My Instagram is flooded with thrifters across the globe who always seem to find one-of-a-kind pieces at their local op shops.
While many go digging for the best homewares and furniture, a large number always seem to be searching for the best second-hand clothes.
It’s no surprise that I have zero time to get to a store, but I am able to scroll through Vinted every evening while I lounge on the sofa.
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If — like me — you’ve had minimal luck searching for a wishlist piece or a “hidden gem”, it may pay to take advice from the pros.
Vinted is one of Europe’s biggest second-hand marketplaces and it landed in Australia earlier this year.
The platform allows users to buy and sell pre-loved clothing, while letting sellers keep every dollar they earn thanks to zero selling fees.
Emelia Morris, a fashion stylist, shares her five top tips for shopping pre-loved items below to help you curate your wardrobe with vintage items you’ll wear this spring.
Search beyond the obvious
If you search ‘black blazer’, you could be scrolling for the rest of your natural life. To find the hidden gems or track down a specific piece, the more detail you add, the better.
Look for the item you’re searching for with things like brand, fabrication, silhouette, and even the year or collection if you know it.
Hot tip — if you have a photo of the piece you want, upload it to Vinted to find the exact item or something similar.
Zoom in before you buy
I check the areas that reveal wear first: underarms, collars and cuffs on tops, inner thighs and hems on trousers, soles and heels on shoes, corners, handles and hardware on bags.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, the more questions the better, especially on higher-priced items.
Know your measurements
Don’t rely only on the size tag, particularly with vintage or older pieces. Sizing can vary significantly across eras and even between different collections.
Measure a similar item you already own and love, then compare garment to garment.
For newer pieces, you may also be able to find the original brand size chart online, and also check whether the item has been altered.
Ask the questions
Don’t be afraid to ask for the information missing from the listing, like measurements, fabric composition, or whether it has been altered or a closer photo of a particular area.
Great condition is subjective. Ask specific questions you want to know.
And if you are wanting something in a specific timeframe, ask about approximate postage time; you don’t want to be disappointed if it doesn’t arrive in time.
Read the photos properly
Zoom in on seams, zips, buttons, lining and hardware, not only the hero photo. Look for fabric pulling, pilling, fading or areas that appear shiny from wear.
I’d also ask for a photo of the composition label.
It can help date or verify a piece and confirms whether that “silky” dress is actually silk or just has a very confident description.
Download the Vinted app to start browsing pre-loved items today.
