Pre-loved 101: How to browse and buy pre-loved fashion if you’re not sure where to start

“Before succumbing to an impulse buy, get specific about what you want.”

Sometimes, the treasure hunt that comes with shopping pre-loved fashion can be the best part. After scrolling for days and finding multiple pieces that are almost perfect, stumbling across the long-awaited Camilla and Marc trench, Ganni cowboy boots or Scanlan Theodore dress in your size can feel like fate. 

For more on rehoming your wardrobe, head to our Pre-Loved section.

But when navigating a platform like eBay for the first time, it can be difficult to know where to start. There are thousands of listings to browse at any given time and these are constantly updated by sellers (and buyers) around the world, spread across each of the planet’s time zones. It’s an ever-changing beast.

There are ways to tame it, though. By adding items to your watchlist and saving favourite sellers (more on that below), you can build a more personalised feed and see more of the items that suit your style.  If I, a former fast fashion devotee and notoriously mercurial shopper, can build the pre-loved wardrobe of my dreams in this way, you can too. 

Start with size

To begin, make your eBay account. Then instead of diving headfirst into hundreds of pre-loved listings for corsets or tailored pants, start with something more forgiving when it comes to size. 

Remember, buying pre-loved fashion means you can’t just exchange the piece for a different size, so you need to be more diligent than you ordinarily would when online shopping. Take your basic measurements (bust, waist, hips) and have a size conversion chart open in a separate tab. While you’re still getting a feel for the platform, err on the side of caution and look for pieces with more flexible sizing (or even better, no sizing at all): oversized T-shirts and sweaters, shoes, sunglasses and anything with a wrap or tie-up closure.

Find your favourites

Experience is everything and after a few visits to the platform, you’ll likely have a list of sellers, brands and search terms that you keep coming back to. The eBay interface is user-friendly but with so much on there, you do have to patiently seek out the really incredible pieces. You might find a seller who’s a similar size to you, which can make the buying process easier, but always double-check before making a purchase. I’ve made the mistake of absent-mindedly buying something because the seller had only ever listed my size before, and ended up with something two sizes too small. 

Going back to the same designers is a safer bet. Let’s say you love a label like Camilla and Marc, Maggie Marilyn or Zimmermann. If you already own a piece from one of these labels, you’ll have a benchmark to compare the pre-loved pieces. If not, most brand websites will have an updated size guide you can refer to while browsing. Obviously, this is harder when a piece is vintage or from a brand that no longer exists. In this case, use your best judgment and a measuring tape! You can always sell it on if it’s not quite right.

It’s also wise to get acquainted with eBay-specific features, like the platform’s watchlist. Using it will help you better understand the items you’re most drawn to, improving your chances of hunting down other similar finds. Once an item is saved to your watchlist, sellers also have the option of sending you an offer directly, further driving your chances of landing a bargain. 

Look for high-quality materials

If you’re a pre-loved fashion novice, some pieces are a safer bet than others. Leather jackets, for example, usually look better a little distressed and worn-in, as do leather loafers and slouchy leather bags. The same goes for denim – it softens and takes on creases with wear, giving it more character. 

I love going for a boxy silhouette when buying secondhand outerwear. Browsing the men’s section gives you double the number of options and it’s easier to find something oversized. In my opinion, there’s nothing better than a floaty mini skirt and sheer blouse with a big, chunky leather jacket.

Keep an eye out for pilling, scratching, tearing and loose threads on flimsier materials. Even if the area is small, this can be the first sign of a garment unravelling (pun intended). High-quality fabrics like cashmere and wool can still pill if not taken care of correctly, so it’s best to have a fabric shaver on hand just in case. 

Natural fibres tend to be best too, so keep an eye out for fabric composition. This is often on the inseam tag or spelt out in the item description. If the seller hasn’t included it, do a quick online search to see if you can find a current (or old) product listing from a brand or retailer with the style details. If that’s unsuccessful, you can always message the seller to ask. 

Go in with a goal

Before succumbing to an impulse buy, get specific about what you want. Are you looking for that specific shape or style of item, or do you just like the designer? There’s no right or wrong answer, but it can help you keep a clear head when wading through multiple pages of garments. 

If I’m looking for a designer piece from a previous season, I’ll hunt to find the original name of the garment, the name of the collection and the year it came out. Stay focused on what you really want – while shopping pre-loved means you’re supporting the circular fashion economy, needless purchases are still going to hurt your bank account.

Not sure exactly what you’re looking for? Try using some kind of system to identify the gaps in your wardrobe. At Fashion Journal, we’ve seen writers use spreadsheets, online styling games and outfit stickers to refine their shopping habits, so do whatever works best for you. Before checking out, envision the different outfits you can wear with that piece of clothing. If you’re excited about all the different styling prospects, it’s probably meant to be.

To dip your toe into the world of pre-loved fashion, head to eBay.