What to check before you pay, how to spot a fake, and what buyer protection covers.
Latest in buying
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Better fabrics for your budget, pieces that have already been washed, styles you cannot find new and clothes kept in use. The practical case for buying second-hand.
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A warm waterproof coat, shoes you can walk in, layers for cold rooms, a few going-out pieces and one smart outfit. How to put together a student wardrobe for less.
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The few pieces that make a work wardrobe, how to check tailoring, shirts and knitwear second-hand, and how to mix them into a week of outfits without spending much.
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Read the dress code, choose for the season, check delicate fabrics and fit in cm, and leave time for steaming or alterations before the big day.
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Jackets, salopettes, mid layers, gloves and kids' snowsuits bought second-hand. What to check on waterproofs, zips and insulation, and how to care for it.
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The few maternity pieces worth buying, how maternity sizing usually works, what to check on stretch panels and waistbands, and how to pass them on when you are done.
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Size with growing room, waterproofing, zips, hoods, cuffs and fill. What to check on a second-hand children's winter coat, and how to sell one on when it is outgrown.
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Stretch, sheerness, pilling, seams and smells. What to check on second-hand leggings, sports tops and gym wear, how to wash activewear so it lasts, and how to sell it on.
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Poppers, seams, stains, small parts and sizes. What to check on second-hand baby clothes, how to wash them before first wear and how to sell them on as your baby grows.
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With jeans, over a dress, as a suit, over knitwear and dressed up for the evening. Five ways to wear one blazer, and how to choose a good one second-hand.
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Sequins, velvet, satin and sharp tailoring, bought second-hand in good time. What to look for in a New Year's Eve outfit, what to check and how to stay warm on the way.
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Read the label, hold it to the light, test the spring and check the seams. How to judge a cashmere jumper in person or from a listing, and what to ask a seller.
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Read the composition, feel the weight, check the seams, rivets and button, and look for twisting legs. How to judge jeans and denim jackets, new or second-hand.
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Make a list, know your measurements, filter hard, watch for price drops, make fair offers and bundle from one seller. Habits for buying second-hand clothes for less.
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A base layer, a warm mid layer and an outer layer that keeps out wind and rain. How to layer for cold, wet and changeable British weather.
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Straight, dense stitching, neat seam finishes, matched patterns and a lining that moves with you. How to judge how well a garment is made, in person or from photos.
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What vintage means, why old sizes run small, the condition problems to look for on older fabrics, and the photos and measurements to ask for before you buy.
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Buy what fits now with a little room, measure instead of trusting sizes, let them choose, and sell what they outgrow. Practical ways to dress a teenager for less.
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Get the shoulders right first, check the fabric label and the wear points, buy a matched jacket and trousers, and know what a tailor can change. Buying a used suit.
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Start with a warm coat and boots that keep you dry, add wool knitwear and layers, then the accessories. What to buy second-hand for winter, and what to check.
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Which school uniform pieces are worth buying second-hand, how to check sizes and wear, removing name labels, and how to sell outgrown uniform to other families.
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What new with tags, new without tags, very good, good and satisfactory mean on second-hand clothes, how to choose the right one and what to check as a buyer.
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Sequins, velvet, satin and smart tailoring. How to find a second-hand Christmas party outfit that fits, what to check on delicate fabrics, and how to sell it on after.
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The label, the grain, the edges, the back and the smell. How to tell genuine leather from faux leather, in person or from a listing's photos.
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Labels, stitching, hardware, materials and the seller's story. Practical checks to help you avoid counterfeit designer pieces when you buy second-hand.
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