Thrift and Resale Shopping: How to Find Great Pieces for Less
Where to shop, what to check and what to avoid buying used. A practical guide to thrift stores, thredUp, Vinted, Poshmark and more.
In this article
Buying second-hand used to carry a stigma. Now it is one of the smartest ways to shop. Resale marketplaces have made secondhand shopping easy, and shoppers are learning that a well-made used jacket often beats a new one at the same price.
The benefits are clear. Used goods usually cost far less than new, quality brands hold up well, and every item you buy second-hand is one fewer new item made. Textile waste is a genuine environmental problem, so extending a garment's life matters.
Where to shop
| Option | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Charity and thrift shops | Bargains, treasure hunting, local finds | Inconsistent stock; you have to look |
| Consignment stores | Curated, higher-quality pieces | Higher prices than thrift |
| Online resale (thredUp, Vinted, Poshmark, Depop) | Searching by brand, size and style | Shipping costs, fees, returns policies |
| Luxury resale (The RealReal and similar) | Authenticated designer items | Still pricey; check condition grades |
| eBay and marketplaces | Vintage, collectables, rare finds | Fakes, variable seller quality |
| Local classifieds and community groups | Furniture, appliances, bulky goods | Meeting strangers; test items before paying |
| Brand resale programs | Trusted brands with quality checks | Smaller range |
Each has strengths. Online platforms are ideal if you know exactly what you want, while physical stores reward browsing.
Shop like an expert
- Go in with a list. Note the pieces you actually need and the sizes and colors you like. A list stops you buying something merely because it is cheap.
- Know your measurements. Sizing varies by brand and decade. Measure your bust, waist, hips and inseam, and compare them to the garment's measurements listed online.
- Search by brand, then by material. Learn which labels use good fabrics: wool, cashmere, leather, linen and heavy denim last, while thin synthetics pill and stretch.
- Check the details. Look at seams, zips, buttons, hems and underarms. Smell the garment; lingering odours can be hard to remove.
- Learn to spot quality. Weight, lining, stitching and finishing tell you more than the price tag.
- Set alerts. Most resale apps let you save searches so you are notified when your size and brand appear.
What to buy used, and what to skip
Great second-hand buys:
- Coats, blazers, denim, knitwear and leather goods.
- Cast iron cookware, glassware and solid-wood furniture.
- Books, musical instruments and tools.
- Bikes and sports gear, after a check-up.
Think twice, or avoid:
- Helmets and car seats, which can have hidden damage and safety limits.
- Used mattresses, which can carry bed bugs and hygiene concerns.
- Underwear and swimwear for hygiene reasons.
- Electronics without a warranty, unless you can test them thoroughly.
- Cosmetics and skincare, which can carry bacteria and expire.
Understand the fees and the fine print
Online resale platforms make money in different ways. Sellers may pay commissions of around 20 percent or more, and buyers may pay buyer-protection fees or shipping. Check:
- Buyer protection. What happens if an item arrives damaged or not as described?
- Return rules. Many marketplaces have limited returns, and items are often final sale.
- Authenticity guarantees. Luxury platforms authenticate; peer-to-peer platforms usually do not.
- Shipping costs, which can turn a $10 sweater into a $20 one.
For scam prevention on marketplaces, including fake listings and suspicious payment requests, see our guide on spotting fake reviews and shopping scams.
Care and cleaning
Wash or dry-clean second-hand clothing before wearing it. For stubborn odours, try soaking in a mix of water and white vinegar, airing garments outside, or freezing small items overnight. Repair loose buttons or hems right away; a small fix can transform a thrifted find.
Selling your own clothes
Reselling turns your wardrobe into cash and keeps clothes in circulation.
- Photograph in natural light against a clean background.
- Describe condition honestly, including flaws.
- Price competitively by checking similar sold listings.
- Use accurate measurements and keywords so buyers can find your listings.
- Ship promptly and package items neatly.
A pair of well-loved Levi's or a Patagonia fleece can sell quickly. Our stories on Levi's 501s and Patagonia explain why these brands hold their value.
The takeaway
Thrifting is a skill, and like any skill it improves with practice. Make a list, learn your measurements, favor quality materials and read the fine print on fees and returns. Do that and you will find that the best-dressed people are often the ones who shop second-hand.
Product lineups, prices and availability change often. Check current specs and retailer terms before you buy. See our editorial policy and affiliate disclosure.
