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A thick wool coat for the price of a big-box store sweater, a vintage silk shirt, a perfectly worn-in pair of jeans: secondhand shopping is full of great finds. Once associated with attics and garage sales, it’s become a go-to for many people looking for better-quality pieces that cost less and last longer.
Secondhand shopping takes a little strategy. Without it, you can end up with pieces that don’t fit well, are damaged, or don’t go with anything. Here’s how to search, inspect, and choose, both in stores and online.
Where to shop secondhand
Flip cards
The main places to shop
Thrift storesFlip
Curated selection, varying prices. Great for vintage finds and quality fabrics.
Consignment shopsFlip
Designer and name-brand pieces, often in great condition, at higher prices.
Charity shopsFlip
Very low prices, a varied selection, and purchases that support a nonprofit.
Garage sales and flea marketsFlip
Lots to choose from and prices you can negotiate, but you’ll need time to sort through everything.
Online marketplacesFlip
A huge selection and precise searches by size or brand; pay attention to photos and measurements.
How to check a piece in thirty seconds
A secondhand piece has been worn before. That’s normal, but some flaws can be fixed and others can’t. Get into the habit of giving each piece a quick inspection in the same order every time.
Check off
Thrift store inspection
0 / 6
Piece approved! Now just make sure it goes with at least three things in your wardrobe.
Fixable : a missing button, a loose hem, a small open seam, a light stain. Deal-breakers : a hole or worn-through fabric, old yellow stains on white fabric, a broken coat zipper if you don’t plan to replace it, a persistent odor.
Read alsoHow to wash a wool or cashmere sweater without felting itFabrics to look for first
Secondhand shopping is especially worthwhile for fine fabrics: wool, cashmere, silk, linen, heavyweight cotton, leather. A well-cut vintage wool coat is often a better buy than a new synthetic coat at the same price. Cheap synthetics, on the other hand, often age poorly (pilling, shine).
To ask the seller for comparable measurements, follow our guide to measuring a garment laid flat, then use a piece that already fits you as a reference.
How to shop online with confidence
Quiz
Smart online shopping
To check the size of a secondhand garment online, the most reliable option is…
See the answer
Flat measurements compared with a garment that fits you. Sizes vary by brand and era. Flat measurements are much more reliable.
A blurry or distant photo is…
See the answer
A reason to ask for close-up photos. It’s common and reasonable to ask for photos of the labels, seams, and any flaws.
Before you buy, it’s best to…
See the answer
Check that the piece works with at least three items in your wardrobe. A piece that goes with nothing will stay in your closet, even at a low price.
Secondhand pieces worth buying
Some categories are especially good secondhand. Wool coats and jackets : expensive new, they hold up very well. Jeans : denim that’s already broken in is often more comfortable, and vintage cuts are in demand. Leather bags and belts : durable and easy to care for. Cashmere or merino wool sweaters, as long as you check for holes. Kids’ clothes, which are worn for a short time and often in very good condition.
On the other hand, be more careful with swimsuits, underwear, heavily worn shoes that have molded to someone else’s feet, and technical sportswear that has lost its stretch.
The bargain trap
The main risk with secondhand shopping is buying too much because the prices are low. A €5 piece you never wear is still a wasted purchase. Start with a short list of needs (“a camel coat,” “high-rise straight-leg jeans”) and leave a little room for an impulse buy. The cost-per-wear calculation cost per wear also applies to secondhand finds.
Secondhand shopping fits especially well with a minimalist wardrobe : fewer pieces, but better quality, chosen with care.
How to care for your finds
Clean your finds according to their care labels before wearing them. Do not automatically hand-wash wool: some pieces require professional care. Our wool sweater care guide helps you check the instructions. Steaming is not a guarantee of disinfection and must also suit the garment. A small alteration may then improve the fit.
And sell what you no longer wear
Secondhand shopping works both ways. Clothes in good condition sitting in your closet can find a new life and help fund your next finds. Photograph them in daylight against a neutral background, with flat measurements: those are exactly the details you like to see as a buyer. A four-pile wardrobe sort helps you quickly spot pieces to resell.
Watch a practical example
A visual example from Laura VonV to compare with the steps in this guide.
Video in English
Frequently asked questions
Is it hygienic to buy secondhand clothes?
Inspect the item and clean it according to its care instructions before wearing it. A garment that cannot be washed at home needs another suitable method; buying secondhand does not override its care label.
How can you recognize a quality vintage piece?
Even stitching, wide hems, a sewn-in lining, natural fabrics, and detailed labels are good signs.
Can you negotiate at a thrift store?
Rarely in stores, often at flea markets, and sometimes online. Be polite and reasonable.
