Exploring Porto’s charm extends beyond its historic architecture and vibrant culture to its unique shopping experiences. In this guide, we’ll explore the best secondhand stores in Porto, dive into the benefits of buying secondhand, and offer a walkable shopping route for an enjoyable day out.
Why You Should Buy Secondhand
Environmental Benefits
- Reduces Pollution and Waste: Many items that could still be used end up in landfills, contributing to environmental degradation. Buying secondhand reduces pollution and waste.
Fighting Fast Fashion
- Sustainable Alternative: Buying secondhand is a sustainable alternative to fast fashion. By reducing demand for new clothing, we help reduce the negative impacts of the fast fashion industry.
Promoting a Circular Economy
- Prolongs Clothing Life: By buying secondhand, you’re prolonging the life of clothing, ensuring that resources are utilized efficiently and waste is minimized.
Affordability
- Great Deals: Whether you’re looking for designer goods or more affordable alternatives, secondhand stores offer high-quality items at a fraction of their original price.
Crafting a Unique Style
- Vintage Finds: Secondhand shops offer a wide variety of styles and items, allowing you to create a unique and personalized wardrobe. You can also find high-quality vintage pieces.
- Upcycling Opportunities: Secondhand clothes can be upcycled or repurposed into new items, encouraging creativity and personalization.
Supporting Local Businesses and Charities
- Local Economy: Many secondhand stores are small, locally-owned businesses or run by charities. By shopping there, you support the local economy and contribute to charitable causes.
Best Secondhand Stores in Porto
Porto boasts a variety of secondhand stores catering to all styles and budgets. Here are some of the best secondhand shops in the city:
Humana
Humana is a well-known secondhand chain with several locations in Porto. They offer a wide range of clothing and accessories, from everyday wear to unique vintage pieces. Humana is also known for its affordable prices and regular sales events, making it a favorite among budget-conscious shoppers. They have six stores in Porto, including Humana Vintage, focusing exclusively on vintage fashion.
Mon Père
Mon Père specializes in high-quality vintage fashion, offering a curated selection of clothing and accessories. The store is known for its stylish interior and carefully chosen items.
Chiclete Shop
Chiclete Shop offers a range of vintage items, particularly from the 1980s and 1990s. Expect to find things like tracksuits, classic sportswear, shirts, jeans, and retro sneakers.
Yeahllow Store
Yeahllow Store buys and sells luxury second-hand and designer pieces. Originally centered on vintage clothing, the project soon shifted focus to curating luxury vintage pieces from brands such as Hermès, Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Gucci, Burberry, among others.
Mão Esquerda
Mão Esquerda has been open since 2014 and offers a variety of pre-owned garments from different eras, including Japanese vintage clothing pieces from the 40s to 90s. This store has something for everyone who loves to stand out.
Wild at Heart
Wild at Heart specializes in second-hand and vintage clothing for men and women, with a focus on sustainable fashion. The store has a wide selection of clothing, including dresses, shirts, jeans, jackets, and accessories. They also have a small selection of home goods.
Tricirculo
Tricirculo is a hidden gem in Porto for vintage enthusiasts. They offer a curated selection of first and second-hand clothing, with a focus on unique vintage finds for women. They even have some handmade beachwear and new, self-produced clothing pieces.
O’kilo
O’kilo operates on a pay-by-weight system, offering a wide variety of clothing and accessories. This innovative approach allows shoppers to find great deals and discover new pieces without breaking the bank. 1kg costs 20 euros.
Com Sotaque
Com Sotaque sells a wide variety of second-hand and vintage clothing for men and women, as well as accessories. The store also has a café that serves coffee, tea, and pastries.
My First Secondhand Experience
I vividly remember my first visit to Humana over a decade ago. Initially overwhelmed by the unfamiliar environment, I soon realized the vast potential of secondhand shopping. Today, I frequent secondhand stores both locally and internationally, and also use Vinted for online purchases. This journey has helped me save money and adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. When traveling, I prefer to buy secondhand items instead of typical mementos. They serve as unique souvenirs that remind me of the places I’ve visited while being practical and stylish additions to my wardrobe.
Online Alternatives
Vinted
Vinted is an app where you can buy and sell secondhand clothes, books, and other items. It offers an easy and user-friendly experience, with a wide selection of goods.
OLX Portugal
OLX is a popular online marketplace in Portugal where you can find a wide range of secondhand items, including clothing, electronics, and furniture.
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace allows users to buy and sell items locally. It’s a great platform for finding secondhand clothing and other items.
Depop
Depop is a social shopping app where users can buy and sell secondhand fashion. Although not very famous in Portugal yet, it is growing in popularity and offers a wide variety of unique and vintage items.
Wallapop
Wallapop is an app for buying and selling secondhand items, from clothing to electronics and furniture. It offers a user-friendly platform to discover local deals and connect directly with sellers.
A Day Shopping Secondhand in Porto – Walkable Guide
Porto’s compact layout makes it perfect for a day of secondhand shopping. Here’s a walkable guide to help you explore the best stores:
- Start at O’kilo (Rua de Santa Catarina)
- Experience the pay-by-weight system and find great deals.
- Head to Humana (Rua de Santa Catarina)
- Browse their extensive collection of affordable and vintage items.
- Walk to Humana (Rua de Fernandes Tomás)
- After, take a break from thrifting and stroll around Mercado do Bolhão.
- Visit Humana Vintage (Rua de Alexandre Braga)
- Find great quality vintage pieces.
- Walk to Humana (Rua de Passos Manuel)
- Browse an extensive selection.
- Explore Mon Père (Largo de Alberto Pimentel)
- Dive into high-quality vintage fashion and unique pieces.
- End at Humana (Rua de Cedofeita)
- Explore the last Humana of the day and, since you are in Cedofeita, why not enjoy a craft beer from Catraio?
Tips for a Sustainable Shopping Day
- Use Public Transport: Take public transport to reduce your carbon footprint.
- Bring Your Own Bags: Don’t forget to bring your own reusable shopping bags.
- Set a Budget: Stick to a budget to avoid impulsive buying and ensure you only purchase what you need.
- Check the Quality: Inspect items for quality and durability to make sure they will last.
- Prioritize Needs Over Wants: Focus on what you actually need to avoid unnecessary purchases.
- Think Versatility: Look for pieces that can be styled in multiple ways and match with items you already own.
More About Humana
Humana is one of the most well-known secondhand store chains, and since they have several locations in Porto, it’s easy to find a store near you. They frequently have sales, with prices dropping as low as 1 euro. Humana advertises these sales via Instagram, and they also host shopping nights with extended hours and a DJ, making it a fun event. Follow them on Instagram to stay updated.
Final Thoughts on the Best Secondhand Stores in Porto
By exploring these secondhand stores in Porto, you can find unique items, save money, and contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry. Each shop offers something special, from high-quality vintage pieces to affordable everyday wear. Whether you’re a seasoned thrifter or new to secondhand shopping, Porto’s diverse selection of stores provides ample opportunities to discover hidden gems. Remember, every secondhand purchase is a step towards reducing waste and supporting local businesses. And always keep in mind, the best buy is the one you find in your wardrobe. Happy shopping!
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