Sell your clothes, make some dough. Save even more money by buying gently used clothing. Imagine how full your bank account will be! Sounds simple, right? While I am all about selling some of my old
threads to make some green, buying used clothes isn’t my thing. The purpose of this blog entry is to explain
it.
Disclaimer: I have friends who shop at Goodwill and
secondhand stores, and if that’s their thing, hey – whatever makes you happy.
These are just my thoughts on it. I’m also not trying to come off as a snob –
people have given me their old clothes, and I am eternally grateful for their
throw-outs becoming my treasure.
Alas, here are my reasons:
1 1. They cost the same as regular stores. You read that right. You’re probably thinking, “But I can get a
shirt from a secondhand store that’s only $20, and Banana Republic makes it!” Want to know a secret? When stores such as Banana Republic, J. Crew,
and Gap have extra 40% or more of clearance items, I’ve walked out of there spending
$20 for two items.
Here’s a little story: on my birthday in 2013,
I went to Banana Republic, and they had extra 50% off sale items. I bought a pair of white-linen trousers and a
blue blouse for $25. Yes. Two items for $25. The pants were 50% off $27, and
the top was 50% off $11. These were
career-type pieces, but they were crammed in the sale section with other
forgotten items.
Another story: This week, I snagged some
steals from J. Crew when I managed to buy two button-downs for
$13-17/each, a wool sweater for $20 (you read that right), and a dressy blouse
for $22. Sure, I had to pay the $5 flat-rate shipping, but hey - that's an extra $1.25 on each piece?
Final brag: Ann Taylor had extra 50% off clearance items. For $22, I landed a black, silk shell with lace on it and a maroon peplum blouse.
On secondhand sites, used
clothes from higher-end stores cost more. Think
about it.
2. You know where they’ve been. I like knowing that the only
places my clothes have journeyed are from the factory/distribution center to
the store. When I look at used items, I
wonder what stories the fabric could tell (and if I really want to know what it’s
been through).
3
3.
They aren’t “broken in.” I like breaking in clothes myself. I don’t like the thought of someone else
wearing a pair of jeans to where they awkwardly fit me now. My jeans have adjusted to my body over time –
others don’t. And I don’t know the last
time those clothes at Goodwill were washed (or who has tried them on). I know there isn’t the same assurance at the
mall, but I like to think that way (and if the fabric allows, I always wash
before I wear).
4. The pants fit odd and haven’t drawn
up. Don’t like your jeans to go in the dryer? The previous owner
probably placed them in it.
4 5. Bargain stores, such as Marshall’s
and TJ Maxx have better deals.
It’s true. Ever go at the end of
the season? I once snagged a $200 BCBG
dress for $20. Another time, I found a
silk BCBG blouse for $7. Imagine the
possibilities. It’s like secondhand
minus someone else previously wearing the clothes and the fear of hidden stains. If there's a UAL in your area, go there. You can find designer apparel (even Miu Miu shoes) at killer prices.
Again, these are my personal takes on secondhand
shopping. If you’re a fan, go for
it. If you’re like me, there’s something
about finding a steal, cutting the tags, and making that outfit mine. Once I’m done wearing it, I’ll happily sell
my gently-used clothing to a secondhand shopper. Perhaps you’re one of the lucky ones who’s scored
one of my former gems and have made it your own. As for me, I’ll stick with new clothing.