Bowl Vintage
Even if you never purchase anything from this account, @fruitbowlvintage is worth a follow for the style inspiration alone. Marie has nailed the dreamy vintage aesthetic. The clothes she posts seem custom made for drifting through flower fields or lounging on a picnic blanket.
Vintage Stylists Own
This Wellington-based outfit delivers authentic and quality goods. All items are vintage and carefully curated with this professional stylist’s excellent eye. As a self-described “body positive wahine”, @vintagestylistsown posts diverse sizes including plenty of items size 14 plus. Adding an extra layer of cool, all items are smudged with white sage to cleanse them of their past before being sent on to their new homes.
Noon Goods
@noongoods sells size-inclusive second hand and designer goodies, including those harder to find larger vintage sizes. She focuses on textiles and patterns for a bright, fresh feed. There are plenty of great investment pieces posted regularly; prepare to become obsessed with vintage blazers and wool knits.
Fantail Finds
Weekly drops of vintage goods from @fantail.finds are expertly selected and modelled. You’ll find plenty of delectable vintage shirts and statement pants under this account but be quick—the goods get snapped up with lightning speed.
All The Goods
The name says it all: @allthegoods_nz really does have all the goods. Each piece posted has a unique twist, guaranteed to spice up your wardrobe. Keep your eyes peeled for cosy knits, vintage blouses, coats and all sorts of other sustainable goodies.
Mustard Jumper Vintage
One of the pioneers of New Zealand’s Instagram op shop scene, Danni of @mustardjumpervintage posts a stream of dreamy pastel knits and funky retro blazers, turning your feed into a fashion mood board. She also donates 10% of her profits to Christchurch City Mission, so you can feel extra smug about shopping second hand.
In Search of Glory
As well as presenting beautifully styled clothes, Hannah behind @insearchofglory speaks openly about the importance of shopping carefully. That is, buying something because it is a classic that will be part of your wardrobe for years, and not shopping on impulse or buying something just because it’s having a moment. This is one of the hardest fast fashion habits to break, so listen to the wisdom and choose your vintage and second hand wisely.
Slow Poke
As the name suggests, @slowpokeco advocates slowing down and shopping ethically. Set against pastel backgrounds that will brighten up your feed, you’ll see a wide range of pre-loved and vintage clothing items under this account. Slow Poke also gives back, donating 10% of profits to a different cause or charity which changes every few months.
The Vintage Club
Looking to incorporate a little dash of Americana into your capsule? Look no further than @thevintageclub.nz who drop covetable US fashions in the form of oversize sweats, tees, jeans and shorts. Yes to all.
About Petrina
Petrina Darrah is an Auckland-based writer with a passion for travel and sustainable living. See more of her work or get in touch at petrina-darrah.com.
Wanna keep shopping sustainably? Here's a curated post of eco friendly, sustainable products made with love in NZ.
Image credit: Fruit Bowl Vintage