Thrifting In Singapore: A Tailor's Guide to the Best Shops

One of the most affordable and sustainable ways to refresh your wardrobe is through thrifting or shopping secondhand. However, finding real treasures (that fit well and are of good quality) can be a challenge. If you’re someone who prefers your clothes to look made-to-measure and unique — without the bespoke price tag — then a little fitting or alteration often makes all the difference.

Before buying any thrift piece (and if it doesn’t fit), always ask yourself the worth question.

Do I love this piece enough to:

• A) put in the work myself to make it wearable, or

• B) pay for alterations and still feel like it’s worth it?
  If the answer’s no, it’s better to leave it behind — there will always be another gem waiting.
  

Then, proceed on below for a quick guide to help you shop smarter and get that made-to-measure look: 

1. Construction & Fabric

The construction of a garment tells you a lot about the time and care that went into making it.

Hold it to the Light: This is the most important test. It reveals:

• Holes

• Stains

• Thinning fabric

• Weave density
  

Do the Stretch Test: Gently pull the main fabric. Does it bounce back into shape? If it sags or stays stretched, it's a low-quality knit. Always test waistbands and cuffs to ensure the elastic isn't "dead," or brittle, otherwise you will have to replace them. 

Check High-Friction Zones: Always inspect underarms, collars, cuffs, and the crotch/inner thighs. This is where you'll find most of the deal-breaking flaws (stains, pilling, holes).

Feel the Fabric: Don't just trust your eyes. Does it feel substantial? Or does it feel thin, papery, and cheap? A quality garment has a "hand" or weight to it.

Read the Tag: When browsing through racks of secondhand clothing, pay attention to the fabric composition. Natural fibers like wool, linen, silk, and cotton not only feel better on your skin but are also easier to alter and age more gracefully.

Synthetic fabrics tend to pill, lose shape, or resist adjustments, while natural ones can be easily reshaped, pressed, and repaired — making your alterations smoother and longer-lasting.

Not just that — consider whether the fabric is suitable for the climate and purpose you have in mind. 

• Cotton and linen (light plant-based materials) are perfect for warm weather thanks to their breathability and looser weaves.

• Wool and heavier silks work best for cooler temperatures and structured garments.

The right fabric doesn’t just make your piece look better — it also ensures comfort and longevity. 

2. For Trousers/Pants

These few key details can make or break your alteration results:

• Pocket placement matters.
  Always check where the pockets sit. If an alteration may cut into or affect the pocket area, it may warrant removing the whole pocket, otherwise it may cause unwanted folds or bulk if you don’t. So unless you’re prepared to unpick the whole pocket, you might want to avoid that.

• Look for uninterrupted seams.
  A clean seam running from top to bottom gives more flexibility for alterations, whether you’re taking it in or letting it out (if there’s extra seam allowance inside).

• Check the seam allowance.
  This is a big one — the more seam allowance there is, the easier it’ll be to make the garment bigger if needed. As a rule of thumb, it’s safer to buy something a little larger and have it taken in.

3. For Tops/ Blazers 

When shopping for shirts, blouses, or jackets, the shoulder fit is everything.

Why? Because adjusting the shoulder seams is one of the most complex and expensive alterations. If the garment fits well around your shoulders, the rest is easy — you/ your tailor can adjust side seams, sleeve length, or overall length without much hassle.

Also, pay attention to:

• Armhole fit. Too low, and you’ll lose mobility; too tight, and it’ll dig uncomfortably into your underarm.

• From the shoulder down, most other parts are simple fixes — think of taking in sides or shortening sleeves. 

Here are a bunch of thrift / vintage stores in Singapore you might want to check out — they offer a good mix of styles & prices. Do check out their social media too, happy hunting!  

1. For Charity & Rock-Bottom Prices (Traditional Thrifting)

These are the best spots if you love the "treasure hunt" and want to find clothes, books, and household items for just a few dollars, all while supporting a good cause.

• The Salvation Army (Re:Nue Stores): This is a classic. Their "Family Stores" have been rebranded to "Re:Nue." The largest one is the Praisehaven Mega Family Store in Bukit Timah, which is a massive warehouse with clothes, furniture, books, and more. They also have other outlets in Ang Mo Kio, Bukit Merah, and Changi.

