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Thrifting in Singapore has grown tremendously in recent years, but not all thrift stores are created equal. Walk into a curated vintage shop, and you might find a shirt priced at $40 or a jacket going for $100. For a student on a tight budget, that defeats the entire purpose of buying secondhand.

So where do Singaporeans actually go when they want affordable, genuine thrift finds? We turned to Reddit to find out. Based on a popular thread where users shared their honest recommendations, here are the thrift stores and online platforms that locals swear by for real deals, not curated markups.

Note: The following recommendations are sourced from Reddit users and have been summarised for clarity. Full credit goes to the original commenters in the r/askSingapore community.

Why Some “Thrift Stores” Feel Expensive

Several Reddit users pointed out that many shops calling themselves thrift stores are actually curated vintage boutiques. These businesses import clothes in bulk from overseas, handle shipping costs, pay mall rent, and invest time in selecting specific pieces. All of that gets factored into the price tag. As one user explained,

“A lot of ‘thrift stores’ are ‘curated vintage stores’ and can actually be quite expensive. $30 to $40 for a shirt, $60 to $100 for a jacket, is not it. You would actually get a better deal by browsing retail from popular brands like Uniqlo or Zara, and then camping on Carousell for a good deal.”

Another user echoed this sentiment, noting that “thrift these days is closer to a trend where people are buying vintage or slightly vintage preloved items. It is not going to save you money.”

For true budget thrifting, you need to look elsewhere.

The Clear Winner: Carousell

Across the entire Reddit thread, one platform emerged as the undisputed favourite. Carousell.

Users consistently recommended the online marketplace as the best place to find affordable secondhand clothing. Unlike physical stores that have overhead costs, individual sellers on Carousell are often just clearing their wardrobes. This means significantly lower prices. One user shared their strategy:

“I love Carousell. Usually, I will ask the seller to take a photo of the item in natural light, and check their reviews and posts to make sure they did not steal photos. Managed to get good dresses and tops this way, from obscure brands that usually cost over $100 to local blogshop brands.”

Another tip from the thread is to search for specific items. If you have tried on pants in a store, you can search for the exact item name on Carousell. For example, typing “Mango Lily jeans” might lead you to a gently used pair at half the retail price.

Some Carousell accounts, like 5thrifts, sell all their clothes at just $5 per piece, making it incredibly accessible for students and budget-conscious shoppers.

Online Alternatives to Carousell

A few users mentioned other online platforms worth exploring. The Olio app sometimes features free clothing, though availability depends on your size and how far you are willing to travel to collect items. GooFish was also named as another online option for finding secondhand deals.

The concept of buying and reselling was highlighted by one user who noted that “you buy secondhand goods, finish using them, then sell them as secondhand. Essentially, you get to use the item for free.” This circular approach maximises value and minimises waste.

Physical Thrift Stores Worth Visiting

For those who prefer trying clothes on before buying, several physical stores received positive mentions.

Nightingale Thrift at Queensway Shopping Centre was highly recommended by multiple users. One commenter shared, “You can always get something decent for just $4 to $6. Honsie Ponsie, on the same level, also has a shop with $2, $5, and $10 items. I snagged some great bargains before.” A word of caution: the store is not open every day, so check before heading down.

Lucky Plaza was mentioned several times as one of the more affordable options. Users described it as having a flea market vibe on the upper levels, with unique pieces at reasonable prices. One shopper specifically recommended Lucky Thrifty on the second floor, noting they have unique pieces for around $8 to $15.

Queensway Shopping Centre and Peninsula Plaza were also named as good hunting grounds, though users noted that less than half of the stores there are true thrift shops. You may need to dig.

Refash outlets received mixed reviews. Some users praised their $5 sections at locations like VivoCity and Harbourfront. Others felt that Refash can be expensive and that the items lean toward corporate or auntie styles. However, with enough patience, gems can still be found.

Thrift Stores with Mixed Reviews

Not every thrift store will suit every shopper. Based on Reddit feedback, a few places received mixed reactions depending on what you are looking for.

