Looking for a place to sell your pre-loved clothes? Refash is the place for you to go. With 16 branches located islandwide, chances are that you’ve stumbled across an outlet in a mall (while on the hunt for new wardrobe essentials). 

All you have to do is pack up your clothes and drop them off at the nearest Refash outlet for assessment. Alternatively, you could opt for the courier pick up option for just SG$10. Each of your items will be valued depending on factors including brand, condition, and popularity, and you will receive a small payout ranging from SG$1 to SG$10.

Popular Japanese brand Uniqlo champions sustainability with its Re.Uniqlo recycling programme. The framework helps to maximise the utility of the clothing Uniqlo makes, contributing to a circular society. The lifespan of secondhand apparel is extended by being distributed to people in need such as refugees and underprivileged people, while unwearable clothes are recycled into new products and materials. 

Items can be donated at any physical Uniqlo stores islandwide, provided they are clean and washed.

Swap shops are gaining popularity, and if you’re not yet sold on the circular concept, head down to the Swapaholic store at The Centrepoint. It offers clothes for women, men, and kids. You may also find exclusive collections from local celebrities like Ming Bridges.

To start swapping, you will have to sign up for a membership. Each tier is priced differently depending on the number of clothes you wish to donate to the store. Once you have made your donation, your garments will undergo a meticulous quality check before being accepted. You will be credited with points for your donations, which you can use to exchange for the clothes that Swapaholic offers online and in physical stores. 

Swapaholic
Address: The Centrepoint #02-04A, S(238843)

As part of Zara’s social and environmental commitment, the Spanish label seeks to help you extend the useful life of your garments. Its used clothing donation programme works with organisations that contribute directly to the local community, selected based on their experience, good practices, reputation, and transparency. 

Clothing can be donated in stores at five major outlets including Ion Orchard, Marina Bay Sands, and Jewel Changi Airport.

Read more: Ion Orchard is reducing single-use waste with its pilot Sustainable Takeaway programme

The Salvation Army is an international charitable organisation dedicated to meeting the needs of the poor and marginalised communities in society. You can drop off your unwanted (and washed!) clothes at one of the organisation’s Donation In-Kind booths, or in donation bins at selected shopping malls. Besides clothes, the charity also takes in books, toys, bags, accessories, and shoes in new or used condition.

The New2U Thrift Shop was started in 2020 by the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO), a charity organisation that seeks to empower women in Singapore through sustainable fashion. The shop is managed entirely by volunteers and accepts items such as pre-loved clothes, accessories, and household items. All proceeds donated to the organisation go towards SCWO Initiatives including providing refuge for women and children.

The items can be dropped off at SCWO’s office at Waterloo Street, but keep in mind that due to space constraints, there’s a limit of donating two boxes at a time!

SCWO Centre
Address: 96 Waterloo Street, S(187967)

Freecycling is a burgeoning movement in Singapore but has become increasingly popular in the last few years. The global network boasts over 11 million members worldwide. How does it work? You simply list items that you no longer need online, and give them away for free to someone who might have use for them. Membership is free and who knows, you might even score new wardrobe additions as your pre-loved garments find a second home!

SSVP Shop is the flagship store of the non-profit organisation Society of St. Vincent de Paul Singapore. Since its launch in 2019, the store has quickly gained a reputation as one of the leading charity thrift shops in town, being a shopper’s paradise with an alluring array of affordable pre-loved and brand-new items.

Donation drop offs are strictly by appointment and the store is currently only able to accept two shopping bags of donated items at a time.

While it accepts pre-loved clothing, a good rule of thumb is to consider if you would give the item to a friend or buy it yourself. All sales from the store go towards funding the society’s programmes for low-income and disadvantaged beneficiaries from all races, religions and nationalities.

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