• New2U Thrift Shop: Run by the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO), this is a "holy grail" for many thrifters. It's located on Waterloo Street and is known for amazing $1-$5 finds, especially on half-price days.

Image credit: Giving.sg 

• SSVP Shop: A well-organized charity shop in Geylang that sells clothing, accessories, and household goods. Proceeds go to supporting the underprivileged. 

Image credit: Society of St. Vincent de Paul Singapore

• MINDS Shop: A social enterprise providing vocational training for adults with intellectual disabilities. They have several outlets (e.g., Margaret Drive, Rosyth Road) and are great for finding clothes and homeware at very low prices.

Image credit: MINDS 

• Something Old Something New (SOSN): A social enterprise thrift store with multiple locations that provides employment and training for individuals recovering from mental health issues.

Image credit: Time Out

2. Key Thrifting Clusters (For Vintage & Curated Finds)

If you want to spend an afternoon hopping between stores, these areas have the highest concentration of shops. These are less about "bargain bins" and more about finding specific styles (Y2K, 90s streetwear, etc.).

Haji Lane & Bugis Area (The Go-To Hub)

This area is the heart of Singapore's curated vintage scene.

• Vintagewknd: A very popular store on Haji Lane known for its huge, well-organized selection of vintage and reworked clothing.

• Kaeru Thrift: Also on Haji Lane, this shop specializes in vintage finds curated from Japan and the US, with a focus on 90s and Y2K styles.

• The Cartel's: A must-visit for vintage menswear, known for band tees, Harley Davidson gear, and vintage workwear.

• Golden Landmark Shopping Complex (Nearby):

• Woofie's Warehouse: Famous for its "$10 thrift store" concept. It's a self-service store packed with streetwear, Y2K pieces, and denim.

• Two Worlds: Known for upcycled and reworked clothing.

Queensway Shopping Centre (Emerging Streetwear Spot)

This older mall is now a hotspot for retro and streetwear thrift stores.

• Bhabie's Market: A popular store with a focus on trendy, Y2K, and reworked pieces.

• Nightingale Thrift Shop: A social enterprise that supports autism initiatives. It's well-organized and has a mix of modern and vintage items.

• Dirty Laundry: Specializes in retro fashion, 90s-style sweaters, and sportswear.

Lucky Plaza (The "Digging" Experience)

Located on Orchard Road, this mall is famous for its densely packed, affordable thrift stores.

• Lucky Thrifty: One of the most well-known, with multiple outlets within the building.

• Thrift Apparel & Lucky Plaza Bazaar (LPB) Thrift: More stores where you can find trendy clothes for $5-$10 if you're willing to browse.

3. For Modern Secondhand Brands (Consignment)

If you're looking for recent styles from high-street brands like Zara, Love, Bonito, or Topshop, this is your best bet.

• Refash: Singapore's largest chain of secondhand stores. They have many outlets, often inside shopping malls (like Plaza Singapura or Bugis Junction). It feels like a regular retail store, but everything is pre-loved and at a deep discount.

4. For Swapping & Luxury

• The Fashion Pulpit: Located in Jalan Besar, this store runs on a unique swapping/membership model. You bring in your old clothes to earn points, which you can then use to "buy" other items in the store. You can also pay for access.

• HuntStreet: If your definition of "thrifting" includes high-end designer goods, this is the place. They are a consignment store specializing in authenticated pre-loved luxury bags, shoes, and accessories.

5. For Thrifted FABRICS!

• Withtheweave (online store) If you’re on the hunt for affordable, good-quality fabrics in Singapore, WithTheWeave is a hidden gem you’ll love. They specialise in end-of-roll and deadstock fabrics — leftover pieces from garment production — which means you’ll find unique materials at a fraction of the usual price!

Learn How to Do It Yourself

We know that getting alterations done professionally can add up quickly — which is why at Fashion Makerspace, we offer alteration and basic sewing classes that empower you to do it yourself.

With just a few skills, you can learn how to make simple tweaks that completely change the way your clothes look and feel — from adjusting the fit of thrifted finds to giving your old favorites a second life.

It’s practical, rewarding, and a great way to express your personal style — all while saving money (and the planet).