Why I Seldom Secondhand

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). 

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      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.