Telegram Thrift Stores Are Where Gen Z is Shopping Now
Discover curated vintage and second-hand finds on Telegram—your new go-to for digital thrift shopping.
By Sarah Adriana,
Just a few years ago, thrifting in Singapore meant schlepping to far-flung heartland malls, elbow-deep in racks at places like Queensway or scouring the weekend pop-ups at *SCAPE. There was charm in the hunt, sure — but it took time, stamina, and a good deal of luck to score that perfect vintage piece.
Of late, there's been an easier way to thrift and it's right at your fingertips. Cue messaging platform Telegram, where Gen Z curators are auctioning off Y2K denim, grunge baby tees, and low-rise cargos via Telegram drops faster than you can say “Depop who?” These tightly curated channels have made secondhand shopping as easy as scrolling through your DMs — minus the guilt and the markup.
With Telegram allowing the creation of channels, many small businesses began using the app to sell their clothes as early as 2022. What began as a way to clear preloved pieces turned into curated drops selling vintage second-hand clothing. Over the years, more thrift-savvy sellers have taken to Telegram to do the same — curating vintage pieces that reflect their personal style while building tight-knit online communities.
Why Telegram? For one, the convenience. No queues, no commute, and no need to physically dig — just fresh drops announced right to your phone. For sellers, it also offers a low-barrier alternative to renting retail space — especially with Singapore’s rising commercial rents. Sellers like Janelle Ong, 19, who owns 3AM Rosewater also shares that having a Telegram channel allows her to build a community by “connecting with others who also love fashion and niche aesthetics.” The result? A new thrifting frontier that’s fast, flexible, and deeply Gen Z.
With fast fashion fatigue and rising retail prices, it's no surprise that more young Singaporeans are turning to thrift not just for the aesthetics, but for the ethics and the thrill of the chase — now digitised. Here’s a closer look at some of the best online thrift stores that are shaping the digital vintage shopping scene in Singapore.
DESAIEL
Who's behind it: Felicia Ooi, 20, started Desaiel as a solution to an overflowing wardrobe during the COVID-19 lockdown. What started as a Telegram channel called buymyleftovers to sell her own unwanted clothes quickly gained traction. The pivot to curation came after a solo trip abroad, where Felicia met a supplier at a night market. The next day, she flew back with a suitcase full of vintage finds, marking the birth of her curated collection and the rebranding to Desaiel.
Felicia’s passion for fashion is clear in every handpicked piece she offers. “Getting to select pieces I’m excited about (and sometimes keeping a few for myself!) has made this process so fun and fulfilling,” she says. With growing support, Felicia now runs a physical store at Jalan Sultan, open every Friday night from 6 to 10 pm.
Starting as an online store on Telegram, DESAIEL now currently has a physical store that opens every Friday from 6-10pm carrying racks of floral, Euro-summer inspired clothing.
Known for: Desaiel offers a carefully curated selection of 90s and early 00s fashion, capturing the essence of "Sex and the City" vibes, playful prints, and bold colours. Each piece is handpicked with love, ensuring that every item tells a unique story.
Price range: Items typically start from $25.
For her bidding channel, items start at just $1, and there’s no maximum limit — bids can go as high as buyers are willing to offer!
From flowy camisoles to vibrant tank tops, DESAIEL has a range of cute tops perfectly curated for those who are looking for something one of a kind.
One thing they’d love to share: “Desaiel is all about good vibes and unique finds! It’s a place where you can score vintage treasures that give you major Pinterest-style goals. Whether you’re a die-hard fashion lover or just someone looking to spice up their wardrobe, I hope you find something that makes you smile. I’m constantly hunting for the coolest pieces and putting them together, so there’s always something new and exciting waiting for you!”
Where to find them:
Namiko.co
Who's behind it: Nurul Nazira, a 24-year-old legal secretary, has always had an entrepreneurial spirit. She started selling her clothes on Carousell at 14, and by 21, she launched her Telegram channel to clear out her wardrobe. What began as a personal project soon grew into a curated fashion business as she found joy in connecting with customers and curating unique pieces.
Known for: Namiko.co is where unique, handmade clothing meets curated vintage finds. Inspired by childhood nostalgia and 90s coming-of-age films like Winx Club, Namiko offers a variety of pieces, including handmade creations designed in collaboration with her cousin/fashion designer Rema Creations.
If you're looking to spice up your wardrobe, Namiko.co has a wide curated selection of unique clothing, often inspired by her love for childhood nostalgia.
Price range: Prices start at $15, with special items priced higher due to rarity.
How her bidding system works: Her bidding system occurs if there are three or more people interested in an item but sometimes she does a first-come-first-serve basis on Instagram for those who prefer this.
Apart from clothing that she curates, reworked tops and handmade creations are also sold in collaboration with her cousin/fashion designer Rema Creations.
