How to Buy Secondhand Clothing That Lasts

Not everything in a thrift store is a bargain, and some of it will not last through a second wash.

Secondhand clothing can save you a great deal of money, and it can also be a trap. A cheap price on a worn-out shirt is not a saving. A good price on a well-made coat that lasts five more years is. The difference comes down to knowing what to look for, and where to look.

This guide shows you how to buy secondhand clothing that lasts. You will learn how to read labels, check fabric, seams, and hardware, decide what to buy used and what to buy new, care for your finds, and think in terms of cost per wear. A few minutes of careful checking at the store can save you from many disappointments at home.

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Know what you need before you walk in

A list protects you from buying things that do not fit your life. Look at what you wear most, and what is missing. Write specific items, with sizes and colors, such as dark jeans in your size, or a warm winter coat. If you like the idea of living well with less, my money saving ideas for living well on a budget may inspire you.

Set a budget for the trip, and a maximum price for each item. Knowing what a new version costs helps you decide whether a used price is a real saving.

Stick to your list, and give any off-list find a day to think about.

Write a list of three to five clothing items you need, with sizes, colors, and a maximum price for each.

Read the label first

The care label and the fiber content tell you a lot before you look at anything else. Natural fibers, such as cotton, wool, linen, and silk, often wear well and can be repaired. Many blends are fine too. Look for fabrics that match the use. Wool and leather can last for many years if cared for.

Check the care instructions. If an item needs dry cleaning, ask yourself whether you will really pay for it. Pass on items with labels that are cut out or unreadable, unless you can tell what the fabric is.

Look for brands you know to be well made, and let your own experience guide you.

On your next trip, read the fiber content and care label on every item before you try it on.

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Check the fabric for wear and quality

Hold the fabric up to the light. Thin or see-through spots show wear. Rub the fabric between your fingers. A tight, smooth weave usually lasts longer than a loose, thin one. Look for heavy pilling, which is the little balls of fiber, and for stretched-out areas at the elbows, knees, and seat.

Smell the item. Strong odors, such as smoke or mildew, can be hard to remove. Check the underarms and collar for stains and discoloration that will not wash out.

Stretch the fabric gently, and see whether it springs back. Fabric that stays stretched is tired.

Practice the light test and the rub test on three items, and note which are in better shape.

“A secondhand price is only a bargain when the piece lasts long enough to earn it.”

Inspect the seams, hems, and stitching

Good construction is a clue to lasting quality. Turn the item inside out, and look at the seams. They should be straight, even, and tight, with no loose threads or gaps. Check the hems, and the stitching around pockets and buttonholes. Pull gently on seams to test them. For other ways to avoid wasting money, my list of financial life hacks for wasting less money may help.

Look at the lining of coats and jackets. A lining that is torn or coming loose can be hard to fix. Check the shoulder seams and underarms for strain.

Small repairs, such as a loose button, are easy. Large seam failures often are not.

Turn at least three items inside out and check their seams before you buy.

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Test zippers, buttons, snaps, and other hardware

Hardware often fails before the fabric does. Run zippers all the way up and down, and see whether they catch or separate. Check that buttons are secure and that buttonholes are not stretched. Test snaps, hooks, and belt buckles.

A broken zipper can be replaced, but the cost may be more than the item is worth. Decide before you buy whether you are willing to fix it.

Check pockets for holes, and the elastic in waistbands for stretching.

Test every zipper, button, and snap on an item before you take it to the register.

Know what to buy secondhand, and what to buy new

Some items are excellent secondhand buys. Coats, jackets, jeans, wool sweaters, leather bags and belts, and formal wear often last for years and cost much less used. Items that are worn only now and then, such as occasion wear, are especially good. Items that are better bought new include underwear, socks, swimwear, and shoes that mold to a foot, depending on your comfort. For more ways to think about everyday value, these frugal living tips that help you save money every week are worth a look.

Used shoes can be hit or miss. If you buy them, check the soles and the insides, and be sure they fit well. Poor fit leads to pain and wasted money.

Choose according to your own comfort and budget.

Make two lists, one of items you are happy to buy secondhand, and one you prefer to buy new.

Make sure it fits, and try it on

Fit is what makes clothing useful. Try items on when you can, and move around in them. Sit, reach, and walk. A garment that does not fit well will sit in your closet, whatever the price.

If you cannot try things on, bring your measurements, and compare them with the item. Know your size in different brands, since sizing varies and changes over time.

Minor tailoring, such as hemming pants or taking in a waist, is often inexpensive and can turn a good find into a great one.

Write down your key measurements, and keep them in your phone for secondhand shopping.

Clean and care for your finds properly

Wash or clean everything before you wear it. Follow the care label, and use the right temperature. For items that cannot be washed, ask about dry cleaning or airing. Many stores do not clean items before sale.

Treat stains right away, and mend small problems. A few stitches on a loose hem can add years to an item. Store clothes properly, folded or hung, and away from damp.

Good care is what turns a bargain into a long-lasting part of your wardrobe.

Wash or air your new finds as soon as you get home, and mend any small problems before you wear them.

Think in cost per wear, and build slowly

Cost per wear is the price divided by the number of times you wear something. A $30 coat worn 100 times costs 30 cents a wear. A $5 shirt worn twice costs $2.50 a wear. Lasting quality and frequent use are what make secondhand clothing a good value. For a calm way to approach spending in general, take a look at these frugal living tips for creating a more peaceful money life.

Build your wardrobe slowly, with pieces that work together. Pass on items that you do not wear, and sell or donate them so they can be used again.

A small wardrobe of pieces that last will serve you better than a large one of cheap items.

Estimate the cost per wear for your last three secondhand purchases, and note which ones were the best value.

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Fill Your Space With Pieces Worth Keeping

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