3 Vintage Experts Told Me Their Online Secondhand Shopping Tips

I’ll admit it: There are very few things I miss more than being able to enter my favorite local secondhand shop and dig for hidden gems. But while continuing social distancing is of the utmost priority right now, that doesn’t mean the thrifting has to stop. In fact, in its 2020 resale report, the popular secondhand shopping app thredUP revealed that the online secondhand market is projected to grow 69% from 2019 to 2021. 

Given the current state of the world, it comes as no surprise that used clothing is booming. Not only has the already unstable retail market been upended by the pandemic, but also more people have been cleaning out their closets and reassessing how their consumption impacts the environment.

For editors such as myself, secondhand shopping has been a long-time passion, however, I understand that not everyone knows how to efficiently thrift, much less online. So now seemed like the perfect time to tap three vintage experts to demystify digital secondhand shopping. Ahead, you’ll hear from the curators behind some of Instagram’s and coolest vintage shops about their secondhand shopping tips, a bit about their passion, and why shopping used clothing is the future. Spoiler alert: Gems in all forms can be found ahead.

Roam Vintage 

About: Roam Vintage is an online vintage shop founded by Natasha Zoë Garrett. In Garrett’s own words, "Vintage is in my DNA." She recalls her childhood shopping with her mother at flea markets and antique shops. All pieces sold on her site are handpicked by her, and the jewelry featured on her site is made-to-order.

What’s the best piece you’ve found secondhand online?

I scored a vintage Celine cream safari jacket online recently for a steal!

How has secondhand shopping changed your approach to your personal style?

It hasn’t changed it as much as it informed it. I grew up shopping secondhand out of necessity. We didn’t have much money growing up, so I found ways to dress creatively with mostly thrifted pieces. It helped train my eye to find pieces with potential out of a pile of otherwise not so special clothes.

What’s one of the largest misconceptions you think people have about secondhand clothing?

I think there has been a stigma around secondhand clothes being dirty and dated. Yes, there certainly are a lot of pieces that could use a good cleaning, but there are also a ton of magical, well-made, and timeless gems to be found. With Roam, I really try to show people that vintage doesn’t need to look or feel retro and that it can absolutely translate well into a more modern wardrobe.

Why do you think people are apprehensive to shop secondhand online? What advice would you give to someone afraid to take the plunge?

I think the apprehension comes from not being able to try pieces on first. Vintage sizing can really be all over the place. I recommend that people know their measurements before shopping and make sure that the sources they are buying from providing measurements (such as bust, waist, hips, inseam, etc.) of the pieces they are selling.

I also recommend reading the listing to see if a piece is being sold with any significant wear before buying, as most shops do not offer returns on vintage items. Personally, I love a great vintage piece, but I know the hunt isn’t for everyone.

Where is your favorite place to shop for secondhand gems online?

Instagram is pretty great for vintage browsing nowadays. There are so many shops that use Instagram as the primary platform to sell their pieces. I also love eBay if I want to look for something specific and possibly rarer. Lately, I have been absolutely obsessed with Facebook Marketplace for vintage home goods!

How do you think COVID-19 will change the way we think about the secondhand and vintage shopping experience?

I think the pandemic has actually created a really beautiful support system for the online selling community. I think it’s shown people that buying and selling online really is the way of the future. I’ve seen a lot of shops get creative with virtual studio appointments and pop-ups. I also think that in light of the recent uprising and amplification of Black voices, I’ve witnessed and been a part of a really beautiful support network of Black-owned online businesses, and I’m so grateful for that.

Why is it more important than ever to shop secondhand?

Our planet is hurting because humans continue creating and consuming without examining their intent. With my shop, I aim to remind people that there is already so much beauty out in the world that exists and to help them find ways to love pieces that have lived lives before reaching them. 

What tips can you offer for those who are shopping for vintage online?

Tip #1: Thoroughly check the pieces for stains, tears, etc. Look out for tags or zippers which might give clues to how old the piece is, and always trust your gut!

Tip #2: Know your sizing and thoroughly read the listing.

Tip #3: Look at what it’s made of. Personally, I try my best to source mostly natural fiber vintage-like cotton, silk, linen, and wool. It’s more breathable and comfortable. Make sure you know what the care requirements are for the pieces. I try not to sell too many pieces that require dry cleaning or expensive upkeep.

Tip #4: Find vendors you really love and constantly check in to see what new pieces they have. You can even feel free to reach out to some shops to see if they can look out for something specific for you. I do that often for customers.

