7 Tips on How to Shop Second-Hand Successfully

After years of deep diving into the world of thrifting, vintage, and second-hand fashion, and after talking to hundreds of changemakers, store owners, and fashion professionals, we at A Sustainable Closet have learned a lot. We’ve had our fair share of successes and failures: closets filled with treasures we still wear every week, and others overflowing with second-hand pieces that never saw the light of day.

The truth is, second-hand shopping isn’t just about finding something cheap or sustainable; it’s an art. And like any art, it takes time, intention, and a few lessons learned. Here are our seven best tips to help you shop second-hand more successfully and consciously.

1. Forget About “Your Size”

Sizing is one of the biggest myths in fashion. Every brand measures differently, and second-hand often spans decades of sizing standards. A blazer can look fantastic a few sizes up, a shirt might work better cropped or fitted. Try to look beyond the label and focus on fit and feel. If it doesn’t feel right when you try it on at home, it won’t magically start to later. Let it go, and trust that someone else will find joy in it.

2. Only Buy What You Can (and Will) Fix

We’ve all done it, bought that amazing skirt that’s “just a bit too long,” or a dress with a missing button we swear we’ll fix. If you don’t already sew or upcycle, don’t buy something that requires repair.
Instead, start learning the skill first. Try shortening an old piece you already own, replace a button, or take a small mending course. Once you feel confident, then look for those potential projects in thrift shops.

3. Inspect for Quality

Second-hand can mean pre-loved, but that doesn’t have to mean worn-out. Look closely at fabric, seams, zippers, and buttons. Are there stains or smells that won’t wash out? Is the material still strong and wearable?
If you wouldn’t wear it in its current condition, you likely won’t fix it later. Choose pieces that are already in a state you love.

4. Know How to Care for It

Many vintage pieces come with special care needs. Hand-wash only? Dry-clean? Wool that needs gentle detergent?
Before you bring it home, make sure you know how to look after it, and that you actually will. If you’re not okay with handwashing or lack the right settings on your machine, it might be better to leave it for someone who will.

5. Don’t Chase Trends or Labels

Just because a magazine declared a certain look “in”, or because you spot your favourite brand second-hand, doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Trends change, and even the most sustainable purchase loses its meaning if it sits unworn. Focus instead on timeless, personal style. Choose pieces that make you feel like yourself, not like the version of yourself you think you “should” be.

6. Avoid the “It’s Cheap!” Trap

One of the biggest psychological pitfalls of thrifting is price. When things are affordable, we tend to buy more, even if we don’t truly want them. Instead, ask yourself: Would I buy this even if it cost more? If the answer is no, put it back. A cheap item you never wear isn’t a bargain; it’s clutter.

7. Remember: You Can’t Always Return It

Most second-hand stores don’t offer returns, so take your time. Try things on, check materials, and picture how you’ll wear them.
At the same time, remember the beauty of circular shopping, that moment when you find a one-of-a-kind piece, made with quality that modern fast fashion can’t match. Those are often the pieces that stay with you for years and draw the most compliments.

In the End: Second-Hand Is a Mindset

Second-hand shopping isn’t about replicating mainstream shopping with “better” materials; it’s a whole new way of relating to clothes. It’s about slowing down, tuning in to your personal style, and curating a wardrobe that tells your story.

The most loved pieces in our closets? They’re often the ones we find while travelling, not necessarily the cheapest, but the most unique, well-made, and full of character.

Second-hand shopping is both an art and a practice in mindfulness. The more intentional you become, the more rewarding it gets.