A fashion editor on what to look for when sourcing pre-loved fashion

Five tips to shop smarter.

As much as I enjoy shopping, navigating the world of pre-loved fashion can be a daunting task. Just looking at the crammed racks of a secondhand store makes my arms ache. I have to be in the right mood for it – at least two coffees deep and, ideally, my sister in tow, who I know will share her honest (and, quite frankly, harsh) opinion on whatever I pick up. 

That said, when I’m travelling overseas, I’ll never walk past an op shop without stepping inside to explore. It’s how I keep fit. I’ll peruse every single rack and cabinet, no matter how stuffed, determined to walk away with something. 

For more on the circular economy, head to our Pre-Loved section.

Whether it’s a slinky vintage dress, some garish local merch abandoned from the tourist before me, or a dusty trinket for the house, I love getting to tell people it’s “just something I found at this cute op shop in [insert place here]”.

Back home, I’m a lot more considerate with my secondhand sourcing. I use my time wisely and only gravitate towards the designer or sale racks. Every item is subject to a ruthless once-over and unlike Holiday Me, my goal isn’t to leave with something, it’s to get out of there as quickly as possible. 

Looking for pre-loved bargains online is much more my vibe. My favourite way to cap off the day is to be tucked up in bed with my laptop and a wine, finessing search terms and scouring through listings. I’ll browse designer websites too but if I find something I love, I’m searching for it on eBay next because, let’s be real, luxury fashion prices in 2024 are ballistic. Reports have shown the price of an average luxury designer item has increased by about a quarter since 2019. Price tags that would have already been in the ‘keep dreaming’ category (to me, at least) are now even more out of reach. 

The smarter option is to shop pre-loved. Not only will it come with a less eye-watering price tag, but sometimes (depending on the item), it can be even better than its full-priced counterpart. Often, the exact designer piece I’m looking for can’t even be bought brand-new anymore. In light of this, I bring you my five tips on what to look for when you’re shopping pre-loved.

Leather loafers

You’ll see leather goods come up a few times on this list for three reasons. The first is that leather simply looks better with age, which makes you, the wearer, look like you’ve been stylish forever. It’s why stylish people are always rocking beaten-up designer loafers. The second is that leather responds well to simple TLC. A quick polish or a visit to your local cobbler / repair wizard will bring thrifted goods back to life. The third is that, obviously, leather lasts, so it is worth investing in for the long run. Loafers are a classic shoe that never goes out of style, but they are notoriously painful to break in if they’re new. Buy pre-loved and it’s a win-win. 

Designer bags

You will never, ever catch me buying a designer bag brand new. People are always reselling handbags that look pretty much perfect, with hundreds of dollars knocked off the price. Vintage editions of iconic designer handbags are often way cooler than what’s in the retail stores anyway. If you’re concerned about fakes, turn to platforms that offer authenticity guarantees, like eBay. The pre-loved marketplace has a team of professional authenticators who ensure you’re getting the real deal when it comes to designer handbags. 

Wool items

Cardigans, vests, jumpers and scarves that are 100 per cent wool are always smart to look for because they can be easily spruced up with a depiller at home. Just don’t make my mistake and use an electric shaver (no power tools!). I look for gorgeous natural fibres like merino, alpaca or mohair that will last forever, provided I look after them well (never wash, just air them out if they start to smell musty). You can find lots of cool knitwear for super cheap, too. I once bought a $10 vintage school jumper that people often mistake for a $700 designer knit. 

Iconic designer pieces

Some particularly iconic styles never really lose their value and are worth investing in when you find them secondhand in good condition. Think Fendi Baguette bags, Jean Paul Gautier printed mesh tops and Vivienne Westwood corset tops.

A final quality check

It’s normal to see some minor wear on a garment if it’s pre-loved. However, I have learnt the hard way that it pays to take a close look over the piece (or ask the seller lots of annoying questions) before I add it to my cart. Check for stitching on the seams, buttons, pilling, stains and fabric composition. I generally avoid buying secondhand garments made from polyester or acrylic fabrics as I know they just won’t last. 

If you’re ready to find that next special piece, head to eBay.