4 secrets to better secondhand shopping (and mistakes to avoid!)

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Love all these tips Signe! Especially how you went over the pros and cons and how secondhand still doesn't give license to overconsume. So important! xx

[@christinamanucy8037]

For in store thrifting, look carefully in good lighting-many thrift shops have dim lighting and it makes it more difficult to notice flaws/stains.

[@UseLess_dk]

Great tip! 🙏🏻

[@kimberlyberlin4999]

Oh yes. This is a problem where I thrift. I always bring the items I'm considering up front by the big windows to look for spots or defects.

[@kelliepatrick519]

Yes! I recently bought a vintage cashmere sweater that I thought was Burgundy, but in natural light was actually brick or merlot. It's still great quality but had to rethink the accessories.

[@annaf.1109]

I don't agree with the point "shorter lifespan". Especially the clothes that were made in the 70's and 80's have a much higher quality than the clothes today. I have bought vintage levis jeans and old wool coats second hand and never had such high quality in my closet 👍 will wear them maaanny years!! 😊

[@UseLess_dk]

Oh totally agree, it doesn’t have to be the case every time at all! 🙏🏻❤️ xx

[@lizasoliman723]

you can get better quality, but you can also come across something that is on the brink. jeans that looked good at a glance ended up ripping when i squatted down (now i check the seams on pants & shorts by holding them up to the light) ;)

[@chicanica64]

My favorite way of buying good quality coats.

[@danymiller1405]

Hi! I have also had my share of “mistakes” while thrift shopping. Sometimes, I see a really cute, fill in the blank, but if I already have something similar I let it go and say “let someone else enjoy this”. Greetings from Chicago, US 👋

[@marjiecleveland]

I prefer shopping second hand (local thrift and charity shops, and online at ThredUp and Poshmark), but I don't buy clothes or shoes very often, since I established a capsule wardrobe. It's easy to select what I want to wear since almost everything can mix and match, and I've learned not to want what I don't need. It's very liberating!

[@cmadridk]

I live in a slightly rural desert town in the USA and we have the best thrift shops! I have been to thrift shops in various regions near me and all around the world, and the thrift shops in my town have the best stock for the lowest prices. For a nostalgic shopaholic like me, this is a dream come true. I feel so lucky to have moved here not knowing that I was surrounded by secret treasure! I buy silk and cashmere weekly, under $5 usually under $2. I resell or gift anything I can’t use myself. It’s so much fun and my absolute favorite hobby.

[@latinaalma1947]

I agree I live in Central AaMerican as an AMerican retiree. I know the good brands and hunt those down here....Ralph Lauren, Chaps, Ann Taylor etc classic designs dont lose style readily. The prices here are amazing and the last couple of years I have fleshed out my blazer collection since they have been popular. I have trouble with shoes...I do find sandals and boots here end of season from the US but pumps, the ballet flats and loafers I crave are tough to find here...maybe they are big sellers in the US so less are exported. Mercado trips are always fun...it is usually easiest to find tops, then skirts, trousers are hard to find but my last trip yesterday I found five pair retail Ann Taylor tag was still one one black pair $109. I bought for $6.00 US. Also one pair of Eileen Fischer black courduroy pants listed on Pinterest as $158 same price...that was a once a year find five prs I go many mos with no finds of pants. I have seversl lovely silk vintage shirts.I am finding lots of pretty cropped cardigans just now..must have been Spring season bec of the colors. I have the best wardobe of my life. I do carry a list but I know that items will be moved along the supply chain net week and not there. I am trying these things on so at least know they fit. I rarely make a mistake but happily pass those on to friends.

[@wilmabrock6257]

Would love to know where you are. Can you share?

[@cltinturkey]

Please let us know where this town is! Thanks!

[@elise_h]

A great piece of advice I've been given, whether buying used or new: it's only a great deal if you're getting exactly what you want. Thanks for all these tips, Signe!

[@sherryedwards695]

I like your term "thrift drunk". Yes, I've done that more than once myself. Great video and great tips.

