By Mia Separovic
With living costs climbing across the UK and beyond, this article explores how second-hand shopping, understanding material value, and renting clothing can help you stay on-trend without breaking the bank. By applying these tips, you can cut costs while still enjoying high-quality garments.
The second-hand garment industry is expected to surpass fast fashion sales by 2029. In the UK, the rising cost of living and the reduced spending power of the average consumer has pushed second-hand shopping to the forefront of the fashion industry. In 2021, inflation in the UK was 2%, but by October 2022, it had surged to 11.1%, the highest rate in 40 years. As raw materials, labor, and transportation become more expensive, fashion brands have increased their prices. Consumer prices go up while business profits go down. Additionally, growing awareness of the environmental impact of fashion production, especially fast fashion, urges us to rethink our consumption habits. The overwhelming use of plastic materials in the garment industry and the unethical practices of fast fashion brands are major concerns. Reusing items, whether pre-existing or second-hand, is essential for environmental sustainability.
However, rising consumer demand and increasing business costs have caused second-hand garment prices to climb as well. So, how can we find good quality second-hand pieces and pay what they're worth? Here are some of the tips I’ve discovered:
1. Know Your Platforms!
Competition among second-hand platforms has driven up prices.
I compared prices between Depop and Vinted using Jil Sander pieces. Items with similar materials and value were nearly 3x more expensive on Depop compared to Vinted:
- Jil Sander Blazer – £40 on Vinted, Jil Sander Jacket – £112 on Depop (reduced from £140), both with similar composition.
- Jil Sander Gold Ring – £50 new and unused on Vinted, £150 used but in good condition on Depop.
Ebay is even cheaper than Vinted in many cases and is an excellent place for vintage and deadstock pieces. This was highlighted when Ebay hosted a preloved fashion catwalk at various fashion weeks in 2024.
These three platforms generally offer cheaper shipping (£1.50-£10) than online consignment stores. For example, I recently bought a Jil Sander sweater for £67 on TheRealReal, but shipping cost me almost £40.
2. Check the composition – don’t pay more than what it’s worth!
This is likely the easiest way to determine a garment’s true value.
Any item made from plastic-derived materials like polyester or nylon should be priced lower than those made from non-plastic fabrics. Plastic materials are dominating the fashion industry, even among high-end brands. While not all synthetic fibers are created equal (some are more durable), it's often hard to tell the quality difference, especially with vintage clothing. Typically, markups are based on the label – the more prestigious or trendy the brand, the higher the price. Start reading clothing labels!
For example:
- Diane Von Furstenberg Sheree Jacquard-Woven Wrap Top (£370) is made from 51% polyester and other blends.
- Reformation Avielle Dress (£128) is made from 100% viscose.
When possible, compare the listed price to the retail price of the garment. Many items on Vinted and Depop can still be found in stores. Is it significantly cheaper than it was new? What condition is it in? Does the price reflect the condition fairly? Why is the seller getting rid of it so soon after purchasing it?
3. Buy brand new second-hand for designer pieces (particularly accessories!)
The inflation of designer garment prices has been shocking, especially with the increase in plastic materials. Many platforms offer a "new with tags" section, where you can purchase never-worn designer items from private sellers at a fraction of the original price.
For example:
- Dior Saddle Bag on the Dior website (£3,450) versus Vestiaire Collective (£1,030), new with tags and made from the same materials.
4. Renting
Assess your wardrobe’s efficiency. The best way to cut costs is to focus on what you already own and avoid buying items that don’t complement your current pieces (the idea of a "capsule wardrobe"). How often do you wear each piece? Does your wardrobe flow well together? Buying items that don't fit your existing wardrobe will only make you spend more or eventually get rid of the piece.
If you're buying for a special occasion, consider renting first, especially for expensive pieces. After returning it, if you feel like something is missing from your wardrobe, then consider purchasing it. More often than not, you'll realize the satisfaction of owning it wasn’t as important as you thought.
Renting reduces overconsumption, is more sustainable (even more than second-hand shopping), and can save you a lot of money. Many items we want to buy fit a fantasy wardrobe in our minds, not our real, everyday lives.
5. Deadstock
Deadstock refers to items no longer in production, which haven't sold fast enough and remain in inventory. These pieces sometimes make their way to charity shops, often with tags still attached, and are sold at a significant discount. For example, I offered £122 on an Ebay listing, and the seller accepted it.