A REALISTIC GUIDE TO VINTAGE/SECOND HAND/ THRIFT SHOPPING
I know for some, vintage/second-hand/thrift/preloved shopping can seem daunting.
Where to go? Where to start? IRL vs. online? What’s a sensible price? How to find the good quality stuff?
Well, I’m here to help you.
As a stylist, I’ve always had a ‘good eye’ but I wasn’t always great at shopping for preloved items. It’s taken years of scouring rails and websites to figure out what to do and what not to do.
Right now, I’d say about 20% of my current wardrobe is preloved, which is a vast improvement on a few years ago where that figure was more like 1%. I’m still working on being more environmentally friendly whilst still staying true to my personal style.
My most treasured preloved pieces are my coats and jackets. I have a love-LOVE relationship with outerwear; coats, jackets, shackets, give me all of them! I genuinely look forward to the Autumn/Winter season every year.
Anyway, let’s get into those tips shall we? I’ve split them up into two sections; Online and In-Store.
TIPS FOR VINTAGE SHOPPING - ONLINE
Do your research and always ask questions.
Whilst on the hunt for a classic Burberry trench coat, I researched and learnt that the original Burberry’s trench coats all had a size/order label sewn inside the left pocket. After scouring eBay, I narrowed my search down to one coat. The item description said nothing about the label so I messaged the seller and asked her to check. She had no idea about this hack and once she checked- and found the label- she realised she had listed the coat in the wrong size! This was great for me, because once she amended her listing, it appears the other bidders lost interest- so I scored the trench coat for £53!
Don’t be afraid to ask for more pictures, especially if the item you’re interested in is expensive.
When shopping online for luxury items, good quality descriptions and informative images are KEY. A seller already knows they need to display as many images as possible of every part of an item, especially any defects or distinguishing features. Websites like Vestiare Collective and The Real Real work with professional authenticators, which should put your mind at ease as a buyer. However it’s still important to do your due diligence and ask for more / better quality images before spending your hard earned cash!
Read seller reviews from past buyers.
It’s important to do a quick background check on a seller before committing to a purchase. Websites like eBay and Etsy display each Seller’s rating which allows you to scroll through reviews left by previous buyers. If you see too many negative reviews, I’d advise to close the tab and walk away! As both a buyer and a seller, I always leave reviews. I find them extremely helpful, so in turn do the same to help others out.
Review ‘Other items’ in a sellers shop to check for signs of consistency.
If a seller’s shop is full of old VHS tapes and rare savoury snacks, and the item you want to purchase is a Chanel bag, then either ask TONNES of questions and for TONNES more pictures to guarantee authenticity, or just keep it moving. Personally, I’d advise the latter.
Follow your gut!
If a seller seems or feels dodgy to you, there’s a high probability that they are. While it’s hard to describe a feeling, I’d keep an eye out for any of the following; unfriendly/snappy message responses, question avoidance or extremely delayed responses. I’d rather miss out on an '‘amazing’ item to avoid being scammed.
Keep in mind what exactly you’re looking for. (ONLINE & IRL)
This is really helpful to keep yourself accountable, so you don’t end up buying items that you don’t really need. I’ve been on the hunt for an oversized leather blazer for about 3 months now. I have this in mind every time I walk into a charity shop or scroll the world-wide-web, so I know when to tap out if I’m having no luck. This doesn’t always work (I’m only human)- but it helps to have a focus. I did actually find a perfect leather blazer at my local British Heart Foundation store in December, but another lady had already picked it up. She graciously allowed me to try it on, saw how in love with it I was and offered to let me have it! But, I could tell she also loved it, plus she had it first so it was only right for her to keep it. Sometimes, being a decent person sucks.
TIPS FOR VINTAGE SHOPPING - IN-STORE
Inspect your item(s) from top-to-bottom and inside-out.
This tip is important for two reasons; 1. To check for any defects & 2. To check authenticity- if necessary.
Whilst on a typical lunch break in 2019, I decided to pop into the local Oxfam store before heading back to work. I spotted what looked like an Issey Miyake Bao Bao tote bag behind the counter, and could NOT believe my eyes, I’d had this item on multiple wishlists for years! I asked the shop assistant if I could take a look, and proceeded to inspect the tote. It was in excellent condition and still had an original label from a store I hadn’t heard of at the time, Italist. I did a quick google search and also messaged my Italian friend- both confirmed that this was the real deal!
Always try on items.
Although trying on clothes can be an inconvenience- especially for lazy people like me who just eyeball an item and assume that it’ll fit - this small act help can avoid disappointment and save you time and money in the long run.
Check fabric compositions.
Second hand/ thrift shops are filled with great quality clothing made with high percentages of natural fibres; silk dresses, wool knits, blazers and coats, cotton shirts etc. Preloved clothing from the 80’s and earlier were better quality and made with longevity in mind. E.g. original Levi 501 jeans are in much higher demand than newer versions as the fit and quality are unmatched. Although, due to demand, vintage Levi’s do end up being quite expensive!
If you find any defects- ask for further discount.
This doesn’t always work, but if you’re a smiley, friendly babe like me then you’ll have more success. :)
Being friendly = more discount.
Speaking of being a smiley, friendly babe. Having a warm and positive disposition can really work in your favour. Whilst purchasing my vintage leather biker (£25), I also wanted to buy a Mens Uniqlo knit (£10). My total would have been £35, but after chatting to the elderly sales assistant for a few minutes I was able to knock the total down to £30, and was also gifted a 2022 calendar and a pack of Christmas cards - every little helps!
ALWAYS Look in the “Mens“ section
Personally, I always go straight to the mens section, it’s where I’ve found all my best preloved clothing pieces. Last summer, on a leisurely stroll to the park, I stopped by my local Mind charity shop on a whim. I had been eyeing this amazing Frankie Shop suit online for some months prior and was on the hunt for a preloved alternative. I walked right to the mens section and pulled out this GORGEOUS mens suit in the exact same colour and style as the Frankie Shop suit. I opened the blazer up to check the label and realised it was vintage Paul Smith. The suit was priced at £20 (wild) and I paid £15…friendly babes stay winning!
Don’t buy just because it’s ‘cheap’
Ask yourself some questions before you make that final purchase. Do you see this item sliding seamlessly into your wardrobe? Can you style it with at least 5 existing outfits? If it wasn’t ‘cheap’, would you still want it? If no then keep it moving.
Pray/sage/meditate over your preloved items.
This may seem like a strange one, but for me it’s important to remove any negative energy/ bad vibes that may be lingering around my preloved items. They had a life before they came into mine so I like to make sure I don’t inherit any bad karma/juju. Maybe it’s the superstitious Nigerian in me lol. Do whatever works for you!
I hope you found this guide helpful!
Share with someone you think could use these tips!
Oluwaseun x