[@Purposely_Pres]

Totally agree with having a curated mind set ! My channel revolves around thrifted fashion , but I really try to avoid “over thrifting” I feel like the point of thrifting is to find those very unique and special gems so I try to be picky and hold out for items I truly love that I know will be in my wardrobe for a long time! 💛

[@bethanymontgomery529]

It's so nice having you back 'full time'! I don't know what it is (being a mom, colour choices, etc) but you just look and come across radiant and confident!

[@jawbreaker8125]

If you're shopping online for secondhand shoes, ask the seller for a picture of the soles. That way you'll be able to assess how much they have been worn and only buy gently worn shoes, it's so much better for your feet! I've bought secondhand clothes for over 10 years now, I used to go to my local thrift-market and now I mostly use Vinted or Depop. I love not being limited in my taste by the trends I can find in stores and also it's cheaper and more ecologically friendly, if you made a mistake there's always the re-selling option. I'd say 70% of my wardrobe is secondhand and I decided that in the future the only thing I'll buy new is underwear/bras.

[@saffarty390]

How things change. It is strange to think that growing up in the1960s we couldn't always afford new clothes. As children we often had hand-me-downs but my mother always bought us new shoes as she said that people's tread was different and didn't want to damage our feet. Even once I had started to work I was lucky to be able to afford one module let alone two per season.

[@edennis8578]

Back in the 60s and 70s, things cost sooo much more compared to the money people had. I remember seeing a little pair of green cotton overalls for toddlers in my local children's shop: $60 in 1979. A woman's dress from the cheapest store in town in 1974 was $40, and we're talking bottom of the barrel goods. I made $1.40/hour at the department store where I worked as a bookkeeper in 1974, so it would take most of my salary for a week to buy that one dress. People were naturally minimalist because we couldn't afford to buy lots of stuff. We didn't have tons of cheap goods coming from China; when that started, it changed everything. Plug those prices into an inflation calculator for a hair-raising experience.

[@cmadridk]

@@edennis8578 love this comment, thank you for all the info! I regularly find items from the 70s and 80s department stores with tags still on so I see the prices…a nicely made polyester item would cost a small fortune! I do notice that the price of silks and linen was more affordable in comparison to other clothing at the time. Now we pay a premium for silk and linen, but poorly made polyester crap is practically free! 😱😱

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

I never had anything new as a child, everything was secondhand. To this date, the musty smell of those thrift stores turns my stomach. I’m trying to give secondhand another chance.

[@heatherclark6268]

This is because we have been made to pay tax etc over the yrs that we shouldnt have had to, weve become slaves to the system always having to work to keep up with bills. Weve done this without question not really thinking why. Its good people are dtarting to realise this now though. And how weve been cheated.

[@elaineroberts7493]

I have been buying second hand clothes for around 30 years now, and really enjoy the experience - I prefer to shop in person, and love the thrill of the chase. I never know what I might find, and though I do have a rough list in my head of things I want, I do look at other things too. I actually feel uncomfortable if I do buy something new which I fail to find in a charity shop, and often return items because I feel I’ve somehow failed by buying new! When I first wore second hand clothes, people who asked me where I got something often looked embarrassed by my honest answer, but these days everyone seems to be far more accepting, and indeed proud, of their 2nd hand acquisitions.

[@muiawat]

Yes , I have definitely tried not to use a fast fashion mindset with secondhand . It has really shifted my mind especially repeating outfits throughout the week

[@amsn14]

I started to shop secondhand because of you and i'm so thankful for that ❤️ But definitly that I made the mistake to get thrift drunk as you mention in the video. I was constantly looking for pieces that I didn't really need. I am trying to be more mindful about my shopping habits in geral, but secondhand clothing shopping is definetly a challenge.

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

The musty smell can be removed by using Lysol clothing sanitizer in the wash. Then, I rewash them with regular detergent because this product has a terrible chemical smell. It works great, though.

[@vivalafrance9547]

Items that are higher priced like coats and jackets and wool sweaters can be had at second hand stores or online. The thrift store by me had awesome jackets in early fall that I bought. You need to know what you are looking for and season-appropriate. I have sold stuff at online shops too.

