Looking to cut costs and stay stylish? Here are some tips to make sure you’re really getting a good deal when it comes to buying clothes secondhand.
Check the fabric content: Steer clear of fabrics with a high synthetic fiber content, like sweaters made of acrylic. These materials pill easily and look worn faster than natural fibers. If you do buy synthetic fibers, don’t expect them to last as long and make sure they’re in like-new condition before you buy. Inexpensive clothes aren’t such a good deal if they look shabby after only a few wears.
Don’t be discouraged by stains: Some people discard their used clothes simply because they can’t get a stain out. If the price is right and you think you’ve got a fair shot at getting the stain out, go for it. (In fact, there are lots of stain solving ideas right here on Factoidz.) It is a gamble, so if the likelihood of getting the stain out isn’t high enough, move on.
If the shoe fits wear it. If the shoe doesn’t fit, walk away: When you’re shopping for second hand clothes, chances are you’ll find something you absolutely LOVE in a size that’s not quite perfect. But no matter how perfect the item is, you won’t feel comfortable in jeans that are too tight or a sweater you’re swimming in. So unless you plan to have the garment tailored, move on. Keep in mind, though, that if you stumble upon an expensive dress at a screamin’ deal, you’ll still come out ahead even with the added expense of alteration.
Shop with a friend who knows your style: When you’re shuffling through rack after rack of clothing it can be easy to flip right past something that’s perfect for you. That’s why it pays to tackle the challenge with a buddy. While the two of you are combing the racks, keep an eye out for things the other person might like. Two sets of eyes are better than one.
Buy designer jeans on ebay, but BE SPECIFIC: I can’t help but notice how the price for the latest cuts and brands of designer jeans has gone through the roof. A pair of Joe’s jeans cost me just $85 when I got my first pair about three years ago. Now a pair of Joe’s STARTS around $175. This makes looking for a deal on ebay very attractive. But remember, when you start looking for your new jeans on ebay - be as specific as possible: Make sure you know the brand, size, and specific cut you’re looking for. That way you won’t be unpleasantly surprised when your jeans show up.
Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize: Accessories come and go with trends. They can update any outfit, but you’re probably not going to hold onto them forever, so why pay full price for them at the mall? I’ve never been able to feel good about buying a new shirt for $30, then paying $20 for an accompanying necklace. Odds are, you can probably find a very similar, if not better, necklace at a better secondhand or consignment shop.
Don’t discount smaller thrift shops: It can be tempting and time-saving to go straight to consignment shops and secondhand shops that only sell name-brand merchandise, but smaller thrift stores (often supporting churches and social causes) usually have better prices. Be aware, though, that you’ll have to spend more time rifling through the racks, but the payoff can be very rewarding: Last week I went into a tiny thrift shop and came out with a brand new, 100% merino wool Banana Republic sweater for just $5.
Don’t get discouraged: Sometimes you’ll have to paw through all the racks to find that one treasure of an item. If you don’t have the time to put into it, consider coming back when you have more time.