New2u at Waterloo Street works well for some, but others felt the selection leaned toward older items, and the store had a dusty smell. The opening hours are also quite short, so it is worth checking before you make a trip. Some shoppers noted that the store receives a fair amount of fast-fashion donations, such as from Shein, which may not appeal to those seeking higher-quality pieces. However, if you are open to digging, some users still found affordable basics.

Salvation Army at Upper Bukit Timah has pricing that some shoppers found higher than expected, with dresses occasionally marked at $20 to $30. It helps to understand that the Salvation Army operates as a charity fundraiser. Their prices are set to support their programmes, not necessarily to offer the cheapest possible deals. As one Reddit user pointed out, buying from them is still a charitable act. If you are looking for rock bottom prices, this may not be your best option. But if you are happy to pay a little more for a good cause, it is worth a visit.

The key takeaway is that different stores serve different purposes. What works for one shopper may not work for another. Go with an open mind and realistic expectations.

Thrifting in JB: A Cheaper Alternative

Several Reddit users suggested crossing the causeway for better deals. The exchange rate works in Singapore’s favour, and thrift stores in Johor Bahru are often significantly cheaper than their Singapore counterparts.

One user recommended Jalan Japan outlets in JB, describing it as a huge store with many options at very low prices. After converting to Singapore dollars, curated vintage pieces in JB become much more affordable compared to similar stores here.

Another user advised skipping Jalan Japan, claiming it is overpicked due to hype. Instead, they suggested visiting “the reject shop” in JB for basics like cotton t-shirts, noting that the quality feels better than the polyester and plastic materials common in Singapore thrift stores.

For curated vintage in JB, users mentioned exploring shops along Jalan Tan Hiok Nee.

Community and Church Thrift Shops

Beyond the commercial options, Singapore has several non-profit and church-run thrift stores. Users recommended searching Google Maps for “thrift stores” to discover options like Red Cross Thrift, Church of St Bernadette Thrift Shop, and various church thrift shops.

One user specifically mentioned the Church of St Bernadette thrift shop as having classy and branded items for cheap, though they admitted to not having visited personally.

These community-driven shops often have lower prices because their goal is charitable rather than profit-driven. However, the selection can be hit or miss, and styles may skew toward older demographics.

Telegram and Instagram Shops

For those willing to dig deeper, Telegram chats and Instagram shops offer another avenue for thrifted clothing. Some users mentioned following Instagram accounts that sell thrifted skirts, jeans, and tops, though they noted that many of their favourites had gone on hiatus.

Unique Collection at Clementi was recommended as an affordable option, though it is only open on weekends.

Flea Markets and Events

Weekend flea markets can be treasure troves for bargain hunters. The Hammock Market at Aperia Mall, where influencers sell their used clothes, was mentioned as a worthwhile stop. Prices are reasonable, typically $5 to $10 per piece, and sellers are often open to negotiation. Some stalls even offer deals like three items for $5.

These events are particularly good for finding trendy pieces because sellers tend to wear current styles.

A Note on Quality and Fast Fashion

One user raised an important point about quality versus price. They said,

“I personally dislike fast fashion because the quality of cloth degrades extremely fast, especially with Shein and Cotton On. Cheap, so what? You end up paying more when the shirt you got for $5 inevitably gets a tear.”

If you are willing to pay a bit more upfront, between $20 and $60, you can find decent brands from Japan, the USA, or Europe at places like Lucky Plaza, Arab Street, or Bugis. These pieces tend to last much longer, making them cheaper in the long run.

Final Thoughts

The Reddit thread makes one thing clear. True thrifting in Singapore is still possible, but you need to know where to look. Skip the curated vintage boutiques if you are on a tight budget. Head to Carousell first. Explore Queensway Shopping Centre and Lucky Plaza. Consider crossing to JB for even better deals. And keep an eye out for weekend flea markets.

As one user wisely put it, “The real thrifting is on Carousell.” Another summed up the philosophy beautifully: “Buy secondhand, finish using, sell as secondhand. You essentially use the item for free.”

That is the power of thrifting done right.

And with Earth Day arriving on 22 April 2026, there is no better time to embrace secondhand shopping. Every preloved item you buy is one less piece of clothing sitting in a landfill. It is good for your wallet and good for the planet.