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10 April 2025

Planning to shop pre-loved? This is what you should know when buying secondhand

Discover our tips for online and offline secondhand shopping

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Secondhand online and offline

Secondhand, vintage, pre-loved: they’re all on the rise. But what does it mean, what are the benefits of shopping pre-loved and how can COSH! help you with that?

Secondhand clothing refers to garments and accessories that have been previously owned and are now being resold. This can include items that are gently used, vintage, or even brand new with tags. Secondhand clothing has gained popularity in recent years due to its affordability, uniqueness, and its positive impact on the environment. By choosing to buy secondhand, you are not only saving money, but also contributing to reducing fashion waste and supporting the circular economy.

Secondhand clothing encompasses a wide range of items, including apparel, footwear, accessories, and even home goods. These items can be found in various conditions, from gently used to vintage pieces that may require some restoration. Secondhand clothing can be sourced from online platforms, local thrift stores, consignment shops, and even flea markets.

There are several reasons why you might want to buy secondhand clothing. Firstly, it offers the opportunity to find unique and one-of-a-kind pieces that may not be available in traditional retail stores. Secondhand shopping allows you to express your personal style and stand out from the crowd. Additionally, buying secondhand is a more sustainable choice as it reduces the demand for new clothing production and helps to minimize the environmental impact of the fashion industry.

What are the advantages of buying Secondhand clothes in local shops?

While online shopping has its perks, let’s not forget the amazing experience of buying secondhand clothes in local shops. Here are some reasons why:

Try before you buy

One of the main benefits of shopping in local secondhand shops is the opportunity to try on the clothes before making a purchase. This allows you to ensure proper fit and check the condition of the item in person. Trying on clothes also gives you a chance to see how they look on you and decide if they match your personal style.

Support local businesses

By shopping at local secondhand shops, you are supporting small businesses in your community. These shops often rely on the revenue generated from sales to stay afloat. By choosing to buy from them, you are helping to sustain local jobs and contribute to the local and social economy. 

Personalised customer service

Shopping in local secondhand shops provides a more personalised and intimate experience compared to online shopping. The staff in these shops are often knowledgeable about the inventory and can provide guidance and recommendations based on your preferences. They can help you find the perfect piece and offer styling tips and advice.

What about buying secondhand online?

With the rise of e‑commerce, buying secondhand clothes online has become increasingly popular. Here are some of the benefits of choosing to shop for secondhand items online:

Convenience of online shopping

One of the main advantages of buying secondhand clothes online is the convenience it offers. You can browse through a wide selection of items from the comfort of your own home, at any time that suits you. Online platforms often have advanced search filters that allow you to narrow down your options based on size, brand, condition, and price range. This makes it easier to find exactly what you’re looking for without having to spend hours digging through racks in a physical store.

Wider selection of items

When shopping online, you have access to a much larger inventory of secondhand clothing compared to local shops. Online platforms connect sellers from all over the country or even internationally, giving you a broader range of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a specific designer piece or a particular vintage item, chances are it’s less time-consuming to find it online. The downside? Online verification systems are not always on point, which unfortunately increases your chances of receiving fake pieces. 

Easy comparison

Another advantage of buying secondhand clothes online is the ability to easily compare prices and conditions. With just a few clicks, you can view multiple listings for the same item and compare the prices, condition, and seller ratings. This allows you to make an informed decision and ensure that you’re getting the best deal possible.

What to consider when buying secondhand clothes?

Whether you choose to buy secondhand clothes online or in local shops, there are a few factors you should consider to ensure a successful shopping experience:

Quality of items

When buying secondhand clothes, it’s important to carefully assess the quality of the items. Check for any signs of wear, stains, or damages that may affect the overall condition and lifespan of the garment. Look for well-made pieces that are likely to withstand regular wear and washing.

Pricing and affordability

One of the main attractions of secondhand shopping is the affordability factor. However, prices can vary depending on the brand, condition, and rarity of the item. It’s important to set a budget and compare prices across different platforms or shops to ensure that you’re getting a fair deal.

Return policies and exchanges

Before making a purchase, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with the return policies and exchange options provided by the seller or shop. While many secondhand items are sold ​“as-is” and may not be eligible for returns, some sellers offer flexible return policies. Make sure to read the terms and conditions to avoid any surprises or disappointments.

Sustainability aspects of secondhand shopping

One of the key reasons why individuals choose to buy secondhand clothing is its positive impact on the environment. Here are some sustainability aspects to consider when shopping secondhand:

Reducing fashion waste

The fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to global waste and pollution. By buying secondhand clothes, you are extending the lifespan of garments and reducing the amount of clothing that ends up in landfills. This helps to minimize the environmental impact of the fashion industry and promotes a more circular economy.

Supporting circular economy

The concept of a circular economy revolves around keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible. By choosing to buy secondhand, you are actively participating in the circular economy by giving pre-loved items a new lease on life. This reduces the need for new production, which in turn conserves resources and reduces waste.

Tips for making informed decisions

To make the most out of your secondhand shopping experience, here are some tips to help you make informed decisions:

Research your local retailers

Before making a purchase, take the time to research the retailers you are considering, especially when booking a local thrift shopping trip. Need help? Keep reading to find out how you can find local secondhand stores near you.

Check reviews and ratings

Whether you’re shopping online or in local shops, checking reviews and ratings can provide valuable insights. Read customer reviews to get an idea of the quality, condition, and overall satisfaction with the product or seller. This can help you make an informed decision and avoid any potential issues.

Don’t focus on the size too much

When shopping secondhand, keep in mind that the sizes, especially of vintage clothes, don’t necessarily represent EU clothing size standards and measurements. That’s good news, because it broadens your options! Like something you see? Just try it on, because it might fit you better than expected. That’s the beauty of pre-loved and vintage clothing. 

Let COSH! guide you on your thrifting trip

Embracing sustainable fashion practices is essential in today’s world. By choosing to buy secondhand, you are making a positive impact on the environment and supporting a more circular economy. Whether you opt for the convenience of online second-hand shopping or the personalized experience of local shops, remember to prioritize quality, affordability, and sustainability in your purchasing decisions. 

Do you need help figuring all of that out? COSH! Has an easily accessible online shopping map that you can use to find your favourite secondhand shops near you. Follow these simple steps for a pre-loved shopping experience you’ll never forget:

  1. Go to www.cosh.eco 
  2. Navigate to ​‘Stores’ 
  3. Tick off the ​‘Show only second hand stores’ box 
  4. Zoom in on the map to find the region you want to explore
  5. Click on ​‘Explore this area’

Et voilà, now you can use this map to book your next preloved and vintage shopping trip! Don’t know where to go to first? Discover our secondhand shopping guides below.

Discover the COSH! guides to shop secondhand

Belgium COSH!

Community Manager Belgium

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