Secondhand shopping can save you money, reduce waste, and unlock higher-quality clothes. But not everything is worth buying used. Here’s how to tell the difference.

Shopping secondhand is one of the most powerful ways to build a more affordable, sustainable wardrobe. But that doesn’t mean every secondhand purchase is a smart one.

Some pieces hold up beautifully in resale; they last longer, wear better, and offer serious value compared to their fast-fashion counterparts. Others? Not so much. Whether it’s hygiene concerns, wear-and-tear, or the cost of repairs outweighing the savings, there are cases where secondhand just isn’t worth it.

So how do you know what to buy used and what to skip? This guide breaks it down clearly, with practical insight into where secondhand shines versus some categories to avoid.

What Makes Something Worth Buying Secondhand?

It usually comes down to one (usually multiple) of these qualities:

• Durability: The item was made to last and still has life left.

• Resale value: It’s priced far below its original retail cost.

• Scarcity or uniqueness: You can’t easily find it new (vintage, designer, out-of-season).

• Easy to evaluate: You can clearly see its condition or risk is low.

• Easy to clean or tailor: Even if it needs a refresh, it’s fixable.

When these factors align, secondhand shopping becomes a clear practical win. We’ll discuss item categories that tend to share one or more of these characteristics, but individual items may or may not fit these guidelines.

Remember, not every good secondhand buy is the right secondhand buy for you. Just because an item is unique or priced well doesn’t mean it will fit with your personal style or wardrobe. This article will present guidelines for evaluating items and categories in general, but check out our other articles on how to evaluate which items are actually right for you.

These Categories Are Worth Buying Secondhand

Outerwear

Coats, jackets, trenches, and blazers are among the best secondhand buys. They’re typically worn over other clothes (so they see less sweat and wear). They’re made from more durable materials and they’re often the most expensive category to buy new. Outerwear fit can also be more forgiving, especially if you like an oversized fit.

Bonus: outerwear trends don’t turnover as quickly, so a classic cut from 10 or 20 years ago may still look current.

Denim

Good jeans are built to last, and many actually get better with age. Vintage 100% cotton denim softens and molds to your body over time, while quality stretch blends can hold up for years. With so many brands and fits in circulation, the secondhand market is a great place to experiment without paying full price.

Bonus: you can often find premium denim brands at a fraction of retail.

Pro tip: spend a day at the mall trying on denim at different brands to find your favorite styles and your size in each. Sizing can vary from brand to brand, so this will help you purchase the right size through online secondhand marketplaces.

Sweaters and Knitwear

Wool, cashmere, and quality cotton knits can be prime secondhand finds if you know how to spot them. Look for tight stitching, minimal pilling, and fabric that bounces back after stretching. You can often find barely-worn or vintage sweaters that outperform new ones and last a lifetime if cared for properly.

Stick with natural fibers for secondhand sweaters. Wool is cozy and warm, while cotton makes for breathable lightweight sweaters during transitional weather. Be cautious with acrylics, polyester, and fabric blends, which tend to pill and degrade more quickly.

Special Occasion Pieces

If you only need to wear it once (or once in a while), don’t buy it new. Formal dresses, suiting, cocktail attire, and event shoes are great categories to shop secondhand. You’ll often find that these items were worn once or twice and stored, meaning you get near-new condition without the markup.

Bonus: you’ll find more unique pieces that won’t match what everyone else is wearing.

Pro tip: if you’ll only wear it once, plan to resell and pass it on after the event. This keeps items in circulation, and can allow you to recoup a lot of what you spend on the item itself!

Vintage and Unique Finds

From ‘80s dresses to Y2K accessories, secondhand is the best (and often only) place to find truly original pieces that reflect your personal style. These pieces add character and personality to your wardrobe, and they’re often better-constructed than modern fast fashion.

Pro tip: when it comes to vintage, don’t trust the size on the label. Instead, rely on measurements. It may take some trial and error and measuring your own garments for comparison, but in the long run will help you find vintage items that fit like they were made for you.

High-End Basics and Elevated Staples

Think silk blouses, wool trousers, leather belts, structured bags. These items are expensive to buy new, but they’re also durable, high quality, and often undervalued on resale platforms. If you’re building a capsule wardrobe, shopping these categories secondhand is a great way to add polish without blowing your budget.

Pro tip: in the high-end category, material and construction can say more than brand name. A vintage silk shirt from a brand you’re not familiar with will likely look better and last longer than a polyester satin shirt from a well known brand. Evaluate the whole piece before you buy!

What’s Sometimes Worth Buying Secondhand (with Caution)

Shoes

Shoes can be a smart buy, if they’re in good condition. Leather boots, loafers, and gently worn sneakers are solid bets, especially if soles and insoles are intact. But overly worn soles, warped footbeds, or peeling materials? Skip them. The cost to repair may outweigh the savings.

Always check photos carefully (inside and out), and when in doubt, ask for close-ups.

Handbags

Secondhand is a great place to buy handbags, especially structured or vintage leather ones. But beware of fakes, especially with designer brands. Stick to sellers with clear photos, authentication (if applicable), and a reputation for honest listings. Look for wear at the corners, straps, and interior lining. 

Pro tip: Look at comps in the secondhand market before buying. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

T-Shirts and Basics

It depends. If it’s a high-quality tee from a premium brand or still has the tags on? Go for it. But if it’s a stretched-out cotton-poly blend or a pilled tank top, you’re better off skipping it. These items tend to degrade quickly and are often overvalued on resale platforms.

You might have better luck thrifting t-shirts and basics at a local Goodwill or Salvation Army where prices are more likely to reflect the value. These stores are often full of options and you can get a better deal if you’re willing to do some sifting.

What’s Usually Not Worth Buying Secondhand

Undergarments and Intimates

Bras, underwear, shapewear, and socks fall firmly in the “buy new” category for most people. The hygiene reasons are obvious, but these items also stretch and break down with wear. The exception? Certain specialty or vintage pieces (like structured corsets or slips) that are in excellent condition.

Heavily Used Fast Fashion

Some fast fashion can hold up well secondhand, but a lot of it doesn't. Thin fabrics, loose seams, and trends that faded five years ago aren’t great buys, even at low prices. If it’s pilled, worn out, faded, or coming apart, move on.

Swimwear

Yes, it’s possible to find clean, barely-worn swimwear secondhand. But sizing is tricky, elastic degrades quickly, and the hygiene risk isn’t worth it for many. Unless it’s new with tags or made from especially high-quality materials, this category is best approached with caution.

Leggings and Activewear (Heavily Used)

Performance fabrics lose stretch and moisture-wicking ability over time, especially with heavy wear. These fabrics can also trap stains and odors after repeated workouts. If the item is lightly used or from a premium brand, it may be worth a look. But if it’s sheer, stretched out, or pilling, skip it.

Ready to Shop Smarter?

Secondhand shopping is at its best when you’re buying things that will last, feel good to wear, and fill a real gap in your wardrobe. The trick isn’t to say yes to every cheap listing. It’s to know what holds up, what pays off long-term, and what simply isn’t worth your time or money.

These categories should serve as a starting point and set of filters for your secondhand shopping journey, so you spend your time finding quality items for a good value. But they’re not the end of the story. It’s up to you to incorporate your personal style and wardrobe wishlist to find the items that are right for you.