Where to find it:
- Telegram: @namiko.co
- Instagram and TikTok
If she's not selling them on her Telegram channel, you can find her at pop-ups at Anteiku or Two Worlds.
One thing they’d love to share: “A great thanks to everyone who has been supporting Namiko! So many more amazing projects are on their way and I'll be there to share them with you!”
JENNASTHRIFT
Who's behind it: Jenna See, 20, a university student, founded JENNASTHRIFT from her passion for thrifting and dressing up. What began as a way to clear out her wardrobe evolved into a curated thrift store on Telegram. After selling her preloved items, Jenna quickly ventured into sourcing from suppliers, growing her store into a go-to destination for unique, edgy finds.
Known for: Edgy, one-of-a-kind pieces like corsets, bags, camis, and more. Focusing on bold, statement-making styles such as grunge, gothic, Y2K, and reworked pieces that turn heads. Their corset collection stands out as each one is carefully chosen for its fit, aesthetic, and attitude.
Avoiding fast fashion and instead opting for vintage labels and lesser-known brands known for quality. While the store’s aesthetic is edgy and statement-driven, they offer a mix of styles—from feminine to minimal to Y2K—while staying true to the JENNASTHRIFT vibe.
Into Y2K? JENNASTHRIFT has everything you need from tops, jeans, bags, and more for those who wish to channel that iconic early 2000s vibe.
Price range: Between $15-$28
However, sometimes there would be a maximum price limit to the items where she would set a “BIN” (Buy It Now) price for customers.
Coach slings and Red Pepper jeans? JENNASTHRIFT is serving peak Y2K - from metallic hardware to maximalist denim, it's all about the era when more was really more.
Where to find it:
- Telegram: @jennasthriftt
- Instagram and TikTok
- TWO WORLDS Thrift and Consignment store (restocked weekly)
One thing they’d love to share: “At the end of the day, I just want to say a big thank you for all the love and support I’ve received so far — whether you’re subscribed to my channel, following me on Instagram, or have stopped by to shop at one of my pop-ups, it truly means the world to me. I hope more people continue to support vintage stores like mine , not only are they a more sustainable way to shop, but there’s also so much passion and effort that goes into curating each piece. Thank you for being a part of the JENNASTHRIFT journey, I wouldn’t be here without you.”
VALEODRE SAGE
Who's behind it: Anthea Vdgrey, 20, currently a student studying digital marketing, always had a love for thrifting and collecting pieces that felt like "hidden gems". "I kept coming across 2000s items that just hit — not the fast fashion Y2K trends, but the kind of stuff that still feels relevant today. So I started Valeodre Sage to share that love and build a space for others who are and into the same vibe.” says Anthea.
Known for: Valeodre Sage focuses on timeless 2000s style — think dreamy camis, slinky skirts, low-rise denim, and soft layering pieces. Everything is curated with a very specific mood in mind: feminine, wearable, and a little nostalgic.
Price range: $18 to $45
Lace-trimmed camis, delicate mesh, and vintage slips that feel like secrets—Valeodre Sage is your soft-core 2000s dream closet.
How often she drops new pieces: New pieces are dropped weekly or every two weeks.
Sequins, lace, baby tanks, and low-rise denim—Valeodre Sage is dialing up the early 2000s fantasy.
Where to find it:
- Telegram: @valeodresage
- Instagram and TikTok
One thing they’d love to share: “Valeodre Sage is really just me sharing what I love. It’s not really about chasing trends..it’s more of building a wardrobe that feels like you. So if you’re into that dreamy 2000s fashion, soft vibes, and pieces that make you feel something, I think you’ll definitely feel at home here with us.”
AU REVOIR
Who's behind it: AU REVOIR is a curated thrift and second-hand fashion store on Telegram, founded by 25-year-old Rachel Goh in November 2024. While she’s still refining the store’s niche, Rachel ensures every curated piece is something she personally loves, with each drop reflecting her unique style and personality.
AU REVOIR also means “goodbye until we meet again” in French - reflecting her hope for every customer she served to return, as Rachel believes that repeat customers mean happy customers.
Price range: $20-$30 (with rarer or branded pieces like Ed Hardy, or Morgan De Toi reaching up to $40).
If you're trying to move away from fast-fashion, and hoping to discover cute pieces to elevate your outfits, AU REVOIR has it all.
What inspired her to start it: “Before starting my store, I shopped mainly fast fashion. Then I fell in love with thrifting as I couldn’t find unique, well-fitting pieces through fast fashion. I wanted to build a wardrobe that truly represented me - timeless, expressive, sustainable, and most importantly, unique. AU REVOIR emerged from that passion and the desire to help others, myself included, discover pieces that speak to who they are.”