[@mariahohalloran9423]

Thanks for sharing from your point of view. I grew up thrift shopping and raised my kids that way as well. I highly recommend it for kids. I'm financially in a place where I can afford to buy what I want and what fits instead of altering thrift compromised items. For those of us who are tall or plus the pickings are usually very thin. I love all your videos. Take care. 😀

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

I bought a “designer” sweater from an independent online seller. It didn’t have any labels and by the way it washed up, it shrank two sizes, I could tell it wasn’t good quality. They just found a designer look-alike and posted their item with that picture. I learned to get pictures of all the labels next time. Live and learn.

[@nka30]

I find second hand shopping quite overwhelming so this was very useful, thanks! The downside for me is how time consuming it can be. And how the items I want is often still too pricey. And I often give up.

[@janjentz1053]

I thrift most of my clothing and home decor. I go with a list of what I am looking for. I have never gotten into the online thrifting. I like to see and try on even thrifted clothing. Seems so bothersome to have to mail a mistake back. I enjoyed your tips. Thanks for sharing.

[@anechkafspb8930]

Thank you so much for these Signe!! You’ve really inspired me to shop secondhand and create a more curated wardrobe!

[@alovero]

when i go thrifting in person i always wear my high waisted leggings and a sports bra. this helps me to try clothes on when theres no fitting room! ive made the mistake of wearing a black long sleeve shirt on top instead, but sometimes ive gotten the wrong idea of how a color looks on me bc i thought it looked fine against the black but not actually against my skin. also, i usually go w a friend and we do a “mom check” for each other right before we check out, aka the other person will look out for any stains/damages and give a confirmation that its in good shape! it helps bc sometimes im so excited to find something i like i overlook something like a worn out inner thigh on jeans or a stain somewhere.

[@sherryjackman9680]

My forest green trench coat was also from my favorite Tacoma, Wa consignment store and it even has a heavy liner so that it is good for year round. I checked out several of the online stores you mentioned and am very pleased with your help.

[@katec9893]

I don't recommend ebay for clothes. I recently bought some trousers in my size on there second hand but they were much too big. The postage costs made it pointless to return them so I've just had to donate them myself and lost money. I really like shopping in actual charity shops, it'd be great if we got big thrift stores here in the UK like they have in America.

[@katherineandini5962]

I always bring measuring tape when thrifting (especially in flea markets), because it's easier to lay the clothes flat & measure them than finding a decent spot to try it on!

[@alamedadanceparty]

Great tip!

[@sherryjackman9680]

thanks for the list of secondhand shops you trust. I looked at one of them and there is a Christian Dior trenchcoat that is close to my size. in a grey color. Oh, if only my size was right. I do have many quality items from the consignment shop in Tacoma, WA. I have one nice dress from Nina Picallina who designs for long torso women. I was able to wear it to my son's wedding 2 years ago along with a used wild print jacket that I got for a steal price 11 years ago and have worn it many times.

[@AMYBIERHAUS]

A friend: "Ooooo, I love your dress!" Me: "Thank you! I got it at Goodwill." 😄

[@sunshine-bs2jx]

I've been shopping second hand for years love it so much. Love from Ireland xx

[@kd8323]

I'm still pretty new with shopping secondhand, so thank you for this video! Both this video and the previous one you made compliment each other well :)

[@fionamcandrew4974]

Zalando had a pre-owned section too. Great selection, good prices.

[@oliviersenegas6124]

Thanks Signe for these tips and for being so honest about the possible mistakes along the way.

[@tracyeast3397]

I primarily shop second hand for everything I can, clothing, decor, garden etc. I have never shopped second hand online but do garage sales, church sales and thrift stores. I am always shocked at how many new items I come across still with tags on, and some would have been quite expensive brand new.

[@Karenvieira84]

A half of my second hand online purchases were mistakes. Some for not to stay strict to my style, some for the fitting. But the items that I got and loved, these are my favorite in my wardrobe for sure.

[@barbaralorenzana5666]

One tip I have for anyone shopping second-hand is to look in different sections such as the men and kids. I also have made mistakes with second hand shopping, now I always look for measurements and it is true you should not compromise on what you are looking for.

[@UseLess_dk]

Love that tip!

