Holiday shop

Clothes for hot weather, packed and ready. The Holiday shop brings together sundresses, strappy tops, floaty co-ords and easy cover-ups, all preloved and all one of a kind. Every piece is checked by hand, graded on our five-step scale and photographed as it actually looks. Sizes typically run from UK 4 to 30, so there is usually something for most suitcases and most trips.

92 products

Buying preloved holiday clothes

What turns up on the rail

The mix leans towards high street labels people genuinely wear abroad. Shein and Shein Curve appear regularly, along with Primark, Marks & Spencer, H&M, New Look, River Island and George. Patterns are what you would hope for in July: floral first, then abstract prints, paisley, stripes and animal print. Styles usually run sleeveless, strappy, boho or plain casual, with elasticated waists showing up often, which helps if you want a bit of give after a long lunch.

Condition is mostly Very good, with the odd New with tags or Like new piece slipping through. If you are shopping specifically for frocks, our summer dresses section overlaps heavily with this one, and florals is worth a look if print is your priority. For everything else in one place, browse women's clothing.

What to check before you buy

Holiday clothes get worn hard in short bursts: sun cream, sea salt, sand, chlorine. That leaves a few specific things worth looking at in the photos and the description.

  • Straps and ties. Thin spaghetti straps and halter ties take the most strain. Check for stretched or twisted straps and adjusters that still hold.
  • Elastic. Shirred bodices and elasticated waists lose recovery over time. Our grading notes cover slackness where we find it, and you can ask for the measured relaxed and stretched width.
  • Colour and print. Bright prints can fade unevenly on the shoulders and back where the sun hits hardest. Compare panels in the photos.
  • Lining and opacity. Light cottons and viscose can be sheer. Ask if you want to know whether a piece is lined.
  • Fastenings. Zips, hook and eye closures and shell or wooden buttons on boho styles are worth a second look.

Measurements on any item are available on request before you buy, which matters more here than usual because holiday sizing across brands varies so much.

Why buy holiday clothes preloved

Holiday clothing is some of the least worn in most homes. A dress bought for a fortnight in Greece may have been out five times, then sat in a drawer for three winters. That means preloved holiday pieces often arrive in genuinely good shape, and you can build a whole capsule for a trip without buying anything new.

It also lets you take risks. A leopard print co-ord or a paisley maxi you would not normally chance becomes an easy yes when it is secondhand. Everything is one of one, so what you pack will not be on three other sunbeds. Orders go out within two working days with tracked UK delivery, standard delivery is free over £50, and you have 14 days to return anything for any reason.

Common questions

How quickly will it arrive if my holiday is soon?

We dispatch within 2 working days and send everything tracked within the UK. If your departure date is tight, message us before ordering and we will tell you honestly whether it is likely to land in time. We cannot guarantee courier timings, so leave yourself a buffer where you can.

Can I ask for measurements before buying?

Yes, on any item. Just ask and we will measure the piece flat: bust, waist, hip and length, plus stretched width on anything elasticated. We do this before you buy, not after, because a return from a suitcase deadline helps nobody.

Are shirred and elasticated pieces reliable secondhand?

Honestly, they are the ones to be most careful with. Shirring loses its snap with wear and washing, and a bodice that once gripped may sit loose on you even if it looks fine flat in the photos. We note visible slackness in the grading, but if a snug fit is essential, ask for both relaxed and stretched measurements before committing.

How should I wash holiday clothes when I get home?

Rinse salt water and chlorine out as soon as you can, because both continue to work on fibres while damp. Cool wash and dry in the shade rather than direct sun, which is what fades bright prints fastest. Viscose in particular can shrink in a warm machine wash, so treat it gently.

What sizes do you carry in the Holiday shop?

Sizes typically span UK 4 to 30, including plus size labels such as Shein Curve. Stock is one of one, so any given size comes and goes rather than sitting there permanently. Filtering by your size and checking back is the best approach.

Nothing here suits my trip. What now?

We add new pieces most days, so the rail looks different week to week. Send us a note through the contact form with your size, the sort of thing you are after and roughly when you fly, and we will keep an eye out as things come in.