Buying only pre-worn clothes - possible?

[persephone19]

I've been inspired by my millennial brother and sister in law who always look super cool and they don't buy new clothes, for themselves or their children for environmental reasons. So I know it's possible…
Does anyone here do the same? Any tips? Is there anything you do buy new and if so, how do you determine how environmentally friendly it is?
I'm posting here rather than elsewhere because I don't want to look like a scruff bag and I like to think I could maintain a sense of style even without buying new.
Thanks x

Yes it's totally possible. I think it massively helps if you have good charity shops locally, and secondly actually have the time to rummage in them each week. You can find some absolute gems in them.

I've started going through Vinted too, but haven't ordered anything yet, but there's some fab bargains to be had on there.

I buy pretty much all my clothes / accessories second hand, the only things I've bought new have been socks, pants, and I also bought boots and jeans as I'd been trying to find the perfect ones for the last year and just couldn't find any secondhand.

It's a bit more time consuming in my opinion shopping secondhand, as you need to commit more time to searching through the charity shops or Vinted / eBay, but it's worth it.

When I started I used to buy so much as it felt like guilt free shopping, but now I'm far pickier.

I don’t buy ALL my clothes second hand but have done so quite often recently. Personally, I find that the great satisfaction you get when finding a great 2nd hand piece you love is not comparable with buying new garments at full price.

These are some of my key tips:

• Be patient and spend time looking. Go to the poshest areas of your town and look for charity shops there, you can find some real gems.
• Use ebay, vinted, depop etc. Half of my current wardrobe is from these website and I was lucky enough to find a lot of good quality “new with tags” pieces at a great price.
• Always look for quality as the 2nd hand price tag will allow you to do so. Clothes will last you longer this way and will overall always look better than cheap stuff.
• If you find a garnent you like but is not quite right, consider if it can come back to life with alterations (or for knitwear for example, a good wool brush can sometimes do miracles)
• Have fun!

I probably buy about 75-80% second hand although less over the last 18 months because I prefer to buy it from real shops (although this may have to change). I think I'd struggle to get the figure much higher. This is partly because there are certain items, that I very rarely buy second hand, e.g. shoes (unless clearly unworn) or T shirts (because they tend to be in poor condition), and partly because it's a personality trait that if I forbid myself something completely, I become obsessed with it, and partly because if I want something specific, it can take forever to find it second hand.

It's time consuming - this is fine for me because I treat it as a hobby and really enjoy the hunt. But if I still had care responsibilities it would be a struggle to find the time.

I think one thing many of us are guilty of (although of course I don't know your brother or SIL) is bragging about the gems and the bargains we find while keeping quiet about the mistakes - I make lots of them because it's always a one-off purchase and, if you don't snap it up now, it probably won't be there next time. Just as an example, I bought some trousers this weekend that are two sizes too big. I've just washed them on 95 degrees to try and shrink them but I'll probably end up redonating them. Not a biggie in itself but It adds up.

I'm also suspicious of how corporate the whole second hand business is becoming. The last time I was in the Manchester northern quarter, I was struck by the number of businesses that were clearly chains, some of them selling 'replica' (i.e. fake) vintage. And much as I like a weigh n' pay sale, I do wonder who exactly these companies are that make money out of it.

Sorry if some of that sounds a bit negative. This is a hobby that gives me immense pleasure and that enables me to buy some fabulous clothes I could never otherwise afford. But the business is changing and I just have a sense it might not be quite as ethical or sustainable as it makes out. Good luck!

I buy a lot on Depop, but I do buy new clothes too.

My Depop tips would be have saved searches you check often, and buy from brands you know the size you are in. Often people will accept a lower offer than the listing, especially if something has been on for a while, so it’s always worth s message to ask. Always save anything you like the look of, and keep an eye on your saved items because you will see any reductions.

I mainly buy knitwear from Arket and Other Stories, and I know I am size S in both. I only buy if something is listed as “excellent condition” but am also mindful that my excellent and the seller’s might be different.

Yes, I used to do this. Much less strict now! I get the odd new thing.

If you have a fairly standard size / shape / height it's really easy. I'm a bit larger now than I was when I was doing this really strictly and I've always been tall, so it can be a bit hit and miss now.

Charity shops, obviously, also eBay, vinted, Vestiaire, Thrift+ and Loopster are all places I've either bought or sold and found them good.