[@tinazanotti4974]

I enjoyed the video in Denmark. You were second-hand shopping with a (pregnant) girlfriend. You purchased pumps and some pretty sequenced pieces. Love the music you select for your videos.

[@moumitadeb9337]

Great tips ! I’m very inspired and more confident to try out this way of shopping ! 👍

[@ildriaresvik6468]

I used to buy a lot more second hand earlier, but as you mentioned in this video, it is easy to make mistakes, so nowadays I limit my second hand shopping to jackets and coats. I have to shop online, I mostly use Tise or Finn, and when you can not try the items on, I find outerwear to be the easiest to get right. Also, always ask for more pictures, if you can, go to a physical store to check out the sizing of the brand. Making mistakes when it comes to second hand shopping has made me be more focused when I buy new stuff, I always make a shopping list, and take my time so I can be as sure as possible to get the right thing, and avoid returning if I buy online.

[@ysach.891]

I always learn something new from your videos :) thank you so much for sharing!

[@PK-nf3jg]

I use eBay most of the time for shopping, but not for luxe items. Some tips to be sure I get what I want are: - I check the seller rating, preferably it's over 98.5ish, and if a very small seller 100%😄 - if the measurements aren't listed, I contact seller for measurements - I like to use the filters for 'pre-owned', and sometimes for size, brand, materials, length etc, but not all sellers put all of the information in so sometimes it's worth exploring a bit, so sometimes I'm not too specific in my initial search words. - if I'm looking for something in particular I will be quite specific and then save the search so I get alerts when something new is listed. E.g. I got a lovely pair of classic knee high riding boots that way. - sometimes items use different sizing depending on the country is listed from, so I will try all sizing options if I don't see what I want e.g. shoes might be listed in size 8 (au), 5 (UK), 38.5/39 (EU). I really wanted nice black leather desert boots, and the best ones listed seemed to be from UK, so I kept looking for my size in UK sizing.... - depending on what it is, I might filter between my country only, or worldwide options for shopping, if I want to eliminate/include things (e.g. for some reason tassel loafers and Fairisle is very rarely listed in Australia, other times I want to keep it simple with shipping options, especially if I don't want to wait to long to get the item, so I choose local...) Also, when it comes to thrifted clothes, I think it's a nice opportunity to experiment and maybe try new things - I always try to be intentional, but I really like the approach from the Antibook book club (KZbinr), that she mentioned in a video of viewing of pre clothing stores like libraries, where you can borrow something and then return it if it doesn't work out or it's time for a change...

[@UseLess_dk]

Great tips, thank you so much! Yes checking the seller rating is often something I do on other secondhand shops too ☺️ xx

[@sarahjames1143]

I did a count of all my second hand purchases ONLINE and my success rate is 50% for Depop and 56% on Vestaire Collective. I did use to buy wayyy too much so that is definitely a contributor, my success rate have been getting higher with more mindful purchases and buying less in general. I classify a succes as 1. it fits 2. its comfortable 3. no issues with seller 4. It looks good on 5. I wore it and kept it

[@vck934]

Great video and tips!🌹 I love to shop second hand. Today I sold my first item on Vestiaire Collective, this made my day.

[@marisagigg1181]

Hi Signe, can you do a video about how to best recycle clothes made from natural fibers, such as silk, wool and cashmere? Or other ideas for quality clothing that now has stains or rips?

[@mybagoftheday1722]

My experiences with secondhand shopping are mixed. I have made some very good purchases but they are rare. My best purchases are higher end or designer pieces of clothing or shoes. Places like Vestiaire are great because you get the items directly from the person selling it and not from a smelling thrift store. I can`t stand the smell of thrift stores, I can sense the smell from far outside of these stores. The other cons I have personally had with secondhand shopping are i) the clothes may have flaws you do not see in the shop, like small holes or stains or wear. ii) the clothes may already have been worn so that once you start using them they show wear much sooner. This happened to a nice polo neck knit I found, even though it was a high quality brand. iii) you can end up buying a clothing thatis not perfect or not exactly what you wanted, just because there are fewer options. iv) for a tall woman much above tge average height there are limited options. I rarely find anything that I would like in my size anyway.

