Thrift shopping is rising in popularity as people look for a more sustainable and budget-friendly way to buy clothes.

But one thrift shopper says buying secondhand is no longer about cheap fast fashion with demand for authentic pre-loved designer pieces skyrocketing.

It comes as Trade Me’s latest Circular Economy report revealed the country’s secondhand market grew by half a billion dollars to $5.5 billion in the last year. A spokeswoman said Bay of Plenty residents were selling unwanted items mainly to declutter and make some extra cash.

Tauranga thrift shopper Amanda Hohneck has made a small online business out of buying and selling pre-loved clothing.

“Coming from a big family, it was very rare to buy brand new clothes, and we were often given second-hand clothes from other people,” Hohneck said. “I’ve always loved op shopping.”

Hohneck started the Instagram page Min’s Closet to sell her pre-loved fashion a year ago – and she hasn’t stopped since.

“It’s all about giving quality preloved fashion a second life.

“There are so many amazing pieces out there, with enough clothes in circulation to clothe the next six generations, and they shouldn’t cost the earth.”

Hohneck carefully curates pieces that “still have so much to give” and posts them on her Instagram page or sells them at The Little Big Markets on the weekends.

“My best finds come from a mix of sources – local thrift stores, markets, community sales, and sometimes even from my own closet.

“I’ve got an eye for quality, unique pieces, and know how to spot a real gem – especially when it comes to designer items and something that looks fun, colourful and different.”

To Hohneck, a good bargain isn’t just about price. It’s about value, material, durability, and quality.

“A well-made piece that lasts, a designer find for a fraction of the cost, or a timeless style that’s still on-trend, that’s what I call a true bargain.

“Every preloved piece has a story, and I love being part of its next chapter. Plus, the creativity of styling vintage or secondhand items in a fresh way makes fashion way more fun than just grabbing something off a rack.”

Hohneck said this way of shopping helps to reduce waste, lower the carbon footprint, saves water, cuts down on pollution, promotes slow fashion and encourages mindful, sustainable shopping.

“People are waking up to the real impact of fast fashion. Plus, with social media, more people are seeing how cool and creative secondhand fashion can be.

“It’s no longer about just ‘making do’, it’s about making your own statement.”

Hohneck said people were getting more creative, turning old pieces into something new and the demand for authentic preloved designer pieces had “skyrocketed”.

“They want to shop guilt-free and reduce waste. Preloved fashion lets you dress well without the designer price tag.

“The hope is that people are moving away from cheap, fast fashion and looking for well-made pieces that will last.”

The Little Big Events director Rachelle Duffy said their Thrifted Finds market in Mount Maunganui was growing in popularity.

“Thrifted Finds is a go-to destination for vintage shopping and thrifting and our markets have been selling out. The thrifting trend is definitely on the up again,” she said.

“With the changing of seasons, winter is the perfect time for a wardrobe clear out and our markets are the perfect place for thrifties to rent a clothing rack and sell their pre-loved fashion. There’s always something fun to find.”

Amanda’s top five thrifting tips:

1. Try on everything. Sizes vary wildly and look different on a hanger or on someone else. The label may say 12, but it fits a modern 8 or 14.

2. Let pieces jump out at you and feel the fabric first. Run your hands along the racks. Natural fibres like cotton, linen, silk, and wool will often stand out. Ask yourself: Will this feel good on? If it suits your style and feels like “you” it’s worth a closer look.

3. Check every section. Don’t limit yourself to just one area! Men’s, kids, and even homewares often hide gems. Oversized knits, jackets, tees, belts ... you never know where gold will pop up.

4. Inspect it, and imagine the wear. Check seams, zips, buttons, and underarms. Then ask: Can I wear this at least three different ways? Will I wear it more than three times? If it’s a yes, into the cart it goes.

5. Go often. There’s no magic time.

Op shops restock all the time. Even a quick 15-minute browse on your lunch break can uncover something amazing. Make it a little ritual!

Thrifted Finds

What: Thrifted Finds is your go-to destination for vintage shopping and thrifting.

When: May 25 and August 3

Where: Coronation Park, Mount Maunganui

Zoe Hunter is a former SunLive and Bay of Plenty Times journalist who now works as a freelance writer.