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Do/would you wear second hand clothes?

(132 Posts)
readsalot Thu 01-Jul-21 12:53:45

I have lost two stone and gone down two dress sizes. I donated a lot of clothes to a couple of charity shops, but also had a look to see what they had on the rails. Not much in my size and nothing I liked. No luck in other nearby charity shops either, so I had a look on eBay. I have bought 12 items, averaging £10 each and have been really pleased at the quality. I love my clothes and usually wear them out, but the clothes I bought were all in nearly new condition. DH was horrified at first, but came round when I reminded him that I used to hire ballgowns and other formal outfits years ago and if I wasn't bothered, why was he? Does anyone else buy and wear pre-owned? I will definitely continue this way of shopping.

MissAdventure Thu 01-Jul-21 16:50:21

I love second hand clothes, and always have.
My idea of a good day is if someone as fat as me, with the same taste as me, has donated lots of stuff that I can buy.

WishIwasyounger Thu 01-Jul-21 16:54:52

Crikey yes, of course, why wouldn't you?
Apart from being cheap, its a great way of recycling clothes, though my underwear is bought new. I bought a fabulous White Stuff dress last week from a local charity shop, though when I'm going to wear it I'm not sure.

Oldbat1 Thu 01-Jul-21 17:10:35

Yes I’ve always “done” charity shops. Most of my tops and jackets are charity buys. Occasionally find some trousers. I only buy good makes like M&S, fat face, next, John Lewis as I know they will fit. I bought a pair of unworn walking shoes for £7 and they should be £90. I love it.

BBbevan Thu 01-Jul-21 17:59:21

Yes I have bought some excellent stuff from eBay. Dislike charity shops because of the smell, but my eBay stuff usually arrives washed and clean smelling. I do stick to labels I would normally buy though.

MissAdventure Thu 01-Jul-21 18:12:10

I have bought quite a few pairs of shoes from Ebay.
I found a nice woman who seems to sell shoes that have been on display, so are technically 'used'.
It means I can afford comfortable, well made shoes. smile

varian Thu 01-Jul-21 18:20:24

Of course. I give stuff I don't want to the charity shop and I but other folk's cast offs. That makes sense.

I hate waste. What would happen to that stuff if no-one was prepared to re-use it?

BlueBelle Thu 01-Jul-21 18:27:18

I rarely buy anything that isn’t second hand and I get lots of compliments
I ve always bought second hand ever since I left home
I don’t like waste and why not recycle, what I don’t want I give to the charity shop or sell online and do the same with buying

nadateturbe Thu 01-Jul-21 18:30:00

Of course. Why not? Although as Blossoming says I don't often find things I like. I wouldn't wear secondhand underwear or nightwear. And I don't buy cheaper brands.

NannyJan53 Thu 01-Jul-21 18:35:22

I have many items bought in charity shops over the years. Jeans, dresses (Phase Eight, Next, Per Una), tops, also books which I give back once read.

I also regularly donate clothes to charity shops, I too hate the idea of throwing things out if someone else can make use of it.

3dognight Thu 01-Jul-21 19:08:09

Yes.

Anyone remember Jumble Sales?
I used to love the cut and thrust of a good jumble grin

MissAdventure Thu 01-Jul-21 19:10:47

They can be scary places!
All those jumblies elbowing their way to the best bargains. smile

valdali Thu 01-Jul-21 19:18:28

Years ago the M&S reduced counter used to be just the same - all sharp elbows and 2 people grabbing the same thing!

readsalot Thu 01-Jul-21 19:21:12

Nice to know I'm in such good company. I rarely buy a new book and love finding different authors in charity shops. I try and live by the 'nothing to landfill' view and decided to not just donate but buy pre-owned too. I also see it as recycling and giving the money to charities instead of large companies. I have seen at least a dozen Boden dresses on eBay that I would like to buy, but will choose only one for a christening later this year. Wish I had discovered this way of shopping sooner.

