how i've fully switched to secondhand shopping — and so can you
tried-and-true tips to make shopping clothes secondhand second nature
Online secondhand platforms like Vinted have totally changed my shopping habits.
I’ve always loved thrifting, but it wasn’t a reflex. Then Vinted made it as easy as opening an app. It became a game to hunt down items and brands I otherwise would’ve never found.
I started this newsletter when friends started asking for practical tips, and I noticed they often shared similar doubts/concerns.
Below, I answer three that I hear the most—along with tricks to make secondhand shopping second nature.
“Which brands should I buy secondhand”
eBay, Vinted, or Etsy, can feel overwhelming.
You know there’s a gem somewhere in there but it’s lost in a sea of fast fashion. The best way to filter them out is to tell your algorithm which brands to show you with “saved searches”.
The criteria of a good brand
I look for brands that tick at least 2 of the following criteria: high quality, actually vintage, affordable secondhand.
Take note of brands sold in curated secondhand shops.
These stores are a great gateway into thrifting but sometimes a bit pricey. Next time you enter a store you like, take note of the brands they resell. This trick has given me so much inspiration!
Here are a few curated stores you can browse for inspiration: DUO NYC, NEUZWEI, Cent Neuf, and this online shop has a crazy good brand directory
Here’s my (non-comprehensive) list of trusty brands
Nerdily organized into 3 main buckets. I keep a note on my phone with brands I’ve discovered and want to keep on my radar.
Check out my brand guides
In case you missed them :) they go into some of the brands I love to search for, including their history and curated links.
“Will the item fit me?”
A very valid concern. Nothing worse than buying something only to realize it doesn’t fit you and then not being able to easily return it.
Here are tips for finding secondhand gems that fit just right:
Know your measurements
Make note of them in your phone, then bug vendors by asking them to provide all the measurements for that dress/pants you’re eyeing 🙃 trust me, it’s worth the extra effort.
Embrace tailoring
When a secondhand find doesn’t fit exactly right but you love the color/shape/material, head to your local tailor. I’ve altered so many of the items I’ve found secondhand.
Tailoring is also a great way to resurrect clothing you’ve been avoiding wearing because the fit is off. Get it altered to feel like you have a brand new item in your closet ✨
“I don’t have time”
It turns out not all of us like scrolling through endless items before finding the one. Fair enough! There are so many ways to secondhand shop without putting in the hours:
Start with curated vintage (online or in person)
Already mentioned earlier, these are great ways to find secondhand gems without the effort of sourcing. What you end up paying extra, you gain back in time. I shared my favorite spots to shop in Paris in a previous post.
Follow resellers on eBay, Vinted or Etsy
A bit of a similar approach as above but there are many more options on these platforms. Sometimes you’ll notice a seller has a fun selection. Check if they post regularly. If they do, give them a follow!
Here are a few of my faves:
SmizeVintage on Etsy for incredible basics
NEP Please on Vinted for vintage Japanese gems
This Vinted reseller for vintage y2k clothes
This one also on Vinted for a great selection and frequent uploads
This Vinted reseller for some great vintage Italian designers like Moschino, Versace, Roberto Cavalli
And finally this reseller sells great vintage bathing suits on Vinted
Follow secondhand-focused Substack writers
This lovely platform is full of vintage enthusiasts like myself who love to share their latest finds and put together wonderful curated lists for you.
Here are a few you should have on your radar if you don’t already (there are so many the list is too long to post here, but hopefully gives you a headstart!):
Long Live by
Really Good Vintage by
Secondhand shopping requires a bit more intentionality, a bit more patience. But the reward is a closet full of items you’ll treasure for years to come.
Thanks for reading 🫶
— Laure
I love this!!
Learning about high-end brands and vintage brands through shopping curated vintage and consignment has been invaluable to me! Such a great tip. As always, if your town has them, shop in person, and really look at high quality garments.
Excellent article, thanks, Laure. 💕