Second hand clothing or new?

[Ringo11]

I'm realising more and more just how much I love second hand clothing. Don't get me wrong, I don't think I'd wear second hand underwear lol but for everything else, I think I'm converting to second hand only. I love boot sales, charity shops, ebay, Facebook marketplace, Freebay. If myself, DH or children need something, those are our top places now. On a practical level, it's so much more affordable and I resent paying stupid amounts for clothing. Plus there's the environmental benefits. Surely it's the way forward.

However, I do think some people have a stigma about second hand clothing and I'm curious to know why.

Opinions please? Second hand or new?

I must admit I wouldn’t usually buy second hand clothing but I’ve discovered vinted recently and I can’t believe how good it is! I’ve got so many bargains they look as good as new, for a fraction of the price new, it’s certainly changed my mind about buying second hand.

Second hand always. Blooming love it! I can buy really nice clothes that I wouldn't otherwise be able to afford for myself and the kids and usually sell them on afterwards too so make at least 50% of my spends back again.
I've just bought the DC really nice Next / M&S winter coats for under £12 inc postage for both kids. I also bought myself a lovely, barely worn Brora dress for £6 inc postage (would've cost £100+ new).
The only things I don't buy second hand are underwear, swimwear and everyday shoes (but do buy occasion shoes that tend only to be worn once or twice).

I buy everything second hand and couldn't bear to pay full price now. Plus I just can't justify buying new given how horrendous the fashion industry is for the planet. Even the so-called responsible cotton is nothing but, if it comes from major retailers. Emissions from fashion are set by 2030 to be third biggest after fossil fuels and transport

Most of my clothes come from eBay or Vinted. I won't buy worn shoes or underwear but everything else is fine 2nd hand IMO. It costs less so I can switch things a bit more often, and if items I don't wear anymore are good enough I sell them on again.

Love 2nd hand.
Obviously I am glad that some other people like to keep on buying, and then giving out perfectly wearable clothes, in order for me to find such bargains though. Couldn't do it without you.

I buy almost nothing brand new anymore, it's amazing how quickly I've changed my habits. I can't afford to buy good quality brand new and I'd rather spend £10 on something secondhand but well made than on a brand new piece of tat.

Anything I need to buy for myself, kids or house I will try to find secondhand first on Vinted or FB Marketplace. This week's bargains include a sheepskin liner for my baby's pram and a Roka backpack, and I'm currently looking for a paddling pool!

I buy a mix but do find secondhand shopping difficult. I've never really bought secondhand online as I don't think of it as returnable and what if it doesn't fit? I tend to buy stuff and wear it for years on end so don't feel buying new is too bad. A lot of my a clothes are too tatty to give away once I'm done with them!

I go and look around shops, then come home and try and find a similar item in vinted rather than buy new. I tend to buy most of my tops new and bottoms and dresses 2nd hand.

If I buy something second hand online and it doesn’t fit I just relist it and resell it for whatever I paid 😊

I’ve always loved a charity shop rummage but it’s so much easier to buy from Vinted/eBay now.

I get as much as I can second hand, apart from underwear I’d happily buy everything used.

Growing up, we had very little money but my mum refused to even think about 2nd hand clothes. Even as a teenager she was a bit off about the clothes I got from vintage shops. I think for her it was a pride thing.
I am the complete opposite! I will always look to buy second hand first (for me, DH and DD) apart from shoes and undies.

Definitely second hand for kids because I know what I like for them and I don't mind if the condition isn't perfect. Sizing isn't a big deal because I buy a bit ahead so they can grow into it anyway.

I struggle second hand for myself because I tend to keep my clothes until they are completely worn out, and I don't have a great sense of brands or what looks good, so it's hard to know where to start. I also like to try things on. I should try this more though as I do feel you get better quality, I am pretty sick of Primark quality and I struggle to pay other high street brand prices. You can't buy good clothes in supermarkets where I live, I do miss that about the UK.

That's really interesting. It could be about pride with some people. I think my in laws would be similar.

I definitely have my favourite charity shops where I hunt for clothing. I recently bought a dress which I wore to work and one of my pupils commented how much she liked it. I proudly told her it cost £1 from a charity shop and she was well impressed! Lol

The only thing I have found, is that some charity shops have gone way over the top on their pricing of clothing and whilst I love supporting charity shops, I'm also looking for a bargain. Like charging £4 for a child's top. Has anyone found this?

My local Freebay is also a favourite, especially for children's clothes. I'm always gifting or collecting something. Today, I picked up a bag of boy's pyjamas for my son which were ideal.

Myself and DH are also great ones for wearing stuff for years and years until it falls apart. Lol

Went to wedding recently in a Vinted dress. Got tonnnnnnnes of compliments! A brand that's usually £100 for about £20. And ill sell it on.
its the first time ive done this for an occasion- but I'll definitely do it again. Dresses just sitting there in my wardrobe forever. What a waste it would be.
everyone should be buying second hand outfits in this instagram-wear-it-once age.

I have nothing against second hand clothing but I'm very tall and curvy so it's very difficult to find second hand clothes that fit me. I don't have a lot of free time so yes, I do tend to just buy new because at least I know where to go for the sizes. I heartily support second hand buying, however, and have bought second hand bags, furniture and things.

I'm a charity shop convert. I was ironing today and realised how much of my stuff is second hand. It is such great quality though and I seem to be lucky in finding some really good stuff that not just fits but suits me too. My DD is an avid charity shopper and she got me into it.

@LoudingVoice i don't have time to be reselling stuff that doesn't fit or suit me. I've got enough stuff already as it is I'm trying to shift! When I have time I like charity shopping and we have a lot near me. At least then you can try on or return as needed.

We have a local community center that does clothing swapping events and I've found that to be really fun and worthwhile. You can't get a better bargain than free!

As a PP said, some charity shops have bargains and some are unrealistic with their pricing listing things for prices you could buy new for primark and supermarket clothing. We used to have a great charity shop nearby where all kids clothes were 50p apart from a select few and that I loved shopping there for my son. Unfortunately it closed in the pandemic.

Absolutely love a charity shop purchase!
Best bit is if l only wear it once or twice, l can just redonate it and know l have helped a charity a little bit!

I love a charity shop find- it's become a feature of my holidays!
That said, I bought a new dress I love recently. Saw it in a shop window and went for a look. I felt able to justify the cost too, as I've not bought anything new for ages.

It's eco reasons, for me.

Nearly everything I buy is second hand.