How often she drops new pieces: New pieces are dropped weekly on Friday at 8pm on her Telegram channel.
Curating clothes that reflect her personal style, AU REVOIR leans into a mix of edgy nostalgia and playful femininity - with pieces that look pulled out from a Y2K mood board.
Where to find it:
- Telegram: @auurrevoir
One thing they’d love to share: “Catch our spicy new drops every Friday at 8pm on Telegram @auurrevoir. Always happy to have you visit and support <3”
Syres Avenue
Who's behind it: Syres Avenue, started by Syafiq who’s turning 18 in November, is a full-time student at NAFA (Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts). His entrepreneurial spirit began early, selling slime in primary school and later homemade jewelry in secondary school. After graduating, he sought a way to earn money independently, which led to the launch of Syres Avenue. What started as a simple way to clear out his wardrobe quickly grew into a passion project, evolving from preloved pieces to a curated collection of fashion gems.
Known for: Curating vintage clothing from around the world, with clothes varying from different aesthetics and resonating with Syafiq’s own personal style. Syres Avenue enjoys bringing in unique pieces that are not readily found in Singapore from brands such as Liz Lisa, vintage Abercrombie, vintage Hollister, Juicy Couture, vintage Ralph Lauren, Dolce & Gabbana and more.
Apart from clothes, Syres Avenue also brings in accessories and bags ranging from bags to hats and more from brands such as Morgan de Toi, Guess, and Vivienne Westwood. The store’s offerings are also shaped by Syafiq’s subscribers, who suggest items they’d love to see, pushing him to step outside his comfort zone and offer something for everyone.
Syres Avenue nails the art of curated contrasts. Think lace-up hoodies, ribbon-tied tops, and denim bags that look straight out of a 2005 mall haul.
Price range: Prices start as low as $12, with occasional $2 bids.
How often new pieces are dropped: New pieces drop weekly, with sneak peeks to keep customers excited.
Schoolgirl skirts and velvet bows—Syres Avenue leans into the drama of dark romanticism with just the right touch of kitsch.
Where to find it:
One thing they’d love to share: “I would love to share how supportive the vintage and thrift community in Telegram channels are as everyone is so supportive of each other and willing to help each other grow. I also wanted to share that Syres Avenue is not just a Telegram channel that sells clothes but a community of people who love to connect with one another. Syres Avenue is also where you can not only find affordable curated clothing but it’s also where you can build your closet to your own personal style and embrace them so do come and join our community!!”
Y's Closet
Who's behind it: Y’s Closet was started by Yi Xuan, a student, who's turning 16 this year. With her support from her parents who saw the potential of her business from selling preloved clothes, they encouraged her to expand her business, despite her lack of experience within this industry.
Known for: Y’s Closet is a curated vintage store that offers Pinterest worthy, unique, and affordable pieces to elevate your wardrobe. The collection features a mix of different fashion aesthetics, allowing customers to explore new styles and trends while embracing second-hand apparel with a fresh twist.
Price range: $30-$42 (Items are kept under $62 for pricier and branded items to ensure affordability).
Lace, leopard-print handbags, and Bebe tees—Y’s Closet is curating the ultimate throwback wardrobe. It’s giving mid-2000s It girl meets modern-day Pinterest board, with pieces that feel both nostalgic and ready to wear now.
What inspired her to start it: Her journey began after discovering creators on TikTok and 小红书 who reworked old pieces into something new. This sparked her desire to move away from fast fashion and embrace vintage and second-hand apparel. In 2024, Yi Xuan started sourcing vintage clothes for herself in Malaysia, which made her gain a newfound appreciation for second-hand clothing. What began as a small venture quickly grew into a community of like-minded people who shared her passion for sustainable fashion.
How often she drops new pieces: New items are released monthly.
Each item is carefully handpicked and selected that suits the current trend or what she finds unique. Before releasing for buyers to purchase on platforms like Telegram, she advertises and promotes the products for it to reach a wide range of audience.
Abercrombie hoodies and vintage bags - Y's Closet is bringing peak 2000s mall culture back with a vengeance.
Where to find it:
- Telegram: @closetdumps
- Instagram and TikTok
- TWO WORLDS Xclusive at Golden Landmark
- Cerise Bagels #02-42
One thing they’d love to share: “Of course if you are looking for sustainable and affordable alternatives of clothing , we sell all sorts of Pinterest worthy clothes you can't find elsewhere in today’s market as fast fashion is now a more alternative method of producing clothes.”
3AM Rosewater
Who's behind it: Previously known as Janny’s Spammies, 3AM Rosewater is a curated vintage clothing store owned by Janelle Ong, 19, who’s currently an undergraduate awaiting the start of university. Along with her Telegram channel, Janelle has showcased her finds at pop-ups like Konbini and Resurrack, and has also run her own trinket business, JannyJamBerry, and a scrapbooking account, yunberry.