[@heatherkoser5222]

Love that last ivory blouse you had. What brand is it?

[@cathylynnpietranton]

We try to buy second hand but we find it difficult. Thanks Signe for the tips ❤

[@juliathompson8035]

Thanks so much 4 all the tips i buy second hand ur video was so helpful and informative..i'll definetly b following ur advice..x

[@latinaalma1947]

I agree when too many things that need tweaking it gets discouraging. I often have to hem pamts and skirts bec I am petite right at the edge at 5ft 4in. I have two silk robes I bought that I love but are too long. There they sit on my ironing board chastising me to hem them...I move them aside to iron things then put them back...they are guilt inducing, making me feel lazy.

[@kristinamelnichenko5775]

Good tips, especially not compromising on your list. I would add having basic rules like: only 100% natural fibers (no polyester, rayon, or spandex in jeans or sweaters), good quality name brand, and built for *my* body *now*.. following those tips means 99% of “oooooh”s turn into “oh”s but the ones that make it are the gems. Just got a pair of 100% cotton Ralph Lauren “mom jeans” for $8. If I had been shopping online I never would have filtered to the 8P size but they got like a glove. My favorite find ever is an old man LL BEAN 100% lambswool cardigan- all about that old school quality man. They don’t make em like that anymore

[@ms_prescott_regrets]

I made the mistake of not checking for measurements on a skirt. It was a size 8 and I bundled it with 2 other items (Poshmark) It was a UK size 8 which is a size 2 or 4 in the USA. It was shown on the pictures but I should have paid closer attention. I am re-poshing it. Totally my fault. You do need to take time when buying any clothing online. Great tips. 💗

[@BellaHardcastle]

Love shopping second hand in person and online. I find eBay good for baby clothes, my little one seems to alway be growing out of clothes and ebay has been great for getting him clothes and bundles of items.

[@newcottongrass]

Sure I've made misstakes like those you mention in the video. Eg. getting overly positive over a "find" and then realizing it wasn't my style. A tip from me is to really research a brand that you're interested in. There's nothing wrong with going in to a conventional store and trying on different garments to see how they fit, even ifyou intend to buy second hand.

[@jujubonchuchu]

I haven’t seen you since the birth of your daughter. You are glowing and perhaps more beautiful than before the pregnancy.

[@marylaidig5755]

Thanks for a great, informative video, Signe.

[@sarahthatcher123]

The Cons…SMELL! Yes, for sure!! I generally cannot shop second hand much, even though I really prefer it, because most second hand clothes smell not a ‘vintage’ smell but toxic, chemical smells from SCENTED LAUNDRY DETERGENTS. I am. very sensitive to the smell both because they are toxins and also just because it smells like terrible perfume. Some items I can air out ( the only thing that actually works,I Ive tried every trick) but with many items the smell never comes out. Even with the items I can air out, I have to wash all my second hand clothes separately so as not to spread the smell to my ‘regular’ clothes…if I accidentally get them mixed it will ruin my ‘regular’ clothes. I wish everyone would use up scented detergent. My biggest thrifting hurdle and ‘CON’. Sigh.

[@broniaciarniello5234]

I can totally relate to this - I have passed up many lovely items while thrifting because of the overpowering perfumey smell and knowing I may not be able to get it out completely. I think it is the use of scented fabric softeners and dryer sheets which embed completely in the fabric that is the main culprit. I don't understand why people want their clothes to smell like this! Yuk!

[@faithkaltenbach7345]

@@broniaciarniello5234 I have also, when thrifting online, sent a note to the seller saying I will not accept items which have been exposed to "perfumed" dryer sheets or, even worse, those scent particles they sell these days. One nice seller even washed an item for me and sent it on trial. It was OK. I wish everyone were more thoughtful. Sometimes in the grocery store I have to switch aisles in order to avoid someone who probably thinks she smells wonderful.

[@yuliyaminina8367]

Yes, the smell is usually horrendous

[@margotjiletvesentini7679]

Great video! I used to looooove your second hand shop!

[@shelleyshearssells3959]

Hi, I just wanted to let you know eBay does have an authintcate program. For items over a certain price.