BlueBelle Thu 01-Jul-21 19:32:43

I used to love jumble sales too 3dog That mad rush when the door opens and grabbing what caught your eye for next to nothing charity shops are next eat thing The one I work in is amazing and we get fantastic clothes handed in often new I can’t never understand the amount of people that buy stuff and never use it Shoes too most of mine come from there too
We all pay of course and it goes in a staff book but we do get a small discount which is only fair as we give many many hours free of charge

Fennel Thu 01-Jul-21 19:46:45

I've bought many things from ebay, including clothes. And I was a jumble sale addict when they were more prolific.
I used to buy some school uniform second hand too, especially blazers which were very expensive.
Apart from anything else clothes in earlier days were made from better quality materials. Rubbish now, unless you spend a fortune.
If anyone's interested I have a beautiful cream silk blouse , long sleeve high neck lots of covered buttons.
Husband bought me off ebay recently but far too big.about size 16-18.
Almost an antique. For sale free!

Amberone Thu 01-Jul-21 20:06:55

Yes I do when I find something I like and that fits. I often buy things just for the material and use them to make something else. A friend of mine used to get all her jeans from her local charity shops - she lived in a quite expensive area and would pick up 'named' jeans for a fiver.

I also buy good curtains and use them to make blinds.

Ngaio1 Thu 01-Jul-21 20:29:27

Ver much so. This week I bought 3 silk blouses from Sue Ryder in a local village. They are gorgeous.

Fennel Thu 01-Jul-21 20:36:45

Amberone very clever to make blinds!
We've also bought good curtains off ebay, to reduce to fit smaller windows. Top upholstery quality glazed cotton fully lined.
Can't claim to do that ouselves now, but we have a local business who do it at a good price.
Real re-cycling.

ayse Thu 01-Jul-21 21:01:32

Both my daughters and I buy from charity shops. It’s my first port of call especially when visiting DD2 in Bristol. Lots of lovely clothes, china and glassware. Shoes, underwear and pyjamas are the only thing I buy new in our Clarks Outlet shop. DD3 buys lots of children’s clothes online and sells outgrown clothes as well. Again shoes and underwear + socks are the exception. Nothing wrong with recycling and it raises much needed finance for local and national charities.

I’ve also more recently been keeping an eye on online auctions. Antiques and Vintage etc are the ultimate recycling and good stuff can be bought for a lot less than new. Pine furniture can be repurposed but I wouldn’t mess with good quality antique furniture.

Market place and Gumtree can be great places to buy stuff and sell as well.

Millie22 Thu 01-Jul-21 21:12:04

No I never have but was just looking through some things whilst in a charity shop as my mum loves them and I saw a really nice Mint Velvet jumper. As one of my favourite brands I was so tempted as it looked brand new. I don't mean to offend anyone but there is always a sort of old clothes smell in some of the charity shops.

3dognight Thu 01-Jul-21 21:23:50

Sometimes there is Millie.
You just have to look past it, and remember look at the care labels if not sure, only buy washable clothes.

MerylStreep Thu 01-Jul-21 21:32:32

It’s not only clothes.
I’ve got furniture, occasionally tables, mirrors,
This picture is my best picture buy. I’ve got several Jack Vettriano prints but this was my best buy at £2. !!!!!!!
If you can see the ceiling light it is one of a pair of Edwardian lights. £5 the pair!!!!!!!
This picture is 35” x 27”

JoMarch1962 Thu 01-Jul-21 21:40:59

Hardly ever buy new- so many quality things in our local charity shops. Best Buy Ever was a brand new ( ever so slightly seconds on a tiny bit of beading) intricate Phase 8 wedding dress for my daughter retailing for £500+. We got it for £60 from the Shaw Trust shop. ( I think they had a special arrangement with Phase 8.) It’s a win win- you recycle, help a charity, and save money- all whilst indulging in some “ new to you” garment.

JoMarch1962 Thu 01-Jul-21 21:42:24

Just to add- not undies, nighties, pjs obviously!

May7 Thu 01-Jul-21 21:43:06

I loathe shopping with a passion. Buy almost everything from ebay. Got the last bidding at 8 seconds off to a fine art. I actually can't remember the last time I went into a shop. I donate all my clothes to charity but never shop in them. I've never been disappointed in items I've bought but always wash them before wearing. Feel really smug as well with my bargains.

Nice to see you posting MissAdventure