How to Shop for Second-Hand Online, Like a Stylist
This blog was inspired by several of my clients who live remotely and have used my online styling services. Together, we've completed online wardrobe edits and shopped for pre-loved pieces from well-known brands available in Australia.
Many of my clients don't have access to op shops, vintage stores, or vintage fairs, so learning how to shop second-hand online has opened a whole new world of fashion possibilities.
When I was first approached to help with pre-loved online shopping, I was excited to share what I had discovered. Shopping online is actually something I rarely do myself, I prefer to touch, feel, and try on garments before purchasing. However, there are so many benefits to buying pre-loved fashion online.
That said, shopping for second-hand clothing and shoes online can be tricky, especially when purchasing vintage pieces or brands you've never worn before.
There are various online op shops as well as platforms such as eBay, Depop, Etsy, and Facebook Marketplace. Each attracts different types of sellers and offers different price points, so it's worth exploring each platform to find the one that suits you best.
Now, let's get started.
1. Know Your Measurements
This is one of the most important steps.
Sizing varies greatly between brands, especially when garments are designed and manufactured in different countries. If you're buying vintage, sizing can be very different from today's standards and tends to run smaller in both shoes and clothing.
Also remember that garments may have been altered by previous owners. Sometimes the seller may not even be aware of alterations if the item has changed hands several times.
Focus on measurements rather than the size tag.
When you're scrolling online, always keep your measurements handy. If a seller hasn't included measurements, ask before purchasing. Even if you've owned the brand before, you never know if a garment has been shortened, taken up at the shoulders, or nipped in at the waist.
Keep a record of your:
- Bust
- Waist
- Hips
- Shoulder width
- Inseam
- Length measurements for dresses and tops
Tip: Measure a few favourite garments from your wardrobe and compare those measurements with online listings.
Also, know what you're looking for. Use keywords when searching and set a price range you're comfortable with.
If you're purchasing multiple items from the same seller, ask whether they offer combined postage to save on shipping costs. Some sellers include shipping in their pricing, while others don't.
2. Read the Listing Carefully
The description often tells you everything you need to know. Look for:
Fabric Composition
Is it cotton, silk, wool, linen, or a blended fabric? Ask yourself:
- Is this fabric breathable?
- Will it be comfortable to wear?
- Does it suit my lifestyle?
Garment Condition
The condition of a garment will usually determine its price. Most online platforms use condition categories such as:
- New with tags
- Excellent used condition
- Good condition with minor flaws
- Fair condition with signs of wear
Care Instructions
This is often overlooked.
You may not want to purchase something that requires dry cleaning every time it's worn, as this can become expensive over time.
Personally, I rarely dry clean garments. I prefer to gently hand wash when its appropriate. Vintage garments often require extra care, so always check the fabric and care requirements before purchasing.
Damage and Repairs
Check whether the garment has:
- Missing buttons
- Loose hems
- Stains
- Tears
- Repairs
If stains are mentioned, ask the seller whether they know what caused them and whether they have attempted to remove them.
Rust stains are particularly common in vintage clothing. I once purchased a vintage dress where the rust marks weren't visible in the photographs. I've spent quite a bit of time treating the stains and have nearly removed them without fading the fabric.
If you feel information is missing, don't be afraid to ask questions before purchasing.
3. Study the Photos
Good photos reveal a lot. Look for:
- Close-up images of labels and details
- Photos showing any flaws
- Images of the garment being worn or styled
- Multiple angles of the garment
Be cautious if there are only one or two photos. You need to see the garment from different angles to assess its condition properly.
Remember that colour can be misleading online. You're relying on the seller's photography, lighting, and camera settings.
I've been caught out myself. As someone who loves wearing blue-based reds, I thought I'd found the perfect red dress online. When it arrived, it turned out to be a bright orange-based red that didn't suit me at all.
Always zoom in to inspect fabric texture, stitching, and overall condition.
4. Research Brands and Fabrics
Before purchasing, do a little homework.
Check the Brand's Size Guide
Sizing varies considerably between brands, countries, and manufacturing periods.
Read Reviews
Reviews can provide useful insight into:
- Fit
- Quality
- Fabric performance
- Durability
Understand Fabrics
Learn which fabrics suit your lifestyle and wardrobe needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Faux leather generally has a lifespan of around five years before it starts to crack or peel.
- In my experience, faux leather garments produced during the 1990s and early 2000s were often of much better quality than many newer versions available today.
- Some recently manufactured faux leather garments I've owned have started cracking after only two years.
Quality leather garments, on the other hand, can last for decades if properly maintained. Keep them clean and conditioned each season.
Vintage garments may feature fabrics such as:
- Rayon
- Polyester
- Lurex
- Brocade
- Metallic-thread textiles
Natural fibres such as cotton, linen, wool, and silk often age beautifully and can provide many years of wear.
5. Create a Wishlist
One of the best ways to avoid impulse purchases is to create a wishlist.
Before buying, ask yourself:
- Can I style this at least three different ways?
- Does it fit within my colour palette?
- Does it suit my lifestyle?
- Will it work with pieces I already own?
Also keep an eye out for those special finds, a designer piece at an amazing price can be worth the wait.
Don't be afraid to make a reasonable offer. You never know, it might be accepted.
A wish list helps you build a stylish, versatile wardrobe rather than a collection of random purchases.
6. Understand Returns and Shipping
Every platform operates differently. Before purchasing, check:
- Return policies
- Shipping costs
- Seller ratings and reviews
- Payment protection options
Understanding these details upfront can save disappointment later.
7. Be Patient
The best pre-loved finds often take time.
Save searches, follow favourite sellers, and set alerts for brands, colours, or styles you love.
Patience often pays off with better quality pieces and better prices.
8. Think Beyond Trends
Focus on timeless pieces that you'll wear for years rather than short-lived trends. Some great categories to search for include:
- Blazers
- Denim
- Knitwear
- Quality handbags
- Classic dresses
When shopping for shoes or boots, follow the same principles. Pay particular attention to:
- Sole condition
- Heel wear
- Interior lining
- Overall structure
Personally, I prefer full leather uppers and leather linings to avoid disappointment from peeling faux or bonded leather. Keep in mind that vintage shoes may look good in the photos but if they haven’t been worn for a while, the heel may disintegrate when you wear it.
9. Enjoy the Treasure Hunt
Shopping pre-loved is about more than saving money. It's about discovering unique pieces with character, extending the life of garments, and creating a wardrobe that's truly your own.
Remember, ask questions before you hit the purchase button.
The more information you gather, the more confident you'll feel about your purchase.
What's Your Best Pre-Loved Fashion Find?
I'd love to hear about your favourite second-hand treasure. Share it in the comments below!
