Black-Owned Thrift, Vintage, and Sustainable Online Shops
As I update my wardrobe for summer and back-to-school (or back-to-school-from-home?), I’ve been trying to buy from Black-owned thrift, vintage, and sustainable online shops. Supporting BIPOC-owned businesses, and brands that align with your ethics, is a small action that can lead to more systemic changes. The fashion industry has a long history of racism, exclusionary advertising, and unjust working conditions for employees of color. It is also one of the most polluting industries in the world. I am a firm believer that you can look good while feeling good about where your clothes come from, especially when there are so many amazing ethical options out there!
For the first installment of what I hope will be an ongoing series to share businesses owned by people of color, I am sharing ten Black-owned businesses, all of which you can shop online. Most of them are thrift and vintage shops, though some of them also carry handmade clothing created from vintage or deadstock materials. Some of the items pictured above are still available, but as you know, lucky finds go fast in the world of secondhand shopping! As a mixed-race person of color myself, I am excited about continuing to find a more diverse array of creative individuals and brands to support!
1. Vintage and Soul: A beautiful collection of vintage clothing, which you can shop via Instagram. Highlights include one-of-a-kind printed skirts and button-ups and perfectly worn-in denim.
2. Her Gather: An array of vintage clothing, accessories, and home goods, which you can shop via Instagram. I am in love with every pair of shoes posted on the feed.
3. Label by Three: Owned by three women, Label by Three offers vintage clothing and homewares as well as gorgeous handmade clothing created from deadstock (and all vegan) fabrics. Inclusivity is part of the brand’s mission. I am about to purchase the Carina dress (pictured above), and I also love the Aquila blouse!
4. Elia Vintage: If you love minimalist vintage pieces like silky slip dresses and oversized blazers, you will love Elia Vintage. A lot of pieces seem to be sold out right now, but you can get updates about when new pieces are available by following on Instagram.
5 & 6. Jane Dottie Vintage: There’s a lot to explore on the website, from vintage tees to handmade scrunchies made from vintage fabrics like satin and organza. There is currently free shipping!
7. Retro Rhapsody: An Etsy shop with the most elegant vintage clothing and accessories. Any of the bold earrings in this shop would elevate a simple outfit! You can also follow on Instagram.
8. Vanilla Vintage: Timeless vintage pieces, including some retro designer handbags! The pieces in this shop go fast, so check out the shop’s beautiful Instagram for updates on when new items are posted on the website.
9. Page of Air: Dreamy vintage clothing and accessories that will transport you to another era! If you need a statement piece for a future special occasion (or, just for wearing at home, because why not?), definitely check out this Etsy shop.
10. Black & Brown: I’ve linked the website, but you’ll find even more gems on the shop’s Instagram, which seems to be updated with multiple pieces daily. I can only imagine how fun it would be to shop at their brick and mortar store in San Jose.
11. Shop Thrftd: New and exciting things seem to be happening on the website and Instagram, so even though I don’t see anything for sale at the moment, I am eagerly awaiting updates!
Happy perusing and shopping, and please share any Black-owned businesses you love! I know there are a lot more to discover, and I hope to do another compilation post again soon.