Recycle Boutique - Cuba St

Recycle Boutique is great for basics and affordable second-hand clothing. Be prepared to sift through the racks and have plenty of patience. On more than one occasion I’ve walked into this place, become completely overwhelmed by the number of choices and left empty-handed, so you definitely have to be in the mood for this one. But determination is definitely rewarded at Recycle Boutique; there is the opportunity for a killer haul if you're up for it.

Thrift - Cuba St

Thriftis relatively new on the block but with a sharp eye for fashion and a major focus on sustainability, they are one of our favourites. Thrift operates on a 50/50 basis selling your pre-loved clothing and giving you half the proceeds, can't ask for much better than that. 

Hunters and Collectors - Cuba St

A mainstay of vintage fashion, Hunters & Collectors is one of the most iconic vintage shops in all of Wellington with arguably one of the best window displays. I have a dress that I purchased second hand from this store over 15 years ago which remains a staple of my wardrobe even today. 

Spacesuit - Cuba St

Spacesuit specialises in importing on-trend but definitely not mainstream fashion. One of the few that has more of a focus on menswear, if you're into edgy tee's and jackets make sure this place is on your hit list next time you're out and about.

Ziggurat - Cuba St

I remember visiting  Ziggurat as a teenager, thinking their clothes were so cool. Unfortunately, I don’t think I’ve ever been quite cool enough to wear 90% of the things here, but occasionally I do find something I can pull off (just). More on the pricey side, Ziggurat caters for the designer end and true vintage market.

Honour Fashion - Cuba St

For me Honour Fashion is my go to, and not just because I found my favourite pair of jeans there (which, I kid you not, I wear six out of seven days every week). I love Honour because every time I walk in, it’s obvious how much love and care Sue has taken to curate her store’s goods. I’ve found the products to be of good quality and fairly priced. And, my personal favourite part about this place, Honour never throws anything away!

Paperbag Princess - Cuba Street

Paperbag Princess is further down Cuba but a must visit for affordable second-hand gems. A mix of basics and designer gear this store will take your quality basics on consignment. I always walk away with something I love at Paperbag Princess. Plus, PBP has a price cap of $20 on all items - awesome!

Salvation Army - Willis Street

With stores nationwide, The Salvation Army Family Stores can be found in almost every city with 16 stores in the wider Wellington area. The Salvation Army not only has great bargains, they also provide support to more than 120,000 New Zealand families each year. There's heaps of Sallys around Wellington, but I frequent the one on Willis Street. There's always heaps of bargains on clothes, furniture and nick-nacks.

The City Mission - Taranaki Street

The City Mission Store offers a whole range of goods including some of your new favourite clothes at truly affordable prices. Other than clothing the City Mission also has furniture, house ware, movies, books and more. They're always looking for donations, so if you have any quality goods to give away, go and drop them in. All profit from this store goes to the Wellington City Mission, so it's a great cause!

Save Mart - Porirua

As a city slicker with no car, my only disappointment with the Wellington op shop scene is that we do not have a SaveMart in the CBD. For those of you that have not yet experienced a SaveMart excursion, I highly recommend you get on it. In fact, my all-time most talked about wardrobe item is my 80’s jacket, purchased two years ago from SaveMart for just $14. They simply don’t make them like this anymore.

St Vincent De Paul - Miramar

I'm not sure why, maybe because it's a bit further from town but there is always a good find to be had at The St Vincent De Paul Op Shop in Miramar. If you love bright colours and old school style make sure to add this one to your list.