Trends in fashion come and go, but one that seems to be here to stay is the rise of secondhand fashion.
As more and more of us look to move away from fast fashion and the disposable clothing culture of the past, we’re turning towards secondhand clothing. Often referred to as vintage styles or pre-loved clothes, secondhand garments have come into their own in recent years.
It’s evident that the trend is here to stay as even major fashion retailers like H&M start selling secondhand garments in their stores.
By choosing secondhand clothing, you’re contributing to a more sustainable fashion industry. The clothing industry is one of the largest polluters globally, so your choices matter, and you could be doing a good thing for the planet and your wallet by shopping for used clothes.
Still, as secondhand clothing becomes more fashionable and popular, it also becomes more expensive. It can be tough to find great deals now that everyone seems to be jumping on the secondhand clothes bandwagon.
Also, it can be difficult to find great designs that fit your style when everyone else is looking and buying so much secondhand fashion.
Savvy shoppers can still grab a bargain by following these tips and working to explore a range of secondhand clothing marketplaces.
Make A Plan
It might sound boring, but having a plan before you head out shopping will help you to stay focused and avoid impulse purchases. To start with, determine what you need or want in your wardrobe before you start shopping. Then, you can research thrift stores, consignment shops, online marketplaces, and vintage stores in your area or online. Each option may offer a different shopping experience, and you might find sales or discounts that you didn’t know about, which could save you even more cash.
Find Unique Places To Shop
Shopping at designated vintage stores can be expensive: after all, they know what they have and what it’s worth, so they will put a higher mark-up on their items. By looking in less obvious places, like charity shops, market stalls and even antiques stores, you could find some truly unique pieces at a great price. You might need to be prepared to invest a few hours searching, but it could be worth it when you find something truly unique that suits your style.
Check Out Wholesale Providers
One place you should definitely explore when searching for secondhand clothes is vintage wholesalers. Companies like the aptly-named Vintage Wholesale offer you a bundle of classic clothes from a range of designer brands, so you can find a selection of stunning items at a fraction of the usual cost. These bundles are usually used by resellers or clothing businesses, but anyone can buy them, so you could save a lot of money and potentially find some real gems if you buy your vintage gear wholesale.
Don’t Be Afraid To Haggle
Negotiating a better deal might seem awkward, but it can be a great way to save money on the clothes you like. The first step when you find an item you like is to carefully inspect it for stains, tears, missing buttons, and other defects. If you’re shopping online this might be difficult, but for items in stores you can see if there are problems, and then ask if you can get a reduction in the price to compensate. Haggling is an effective way to get the best price on anything, and it’s particularly effective when negotiating the cost of secondhand clothes, so it’s worth a try, even if you’re not especially confident. Practice makes perfect, and eventually, you should have some tried-and-tested lines under your belt to help you get a great deal.
Learn To Be Savvy When Shopping Online
Shopping for secondhand clothing in a physical store means you can get your hands on the garment before you pay for it. When shopping online, you’ve not got that option, so it’s important that you read product descriptions and reviews carefully. Pay attention to sizing charts and measurements provided by the seller, as you won’t be able to try the item on before you purchase it. Look for high-quality images that show the item from multiple angles, to see if you can get a sense of the scale of the item and how it would look on. If you do find that the item doesn’t fit, or you just don’t like it, then you need to check the return policy of the store or seller. Some online secondhand stores have limited or no return options, so be careful if you’re spending a lot of cash on your piece.
Ultimately, indulging in secondhand shopping offers an exhilarating and sustainable avenue for rejuvenating your wardrobe. Achieving your desired style hinges on adopting the correct approach. Embrace the process with patience and an open mindset, and you may uncover splendid fashion gems while lessening your environmental impact.