Yes, over the last few years I've managed to buy all clothes, shoes and accessories secondhand apart from underwear- I try and have a one in one out policy though so I don't end up buying too much! I use Vinted, Depop, Ebay, Facebook marketplace, Vestiare Collective, local charity shops and online charity shops such as refashion and Thrift+ who offer returns. Sometimes you get unlucky with a purchase but you can reduce the chance by being very selective 😊.

Not sure I’d buy used underwear. Nothing to do with ick, more about not wanted them too worn out, and I don’t think they last as well as other things.

There's some great Facebook groups which I actually really enjoy being on and looking at the clothes- even if I don't buy them.

I haven't bought any new clothes for a couple of years, and buy better quality now.

I do this. Have done for a decade except special specific things and underwear

Charity shops. Depending on your budget and where you shop you can get great things. You need to rummage. My best recent find was a pair of Fly London Mes li boots for £1. After cleaning them they look very nearly brand new.
I also buy from auction sites.

I have quite a lot of mistake purchases but I will probably sell them.

Yes. Almost all of my clothes are second hand (though not always used). The only exceptions are undies, pjs, socks, a swimming costume and - very occasionally - jeans (mostly because I struggle to find a good fit so have to try loads!)

I really struggle with the cost of new things now, especially when the quality is poor.

The best shops are often hospice shops in well to do areas. They will have the high end stuff.

Similar to a lot of others here. I buy a probably 75% for myself and my kids (2&5) second hand.

It started as it was all I could afford but it’s stuck. I love the variety and finding things it doesn’t feel everyone else has. High street shops seem so bland and expensive now.

I buy shoes, underwear and some basics for the kids new like long sleeve t shirts and tights.

It can get quite time consuming and distracting. Have occasionally found myself up at midnight scrolling through kids coats.

My top tip is buy summer stuff in winter and the other around

Yes, I've noticed that about hospice shops KirstenBlest
Why is it do you reckon?

And to answer OP, like many I buy most stuff 2nd hand and places like Rapanui or Finisterre for reasonably ethical new stuff.
Underwear new, shoes new- apart from an excellent pair of unworn, UK made DMs recently (that'll be the showing off Floisme's referring to...)

Haven’t bought anything new in 4 years (I lie. I finally broke and bought some underwear last week!)

I almost buy 100% on Depop. It’s great and the tagging is really good and easy to search.

My daughter has only has second hand clothes. She always looks fab (if I don’t say so myself!)

This is brilliant thank you all. It was Depop which got me thinking. I was thinking tshirts shoes and underwear might be trickier. Although I have bought boots from Celtic Sheepskin on eBay which worked well.
I live close to some wealthy towns so that's my weekend planned!
Cheers for the ethical new guidance too xx

I lost about 35% of my body weight through being unwell, and as such needed to replace my entire wardrobe. I really had nothing left.

Due to a combination of lockdown, boredom, ethical concerns and the "thrill of the chase" I've been replacing all of it on ebay and charity shops.

I'd always bought about 30%+ in charity shops before but now I've taken this on as a challenge not to buy new in 2021 and we will see how it goes after that, but I can't see myself returning to massive in store spending.

I've also sold a lot of my old clothes on FB and I then also have the luxury of when I buy things that may not be quite right I can resell them on the various sales groups on FB. It's become a bit of a hobby and is a good way to get a "free" wardrobe.

@thedevilinablackdress

Yes, I've noticed that about hospice shops KirstenBlest Why is it do you reckon?

If they are in well heeled areas they will get donations from well-heeled customers. Staff might not recognise current brands. Local customers might not want to be seen in Sarah from The Willows's old Phase 8 dress.

The ones local to me have fixed prices, so a manky pair of poundland crocs might be the same as a fab pair of leather boots. I won't boast about my £1 vejas and ,moschino jeans - I guess the staff didn't recognise the brands.

I am a charity shop fiend. Often I'll decide I want some obscure piece of clothing and find it in my local high street for a £ or2

I buy off-season in charity shops and online.

I’ve been doing this for several years. The only new clothes I buy are occasional knickers, tights and leggings (though I’ve been known to buy secondhand knickers in my time).
I buy most of my clothes from eBay, so it’s hit and miss as to whether it fits properly. You need to know all your measurements, and be prepared to take a financial hit sometimes.

