WHERE TO SELL SECOND-HAND CLOTHES IN CAPE TOWN

Cape Town is a city with its own rhythm. The mountain on one side, the ocean on the other, and somewhere in between you’ll find an entire culture of second-hand and thrift fashion. Unlike Joburg, where resale feels like a hustle, Cape Town resale feels like a lifestyle. People thrift not just to save money but to express individuality, to dress for festivals, and to experiment with looks that feel uniquely theirs.

If you’re new to Cape Town and wondering where to sell your second-hand clothes, this guide is for you. Think of it as advice from someone who has been watching the city from the outside, pointing out the places, platforms, and habits that make second-hand fashion thrive here.

WHY CAPE TOWN IS DIFFERENT

Joburg resale is fast and transactional. Cape Town resale is social, experimental, and connected to subcultures. On a Thursday night, you’ll see people heading to First Thursdays in vintage jackets. On weekends, students from UCT and CPUT are thrifting in Obs, styling outfits for gigs at The Armchair or Assembly. Festival season, from Rocking the Daisies to Kirstenbosch concerts, turns resale into an economy of its own because everyone wants looks that stand out but don’t break the bank.

Selling second-hand in Cape Town isn’t just about clearing your closet, it’s about tapping into a culture that values originality and sustainability.

ONLINE PLATFORMS THAT WORK

ONLINE PLATFORMS THAT WORK

Kloset Klub

South Africa’s only fashion-first resale marketplace. Here, you’re not competing with sellers of fridges or dog food. It’s all clothes, shoes, and accessories. Upload short videos or photos that feel like TikToks, and let your style speak for itself. Buyers pay into SafePay escrow and money is only released once they confirm the item is right. Shipping is simple with Pudo lockers or door-to-door delivery. You also get a dashboard that shows what is selling so you can improve your listings.
Low effort, high trust, and built for fashion.

Yaga

A general resale platform where you can sell almost anything including fashion, books, tech, and pet products. Shipping is flexible with Aramex, PAXI, PUDO, PostNet, or Pargo. Delivery costs are usually covered by the buyer. Yaga has a feature called Bundling that lets buyers add multiple items from the same shop without paying extra for delivery if they check out within an hour.
Medium effort, broad audience.

Instagram Thrift

Cape Town’s IG thrift culture is strong. Obs alone has dozens of thrift sellers who curate drops weekly. This is great for sellers who love styling, but it takes work: shooting content, engaging on Stories, managing DMs, and arranging payments.
High effort but very community-driven.

Facebook Marketplace

Marketplace has reach, but it’s not fashion-specific. Payments are offline, and you meet the buyer in person to settle. It’s handy for bigger items like couches, fridges, or machinery, but for second-hand fashion, it feels clunky compared to fashion-focused platforms.
Effort level: medium.

Depop

Depop is global. It’s where Y2K and sneaker culture thrive. They offer no selling fees, only processing and boosting costs. Their AI-powered listings generate descriptions for you, and Depop Shipping lets buyers pay for postage upfront with a QR code system. For South Africans, though, Depop usually means international shipping headaches.
Effort level: high, best if you’re chasing a global audience for sneakers or statement pieces.

LOCAL THRIFT AND VINTAGE TO VISIT

Cape Town’s second-hand culture isn’t just online. It’s rooted in neighbourhoods, each with its own style:

Observatory (Obs) - Obs is the beating heart of Cape Town thrifting. Visit Grand Funk Retro Vintage for two floors of curated retro, Bang Bang Vintage Market for an indoor market vibe, and Gracious Daisy Vintage for maxi dresses and Y2K looks. Nevernew is a favourite, with locations on Lower Main and Norfolk.

Long Street (CBD) - Long Street is nightlife and retro. Stop at Glitterati in the Long Street Antique Arcade for jewellery and rare pieces.

Claremont - SecondHand Rose has been running since the 70s, mixing true vintage with everyday pieces.

Sea Point and Mowbray - Help the Rural Child has multiple stores across the city, stocked with affordable preloved clothing and accessories.

Vredehoek - Nazareth House “Little King” Charity Shop is a hidden gem for quality preloved fashion.

These spots aren’t just shops, they’re communities. Visiting them gives you inspiration for your listings and a sense of what Capetonians are buying.

QUICK GUIDE FOR SELLERS

PLAY TO THE FESTIVAL CROWD

Mention if something is “great for Rocking the Daisies” or “perfect for Kirstenbosch concerts.” Cape Town buyers shop with events in mind.

HIGHLIGHT ONE-OF-A-KIND DETAILS

Capetonians love individuality. Point out fabric textures, quirky cuts, or unique details that make your piece stand out.

LIST LOCAL DESIGNER ITEMS

Smaller South African labels do really well here. Always include the designer’s name clearly in your listing title.

USE STYLED SHOTS

Cape Town is visual. Add at least one styled image or video where the piece is worn — it feels authentic and helps buyers imagine the fit.

LEAN INTO SEASONALITY

Summer means maxi dresses and swimwear. Winter means trench coats and knits. Listings that fit the current season sell quicker.

WHAT SELLS FAST IN CAPE TOWN

Dresses: maxi, boho, festival-ready, satin slips Browse dresses

Sneakers: Nike, Adidas, Vans, New Balance Browse sneakers

Denim: Levi’s, cargos, wide-leg styles Browse denim

Jackets: denim, leather, bomber Browse jackets

Local designers: Cape Town loves supporting smaller labels, especially for markets and First Thursdays.

Cape Town buyers lean into individuality. Anything that feels one-of-a-kind, expressive, or festival-ready moves faster than plain basics.

HOW TO SELL FASTER ON KLOSET KLUB

LIST WITH VIDEO

Show how fabric moves and how colour looks in daylight. Even a 15-second clip increases trust.

BE HONEST ABOUT CONDITION

Show flaws if there are any. Buyers trust honesty more than “perfect condition” claims.

PRICE SMART

Everyday high-street: 50–70% below retail. Premium brands: 40–60%. Limited sneakers: check the resale market.

SHIP QUICKLY

Drop your parcel at a Pudo locker or book a door collection within 2 working days.

SHARE YOUR CLOSET

Post your Kloset Klub store link on Instagram, TikTok, or WhatsApp groups. Tag @klosetklubZA so we can reshare.

REAL QUESTIONS ANSWERED

WHERE CAN I SELL SECOND-HAND CLOTHES IN CAPE TOWN

Start with Kloset Klub for national reach, SafePay escrow, and easy shipping. Other options are Yaga, Instagram thrift shops, Facebook Marketplace, and local boutiques.

WHAT TYPE OF CLOTHES SELL BEST HERE

High street & streetwear brands like Zara, River Island, Topshop, Supreme, Nike Adidas, Bathing Apes, maxi dresses, sneakers, denim, and unique vintage pieces.

IS IT SAFE TO SELL ONLINE

Yes. With Kloset Klub, money is held in SafePay until the buyer confirms they are happy with the order.

DO I NEED VIDEO LISTINGS

It’s optional, but short video clips show fit and fabric clearly, and help your listings sell faster.

Cape Town resale is about creativity and community. It’s less about flipping stock fast and more about sharing style that tells a story. Whether you’re selling a leather jacket, a pair of Levi’s, or a festival maxi dress, Cape Town has the buyers. Kloset Klub gives you the tools to sell quickly, safely, and with less hassle while keeping fashion circular.