Secondhand Shopping, Part 2 - How?!
There is a misconception out there- maybe you even believe it:
“I can’t afford to shop for sustainable fashion…”
Shopping sustainably does not always mean shelling out $200 for a bamboo/linen/organic cotton blouse (when it does that’s ok too, get it in the budget, girl). The most sustainable way to dress is naked, and since there are laws about that, secondhand takes first prize.
Choosing used over new means we’re voting for a world where there is less demand for more stuff. If enough of us vote with our dollars that way, big companies and manufacturers eventually will not need to produce as much. It starts with you, really. Supply and demand stuff from economics class is still relevant in your life! So, bottom line buying secondhand is super sustainable, super affordable…
But how do we even shop secondhand well? Here we go; a deep dive into secondhand shopping, practically.
First, Definitions…
Vintage: Clothes designed and made at least 20 years ago. You read and did your math right. Year 2000 clothing is now vintage. Grab those low rise jeans and choker necklaces…
Retro: Inspired by trends and styles from past years, but not manufactured and created at least 20 years ago.
Thrifted: A previously owned item, typically found at a thrift store, flea market, garage sale, estate sale. Thrifted items can be vintage or retro, but are not always.
How to Shop
I have 3 Keys to shopping secondhand, especially for those of you that feel it can be a bit daunting. If you love thrifting and enjoy just walking into a thrift store or online platform and seeing what pops out at you, amazing - You can skip Key 1!
3 Keys
Be Specific
Know your Measurements
Think outside of “The Box”
1. Be specific on your quest. That is the best advice I can give you. If you want your secondhand shopping to be fruitful as well as time and cost effective, be specific. As Dwight would say, K.I.S.S., Keep it Simple Stupid. Decide what item you are looking for and go on a hunt for that.
See Case Study Below to give more clarity
2. Know your measurements, not just your sizes. Vintage and even retro/newer secondhand all sizes differently. A size 8 from the 80’s may actually be what you need when you normally wear a size 4. Tricky right? That is why it’s so important. Knowing your measurements is basically mandatory for online secondhand shopping as it is how most vendors will list things. It is also helpful to know what those measurements may look like in a garment. That part might feel overwhelming, but it is helpful to be able to look at something and know if it will fit your body shape. This is a great reason to hire a stylist who knows how to do this very well...subtle plug. See below graph for how to measure yourself.
Also, keep in mind it is better for an item to be too big, because if you really love it you can have it tailored for a nominal fee… or have your stylist teach you how to wear it in different ways.
Via https://lisanelle.com/pages/taking-measurements Visit for even more measuring details
3. Think Outside the Box has a double meaning. Goodwill is awesome and can definitely score you some great pieces, but a lot of beginner thrifters also go to Goodwill and it can end up picked over. So think outside of the Goodwill Box, first. There are so many options - I go into more detail, including specific suggestions and how to shop these when you join my email list. To give you a teaser though…
In person Shopping
Estate Sales - literal gold mine for good vintage
Locally Owned Thrift Stores
Antique Mall
Consignment
Online
Specific Vintage Websites - sign up for email list to receive my favorites
Part 2 of thinking outside of the box, creatively - be willing to see the potential in an item. You may be having trouble while hunting for a midi length skirt, but do keep finding maxis…* snip snip *. Cut it into what you want, or hire a tailor, a stylist, ask for help on how to expand the goodness from a piece.
Now that you know the 3 Keys, time for a little case study.
Meet Meghan (ok, me). Meghan has been noticing several brands releasing their version of the classic pleat front pant, made famous in the 80’s-90’s. She also recently watched the Bulls documentary and wants to pull off these pants Like Mike. She decides she does not want to purchase them new, so her secondhand search begins. She looks at how major brands are describing them on their websites, see photo:
This is the type of verbiage she will use when shopping online. Meghan searches on her favorite small vintage boutiques websites, Etsy, Ebay, ThredUp, RealReal, and at a few estate sales. She searches for the specific definition in her search bar, focuses on the ‘pants/bottoms’ tab online, and tries not to get distracted by other items when in person shopping.
She finds a couple of pairs she likes on Etsy from different sellers. She retakes her measurements, and confirms the pants are her size or larger (she can get them tailored if they are a bit too big). She checks to ensure the seller notes any stains or wear, and confirms she is happy with the item. * Swipeeee *, electronically. See the pants Meghan landed on below. Look how happy she is:
Ok, so now you’re basically a secondhand shopping expert. But, if you do have more questions, feel free to shoot me an email.
Soon I will be sharing with you how to clean or mend your secondhand finds! What burning questions about secondhand do you still have?? Comment Below.
xx,
MFF