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This week is Fashion Revolution Week and also Earth Day. This week is a reminder that changing our fashion consumption habits is in our hands. In a reality where collections and trends change so fast, I wonder how one can be a responsible consumer?
One of the important steps I have made in recent years is buying secondhand fashion. In the past, I didn’t consider buying pre-loved fashion because it felt weird wearing clothes that had belonged to someone else. I did borrow clothes from family or friends from time to time. Even though, I still didn’t think I should pay for used clothes.
You might be asking yourself what made me change my mind? It started when I became aware of the environmental and social costs of the fast-fashion industry. I started to learn about sustainability and the alternatives for fast fashion. I realized that secondhand fashion is a world of its own, with a wide range and variety of items. Some have even never been worn. I also realized that what is trendy now was also trendy in the past. Therefore, you can find the same trendy items from the high street in thrift stores.
What is the difference between vintage and secondhand?
Vintage items are items made 30-100 years ago. That is, everything created before 1991 is considered a vintage item. Vintage items can reflect different periods in fashion. Sizing can also differ from what is accepted today. A secondhand item is any item that is not new and was owned by someone else, regardless of whether it was worn before. While a vintage item needs to belong to a specific time period, a secondhand item can belong to any time point, even a week or a month ago, as long as someone else purchased it and decided to pass it on. Some thrift stores specialize in selling only vintage items. Others will sell both secondhand and vintage. In this post, you’ll also find recommendations for online shops specializing in vintage items.
What to look for when you buy secondhand fashion?
Want to start buying secondhand fashion? Congratulations! If you wonder where to start, my first recommendation is to search for classic pieces that you want to add to your wardrobe. You can usually find a large variety of these items in secondhand stores. Also, it’s hard to go wrong with them because it’s easier to know what you’ll get. For example, I started my thrifting journey looking for a leather biker jacket. This is a timeless piece that can be kept in good condition over time. However, it is also a relatively expensive piece. That’s why finding it secondhand would fit my budget better.
However, as I mentioned before, you can also look for trendy items secondhand. Last winter, for example, I decided to add the knit vest trend to my wardrobe. I knew this trend was popular in the past. That’s why I looked for it secondhand instead of buying it from a high street brand. I found a beautiful vintage knit vest in beige made of 100% wool on eBay. Its price and shape were similar to a knit vest made of synthetic materials I saw in Zara. The advantage of wool is that it keeps you more warm and cozy. It is also biodegradable. Wool takes about nine months to degrade, while polyester takes tens to hundreds of years to degrade.
Whether you go to a thrift store or search online, focus on specific items. Take into account that the selection can be vast and confusing. If you don’t know where to start, look for online inspiration first. Use apps like Pinterest, Instagram, or even a high street brand lookbook. Then look for these items secondhand.
Recommended vintage & secondhand online shops
eBay
Most of you probably familiar with eBay and have also shopped there before. What might be less known is that private and professional sellers sell secondhand and vintage items on eBay. I have ordered vintage items from eBay several times, including a vintage designer bag. So far, I am very pleased with my purchases. For some of the items, you can also negotiate the price with the seller. The main disadvantage of buying from eBay is that it’s the buyer’s responsibility to verify the item’s condition and its authenticity. Therefore, it is important to choose a seller you trust and find out everything you need to know before purchasing. I will elaborate more on this later. Watch here for more tips on buying secondhand items on eBay.
Etsy
Similar to eBay, Etsy is a site (and an app) that brings together various sellers. Unlike eBay, on Etsy, you can only find vintage items. The sellers are also only professional sellers and not private ones. When looking for vintage items on Etsy, look for specifications like sizing and condition. I also recommend reading reviews on the seller and checking out other items the seller offers. This will give you a better idea of the seller. If you want to know more on how to use Etsy, watch here.
Asos Marketplace
Asos Marketplace combines various boutiques from around the world that sell vintage and secondhand items. It is worth noting that not all items in the Marketplace are secondhand. Therefore, you should filter them in your search. Most sellers offer worldwide shipments at a fair price. Here as well, it’s recommended to read reviews of the seller before buying. One of the recommended boutiques I ordered from on Asos Marketplace is Avelina’s Vintage, which sells, among other things, vintage Levi’s denim.
Vestiaire Collective
Vestiaire Collective is a European site. You can find private and professional sellers, selling secondhand and vintage fashion, there. They also offer a variety of brands and prices. Their main advantage is that they check the item’s condition and authenticity before sending it to the buyer. Although I have heard about Vestiaire’s various recommendations, I had an unsuccessful experience with them. I tried to order from them several times in the past. Unfortunately, I was told each time that the item was no longer available. It also happened after they have already charged me for the item. Although they later reimbursed me, I don’t understand why they sell items that are no longer available. I contacted their customer service about it. Unfortunately, they didn’t provide me with a clear response.
Additional online shops that sell vintage & secondhand items:
Bob Studio – Sells only vintage items.
What to check before buying second hand items online?
Who is the seller?
On sites like eBay and Etsy which have different sellers, it is important to check if it is an individual or a professional seller. What are the other items they sell? How many items have they sold to date? Most importantly, read reviews on the seller, providing you with information about the shopping experience. One of the main things I have learned in shopping secondhand online is that buying from a seller you trust can make your shopping experience pleasant and help you feel confident with your decision.
What is the item’s condition?
Professional sellers and sites like Vestiaire Collective will usually provide you with information about the item’s condition. It is best to look for photos of the item from different angles. If you haven’t found enough info, though, contact the seller and ask about the item’s condition and its defects (if any). Feel free to ask for more photos of the item as well. The more details you’ll have, the more chances you’re making a reliable purchase.
Authenticity
Checking an item’s authenticity is significant, especially if you want to buy a designer piece. The recent vintage designer item I purchased is a Fendi Baguette bag. Before I made the purchase, I did a comprehensive Google search for all the authenticity marks of Fendi bags. I used the photos the seller provided to search for them in the bag I bought. Authenticity marks can include a particular shape of the logo, a serial number, a specific shape of the buckles, and more. Many online secondhand shops like The Real Real offer guides for identifying the authenticity of designer items. You can also find sites and forums offering reviews of designer items and their authenticity marks such as Purbeslog.
You can also continue the cycle
Did you declutter your closet and find items you no longer use? Try reselling them or swapping them with friends or family. This way, your items can find a new home! You can try reselling your items on apps like Depop or at a local thrift store.
Finally, even when you buy secondhand, it is advisable not to be tempted by items that don’t reflect your personal style or that appeal to you just because they are a designer piece at a more affordable price. The most sustainable purchase is of items you’ll enjoy wearing for the long run.
I hope this guide will inspire you to take the first steps in the world of secondhand fashion. From my experience, it is a world of one-of-a-kind pieces and also high-quality, timeless pieces that can add a special touch to your creative wardrobe. It is also the best way to make a more sustainable purchase to better care for our planet. Have a Happy Earth Day!
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