Thrilling

About: Thrilling is an online marketplace founded by Shilla Kim-Parker that curates hundreds of secondhand and vintage items from small stores across the country. Kim-Parker grew up in New York City shopping secondhand.

Why do you love shopping vintage and secondhand?

I love the adrenaline rush of the hunt and discovering that one of a kind piece that just sings to you, almost always at a great value. 

What’s the best piece you’ve found secondhand online?

Honestly, every time I purchase vintage online, I think it’s my best find. Right now, I’m obsessed with vintage caftans. I just scored one that feels both subtle and striking. 

How has secondhand shopping changed your approach to your personal style? 

Once you realize you can get off the relentless treadmill of mainstream fashion, it’s incredibly empowering. I became much more honest with myself about what genuinely brings me joy and comfort, and not at all concerned with what others think about my personal style.

What’s one of the largest misconceptions you think people have about secondhand clothing? 

Secondhand shopping is not a niche sport. It is just shopping. And it happens to be a more effective medium to express your personality any way you want, for any occasion you want. 

Why do you think people are apprehensive to shop secondhand online? And what advice would you give to someone afraid to take the plunge? 

All vintage sellers absolutely love engaging with shoppers and welcome questions or the opportunity to explain their item in greater detail. Don’t be shy about asking for more information regarding condition or material or for additional pictures. Also definitely know your measurements (at least bust and waist) and feel free to ask for measurements of the item if it isn’t already listed. Last, many secondhand sites (including ours) offer the ability to return the item in case it just doesn’t fit in the way that you had hoped. 

Where is your favorite place to shop for secondhand gems online? 

Besides Thrilling? Instagram for sure.

Why is it more important than ever to shop secondhand? 

The apparel industrial complex has devastating consequences on the environment and on human rights. Shopping secondhand is not only the most genuinely sustainable way to buy clothes, but it also often supports small indie shops who are the lifeblood of every local community and economy.

Sororité Vintage

About: Sororité Vintage was founded by a team of French sisters and their mother who have a passion for vintage clothing. The team curates vintage reworked lingerie, jewelry, and other pieces that are sold at exclusive drop times that you can keep updated about on their Instagram. 

When did you first get into shopping vintage and secondhand? How has secondhand shopping changed your approach to your personal style? 

We’ve been shopping secondhand for as long as we have been able to hold a purse. Individuality has always been ingrained within us, and shopping from vintage stores allows us to find pieces that express our own personal styles. Vintage stores offer more variety than fast-fashion retailers and their selection changes daily. 

What’s the best piece you’ve found secondhand online? 

We happened upon a vintage 1956 Chevrolet 3100 that needed a lot of tender love and care. We’re currently in the process of converting it into an electric vehicle. We already drive an EV on our vintage-hunting travels and want to do the same for the truck to give it a new, eco-friendly life. 

Where is your favorite place to shop for secondhand gems online? 

You can find everything on Instagram. We actually found our truck on Instagram, so don’t assume what you can find. 

What’s one of the largest misconceptions you think people have about secondhand clothing? 

People tend to think that clothing found at secondhand stores is out of style. Designers actually purchase and find inspiration from vintage clothing for their modern lines. Garments you see on runways in 2020 are often renditions of pieces that were already on the runways in the 1980s and 1990s. 

Why do you think people are apprehensive to shop secondhand online? What advice would you give to someone afraid to take the plunge? 

Prospective clients who love vintage clothing but are unsure if anything vintage would ever fit them reach out to us all the time. This is why we make sure that our descriptions are detailed and have accurate measurements and sizing information. We also created a concierge service on our website called La Conciergerie where anyone can request particular sizes and styles to arrive in our shop.

How do you think COVID-19 will change the way we think about the secondhand and vintage shopping experience? 

COVID-19 has completely changed the way that we think about in-person shopping as a whole. People’s love of vintage clothing will continue, but the way that society shops has changed. It’s a brand’s responsibility to ensure that they’re providing a superb and safe online shopping experience. 

Why is it more important than ever to shop secondhand? 

As consumers, it’s important to align our purchasing power with our values. Vintage clothing no longer has an impact on the environment. Sustainability is what drives our brand. We not only offer exclusively vintage and pre-loved clothing in our shop but also ship these pieces in fully recyclable and biodegradable packaging since plastic packaging can end up in landfills and oceans. Shopping vintage is an excellent way to lower your personal carbon footprint and to help the planet. 

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