[@UseLess_dk]

I didn’t know! Thanks for sharing! 🙏🏻

[@ritalynb7070]

We grew up poor and thrifted almost all our clothing or wore hand-me-downs. I still remember the very first NEW jeans I bought! Now I have come full circle and buy almost all my clothing in thrift stores. I keep a very small wardrobe and only thrift what I actually need. I keep a list of what I need and thrift until I find the right piece. I try to thrift quality pieces from good brands so they still last. I also thrift vintage items often. About half my wardrobe is vintage and the rest are classic pieces. I am not very interested in trends.... The things I buy new (and only as needed) are undergarments & swimwear. I buy some of my shoes new, boots especially because I live in a cold climate and my boots get worn for at least 6 months of the year. I do not buy online because I can not try items on and I am hard to fit. I don't own accessories, which would be the easiest to buy online.🤷

[@luisinha2759]

lovely tips as usual 🤍

[@jackiebrown6577]

Great tips! Thank you! 👍🏻♥️

[@charlesblack1086]

I love thrifting but I sometimes get "thrift drunk". Thank you for naming it. If I find one thing I usually buy six, five I don't need. I'm working on that. :)

[@owlbefine8910]

I want to look for a Chanel bag second hand but I feel like it’s hard with the fakes out there.

[@ESforest]

Please, could you give names for the best second hand shopping places in copenhagen? 🥰

[@UseLess_dk]

I have a CPH shopping guide with a bunch of secondhand shops on there ☺️ www.uselesswardrobe.dk/sustainable-city-guides-1-copenhagen/

[@kinshasav]

I have made the most secondhand shopping mistakes with buying shoes. I even got a pair of shoes altered ,thought I would wear them. My mom talked me into getting them . Every time I tried to wear them, 8 would change out of them before leaving the house. I ended up taking back to another secondhand store.

[@muiawat]

Now that the high school students are back in town , my thrift store are picked through but it’s all good ... a new generation of thrifters

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

I might try shopping online for secondhand. The thrift stores where I live are so thoroughly picked over, by the employees who are resellers, that only the cheapest, flimsiest polyester, out of-style trend pieces are left. I have yet to find anything in a natural fibers or real leather, except for one handbag.

[@l.l.lekens6610]

As I find most clothes secondhand ugly, I never seem to find anything suitable, or there are only small seizes, or the silhouettes are outdated or it looks really cheap junk. The only things I buy secondhand are bags and other accessories. So I have given up.

[@EmA-sm8se]

Same here. And I also made a lot of mistakes thrift shopping...only to donate the item right back. I rarely go my local thrift shops anymore.

[@UseLess_dk]

It can be tricky indeed!

[@julietarge]

Hi, just an idea: perhaps we can refer instead of pros/cons as opportunities and challenges of getting second hand clothes :) actually you presented them like that but in order not to discourage "newly shoppers" in the 2nd hand world. Lovely greetings,

[@UseLess_dk]

Good point!

[@Guldhammer335]

Hvad hedder og hvor ligger de butikker du er i? :))

[@UseLess_dk]

Jeg havde en online shop for et par år siden men den er desværre lukket 🥰 kh Signe

[@JamieGoffena]

Second hand clothes are usually pre shrunk- a pro!

[@muiawat]

I don’t buy online secondhand bc I want to support my independent, local stores and cut down on my carbon footprint

[@sylvianblue]

2nd hand clothes shops in the uk are generally full of cheap rubbish unless you live in a wealthier area.

[@judypayne4251]

Pre-loved is a contrived term. Somebody could have hated it. Who cares? Also status symbol ->Narcissist… yes, it is a big problem.

[@ljubicagoranovic6557]

I’m having an issue thinking about how prices for second hand clothing have gone up 1000% because people with more money started buying second hand for the aesthetic or environmental reasons. And people who really need affordable clothes now can’t afford to shop at the stores they used to be able to afford bc of the price increases. It’s like the second hand stores got gentrified with the raise in popularity of green living with white women.

[@donnaboyle7513]

I wonder if it’s inflation because they have to still pay rent.