Thrift stores once carried a whiff of necessity. Today, they are buzzing hubs of creativity where students, young professionals, and even seasoned fashionistas hunt for pieces that feel personal, affordable, and stylish.

Walk through Braamfontein on a Saturday and you will see the queues spilling out of vintage pop-ups, while Instagram thrift sellers show off one-off jackets that disappear within minutes.

Part of the appeal is budget. Stats SA’s latest household data shows that clothing and footwear are among the categories where prices have outpaced general inflation in recent years. Stretching a rand means looking beyond glossy malls, and second-hand racks often hide international brands at a fraction of the price.

But thrifting is also about identity. A pre-loved denim jacket or a vintage dress comes with a story, and wearing it is a way of stepping off the fast fashion conveyor belt. The United Nations Environment Programme has flagged clothing waste as a global problem, with the fashion industry responsible for millions of tonnes of discarded textiles each year. Choosing thrift is a small act of sustainability as well as style.

The vibe at South Africa’s thrift markets blends economy with joy. A student from the University of Cape Town in Cape Town describes it as: “shopping where no one else can copy your look.” In Johannesburg, young professionals mix thrifted finds with Zara or Woolworths staples for an effortless high low blend.