I love buying secondhand and also treat it as a hobby. ( there’s privilege right there) I’ve bought everything barring lingerie and swimwear / activewear. Easy finds are coats and blazers. Anything tailored is easy actually because of WFH. There are 2 books I would recommend - The Conscious Closet and How to Break up with Fast Fashion. I’ve just listened to the audio book of the second one and I might buy a second hand copy for the sources. ( how to check high street retailers for their environmental practices etc). My wardrobe is about 50% bought preloved and about 25% gifted preloved ( from a relative) I live in a “naice” area and find the charity shops have good brands that might not be very fashion forward. Eg Jaeger. Daks etc although I have found 1 or 2 designer pieces. The quality of these pieces are usually great and worth paying for alterations. I travel to nearby Clapham for more curated, trendier charity shops. I’ve also just discovered a vintage store nearby down a very unassuming back alley that sells by the kilo. It’s definitely worth visiting these places regularly but with an idea of what you’re after. I came away with a 1970s check men’s blazer, and a denim kimono jacket. My friend found me a lovely men’s cashmere sweater in a random bin bag in a house clearance shop. I’m a size 16 and I like mannish tailoring so I spend as much time in the men’s section as the women’s. I’m also exploring “visible mending” with a view to patching and darning some clothes I already have. I am going to repair some H&M holey jeans… probably with some sashiko thread I have. When I have lovely clothes I enjoy taking care of them… I like to see them on the washing line and even enjoy ironing. I have a cashmere robe I received for my first Mother’s Day that I hope to repair because it’s so nice to wear. If you’re not buying as many clothes you need to take care of the ones you have more carefully. My tip when buying online is to always request measurements- most of my mistakes are from rushing to buy and ending up with items that are too small. Some stores are so inconsistent with their sizing you cannot guarantee that all items will fit.

Great thread!

I’m an avid 2nd hand shopper. I’d say 90% of mine and DD’s clothes are 2nd hand.

I use Vinted, eBay (less than Vinted now though), and charity shops. I also use a specific Facebook selling page to buy stuff for my sport second hand.

Trick with charity shops is to pop in quickly but often. Best to go in mid-week if possible I find. I live in an affluent town with amazing charity shops. However they are getting very expensive now and the staff are trained on brands so they aren’t selling Reiss,Whistles, Mint Velvet etc for £1 like some of the charity shops I read about on mumsnet!

When I first discovered charity shopping I made some mistakes as I got over excited about the bargains (!) but now I’ve calmed down a lot and make less mistakes.

Also, because the prices have gone up in our local charity shops but prices on eBay / Vinted have fallen over the last two years, if I buy something in charity shop then decide I don’t like it I can often only just recoup my money on Vinted, and sometimes have to sell at a loss. So I’m much more picky now what I buy from charity shops.

I rarely buy clothes from anywhere other than charity shops - underwear excluded.
People seem to love to give socks for Christmas, and shoes can be trickier to find.
For me, the key is going in regularly to have a rummage when you aren't under pressure to be looking for anything in particular.
So, if you see a great outfit for a wedding or other special occasion - buy it then, whether you have the occasion to wear it to or not. If you see a lovely coat, buy it then, even if it is the start of Spring. Don't wait until you need a white blouse and then go and look for one, as you'll never find one at that point.

The shops in affluent towns are more expensive. I live somewhere that's a bit of a dump and the charity shops are cheap. Prices have gone up but as pp I get bargains. I go there often and will rummage

The charity shops here get clothes that haven't sold in affluent areas as well as local donations.

The racks usually have things like party dresses, tired officewear, heavy winter coats , low waist bootlegs, esmara and avenue in various states of tattiness but a good rummage and you'll find high end high street clothes. I got a mulberry item new with tags but in need of dry cleaning for £3 a few weeks ago.

Regarding good charity shops, I find it's a combination of location, access to parking and personal connection for the donor. So, if you're a donor dropping off several bags, you'll probably choose a shop with convenient parking, even if it's not the closest. And if you're donating high value clothes (or indeed anything) then you might pause and think about who you'd like to get the money. The best charity shop I've ever known was run by Mind - it regularly had designer stuff, wasn't in a particularly affluent area but was next to a car park and I once got talking to the manager who told me they had a small number of well off donors who were loyal to them because they'd had mental health issue themselves.

I think it's the same with hospice shops - if they've looked after someone you loved then you remember them. Animal shelter shops can also be good I find. In fact I think any shop for a local, independent charity will be a better bet for those one-off treasures, although the likes of Oxfam might have better stock overall.

I should add that I have a lot of clothes already and that I'm looking mainly for high end bits n' pieces. If you're after basics or children's clothing then I'm probably not the best poster for you.