How to Find the Best Used Clothes Deals

If you're like me, then you love clothes. Unfortunately, clothing can be expensive, and fashion trends as well as personal style can change quickly. As a result, maintaining a budget while maintaining the perfect wardrobe can be a challenge. One solution is to buy clothing used. There are different types of used clothing stores, all of which have their own advantages and disadvantages.

When people think of used clothing, they often think of thrift stores. Most thrift stores receive donated clothing, as well as other donated items, which they then sell at very low prices. Thrift store shoppers can buy a lot of clothing on an extremely tight budget. Lots of thrift stores even have regular sales in which already low-priced items are discounted even more. Unfortunately, the selection at thrift stores is not always great. Thrift stores are not choosy about what they accept, so many of the clothes that the sell are old, worn, torn, or just plain ugly. However, good finds are possible. If you are going to a thrift store, plan to spend a lot of time searching for one or two great items. Also, pay attention to what area of town you're in. Thrift stores near richer areas will receive donations from richer people; expensive brands and quality clothes that were tossed just because they went out of style last month are more likely to be found in these stores.

Consignment and other clothing exchange stores are also common. These stores buy used clothing from individuals and then resell it. Because they are paying for the clothes, these stores are much pickier about what they buy. As a result, people shopping at these stores can expect to find quality, stylish clothing and some designer labels. The prices are high compared to those found at thrift stores, but they are still quite reasonable.

Vintage clothing stores sell clothing that is generally at least a couple of decades old. Despite the age, though, vintage clothing is generally high quality. Many of the styles are classic, and some vintage clothing is valued as retro. Prices can vary significantly and are generally based on the quality and age of the piece, how popular the piece is expected to be, and the store's pricing policies; some vintage stores are more expensive than others.

No matter where you buy your used clothing, damage is possible, even likely. Examine the clothes very carefully. Look for holes and stains. Also check the seams and hems to make sure that they are not coming apart. If you detect any damage, decide whether or not it is fixable. If you still want to buy the damaged clothes, ask for an extra discount. Some stores hand out extra discounts very generously, while others sell all items on as "as is" basis.

Used clothing can also be purchased online through Internet vintage stores and, of course, eBay. If you have a specific clothing item in mind, trying to find it online might be your best bet. However, shopping for used clothing online is not without its problems. Even shopping for new clothing online can be difficult; it's difficult to know exactly what size you should buy. However, most stores come with a sizing chart that is consistent for that store. Used clothes, which come from a variety of sources, are more difficult to size. Also, used clothing is usually at least somewhat worn, and it is difficult to assess damage via the Internet. If you are buying used clothes online, look into return policies.

If you are a frequent shopper, you likely have a lot of clothes in your closet. Before going on a shopping binge, consider weeding out your wardrobe first. You can either sell or donate these clothes. If you sell them to a store where you also shop, you might be able to get store credit instead of cash. Usually, the amount of credit you get is significantly higher
than the amount of cash you would have gotten.