Known for: 3AM Rosewater is a curated vintage clothing store that drops handpicked pieces ranging from nostalgic daywear to cult-favourite brands like Victoria’s Secret and Abercrombie & Fitch. With a focus on niche aesthetics such as styles that have faded from the mainstream but still hold deep appeal, like Himekaji and Dark Coquette.
“I often source pieces from rare Japanese fashion brands like Liz Lisa, L’est Rose, and Cecil McBee that can no longer be found in stores today. These items carry a charm and character that’s hard to replicate, and I love giving them a second life through carefully curated drops. My store is ultimately guided by personal taste, but I always aim to bring in fashion that feels nostalgic, romantic, and a little bit dreamy—something that speaks to people who are drawn to more delicate, expressive styles.”
If you're into the coquette aesthetic and ballet-core, 3AM Rosewater is made for you with all the perfect lace camisoles to elevate your outfit.
What inspired her to start it: “It actually started pretty simply—as a way for me to clear out clothes I no longer wore. I’ve always loved buying new clothes and experimenting with different looks, but I’m a terrible outfit repeater, so I had a lot of barely-worn pieces just sitting around. At first, Janny’s Spammies was just a way to pass those on to others who might love them more.
But over time, it evolved into something more meaningful. I discovered how much joy I felt in curating and sharing unique pieces—not just from my own wardrobe, but ones I sourced specifically with the community in mind. Connecting with others who also love fashion and niche aesthetics made the experience incredibly fulfilling, and that’s what truly motivated me to keep going and build Janny’s Spammies into what it is today.”
3AM Rosewater delivers a soft coquette fantasy with lace trims, bows, and frilly skirts.
Where to find it:
- Telegram: @threeamrosewater
- Instagram and TikTok
One thing they’d love to share: “Janny’s Spammies started out as an idea I pursued on a whim, and honestly, I never expected it to grow the way it has. It means a lot to me to be able to share pieces that I genuinely love and see them go to people who feel the same. It’s not just about the clothes—it’s about the feeling they give you, and the little joy of finding something that just clicks. I’m really thankful for everyone who’s supported the store so far, and I’m excited to keep doing what I love with the community.”
Beanie's Closet
Who's behind it: What sets Beanie’s Closet apart in the crowded world of Telegram vintage channels is its personal branding and authentic connection with the community. Founded by Ashley, a 21-year-old undergraduate, the brand extends to Beanie Bites, where she bakes and sells homemade treats. Beanie and her mum, “Beanie Mummy,” model most of the pieces themselves, making the shopping experience feel both personal and familiar. These intimate touches and the memorable brand identity turn Beanie’s Closet into more than just a channel; it’s a space that feels like a little world for its community to be a part of.
Beanie's Closet offers a wide selection of vintage second-hand clothes across aesthetics such as Y2K, downtown core, fairy core, J-fashion, coquette, and more.
Known for: Beanie’s Closet is a curated fashion channel offering an eclectic range of styles—from coquette and downtown chic to grunge, Y2K, and more. The channel also dips into vintage watches and is expanding into luxury bags, jewellery, and belts.
Coquette style is a fan favourite, so Beanie prioritizes pieces that fit the dreamy, feminine vibe, but she’s always evolving. Recently, she’s added fairycore influences, soft florals, and bold animal prints to cater to a broader range of tastes and personalities.
Price range: $12-$24
Additionally, Beanie runs Beanie’s Bids, a sub-channel featuring items starting at just $1, with bidding often starting below $10.
Beanie's Closet is bottling the soft-girl aesthetic with a vintage twist, with pastel slips and delicate lace.
What inspired her to start it: “I’ve always loved fashion and dreamt of starting a small business of my own. When I entered university, I was inspired by many like-minded peers who were already running their own ventures—that gave me the push I needed to launch Beanie’s Closet. What started as a personal project evolved into a space where I could share carefully curated vintage and one-of-a-kind pieces with a supportive, style-loving audience.”
How often she drops new pieces: New pieces are released weekly, ensuring there’s always fresh inventory.
Accessories such as watches and bags are also available for sale in her Telegram channel.
Where to find it:
- Telegram: @beaniecloset
- Instagram and TikTok
One thing they’d love to share: “To all my existing Beanies, thank you so much for your constant support and encouragement over the past year. This journey has had its ups and downs, but it’s truly the community that keeps me going. Every comment, every DM, and every little interaction means the world to me—it’s what makes Beanie’s Closet feel like more than just a channel.
Thank you for letting me share my “pashion for fassion” and for growing alongside me. I strive to stay in tune with trends and evolving tastes, so I can bring you the highest quality of curated vintage. Here’s to more pretty pieces and fun moments together. ♡”