Your Bona Fide Shopaholic’s Handbook to Second-Hand and Vintage Shopping Online

Get comfortable with second-hand and vintage shopping online! This detailed handbook features in-depth reviews, expert tips, and common mistakes to avoid, helping you navigate the world of pre-loved treasures with confidence.

Flu, FOMO, and Fashion: How My Sick Days Inspired a Second-Hand & Vintage Shopping Deep Dive.

It’s a handbook but also a collection of a few true tales from the trenches of online vintage shopping—guaranteed to give you a good laugh. Sure, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes, but with a little self-reflection (and a healthy dose of humor), I’ve managed to turn them into silver linings.

Like the time I scored “authentic” Burberry glasses – complete with two left-side arms—making my right ear stick out at a truly avant-garde angle. Or when I gleefully bought a designer dress same as seen on a movie star, only to find out it needs more reconstructive surgery than Frankenstein’s monster. Luckily I am an accomplished seamstress and love mending or simply recreating my favorites designs.

Then there was the Dries Van Noten runway piece I snagged at a thrift store for eight bucks (yes, $8!), a piece of vintage jewelry from the ’60s that can be seen on the main character in The Devil Wears Prada, and—my pièce de résistance—turning my entire family into “shopomaniacs” and “thriftophiles”! My husband became so obsessed with hunting vintage RRL on eBay that I’m convinced he singlehandedly depleted their entire stock in the span of two weeks.

Being stuck with a bad cold over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays is the worst—like, really the worst! And somehow, it’s become an annual tradition in my family for the past three years. There are three of us, and every year, one of us inevitably catches the bug. It spreads through the family like a recessive gene – lurking in the dark, but surfacing eventually and manifesting in all of us, no matter how much we try to isolate.

As an eternal optimist and someone who literally has trouble sitting still for extended periods of time, along with a runny nose and headache, I get a severe case of FOMO. I cannot stand sitting at home or being in bed while the world around me is moving on. I have to be there, no matter what.

I decided I could turn the time spent cooped up at home into a project. I could conquer something—all I need is at my fingertips and a click of the mouse. So this year when I felt the first sneeze building up in my nose, I realized, this could be good. I can actually do something productive with the time I’m about to spend in bed.

I chose to become an expert in shopping for vintage and second-hand items online. I’ve been shopping this way for years, but now that I’ve turned my passion for sustainable fashion into an actual business, I wanted to take a more educated, expert look at it. I wanted to analyze, compare, test, and draw conclusions for myself—and share them with you.

Key criteria I used to evaluate & compare platforms.

Here, friends, is your Online Vintage & Secondhand Shopaholic’s Handbook. I hope it helps you dive right into treasure hunting and offers a few good laughs along the way! In all of my blogs I talk about responsible consumerism and making better choices for a healthier tomorrow. I review the trusted brands helping you shop confidently. I will make sure to notify when new posts go live.

What Kind of a shopper are you – know before you shop!

Understanding your shopper profile before diving into vintage and pre-loved shopping is key to making intentional, satisfying choices. This is true for shopping for anything. By reflecting on your style, preferences, budget, and values, you can shop more efficiently and avoid impulse buys that you will regret later. It also helps you identify the best platforms, and ensure you find authentic, high-quality pieces that truly resonate with you—making your shopping experience more exciting, sustainable, and rewarding.

A FEW QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF :

Are you shopping because you’re bored, depressed, sick (like I was), or are you shopping with intention because you’re looking for something specific? Maybe you’re a connoisseur of vintage, or maybe you hardly know the difference between vintage, second-hand, or just hunting for designer deals, bargains, or one-of-a-kind gems. That’s all good—as long as you’re not just mindlessly browsing sites because you’ve got nothing better to do…

So, you have a purpose! Do you have a budget in mind? Because if you don’t, all those “good prices” you’ll see will get into your head, and next thing you know, you’re buying more than you really need—stuff you couldn’t resist. I am not judging , I have done that myself.

Shopping second-hand should be just as intentional as shopping for new items. Focus on buying fewer, high-quality pieces that seamlessly complement your existing wardrobe—items you’ll truly wear and treasure. While these may be a bit pricier, they’ll retain their value over time, especially if they’re vintage or designer, and can even be resold later if you care for them properly.

Ask yourself: if you fall in love with a vintage piece, will you wear it and give it the life it deserves? Or would it be better appreciated by someone who collects and understands its significance? If it’s the latter, consider finding a similar garment that’s more wearable and practical for you. Mindful choices ensure your wardrobe remains sustainable, stylish, and purposeful.

When it comes to second-hand and vintage items, proper care is key to preserving their charm without causing damage or relying on harsh chemicals. Wondering how to tackle common challenges like cleaning without toxic detergents, avoiding risky dry-cleaning processes, or banishing that persistent “old closet” smell many vintage treasures carry?

Stay tuned for future posts where I’ll share insights and lessons from my own experience buying and selling second-hand treasures.

And also important in the case of vintage and second-hand is to make sure you know your measurements well and understand the difference between your body and the garment measurements, as well as that vintage sizes is very different from modern day.

So, you get the idea… Once you’ve considered all those questions and figured out your shopper persona, you are almost ready to shop.

Understand the Business of Reselling

A few definitions that may be helpful.

• Vintage or Second-Hand
• Luxury or Mainstream
• Peer-to-Peer marketplace or Business-to-Consumer platform
• E-commerce vs Social Commerce

Vintage vs SecondHand

Vintage clothing refers to garments that are typically at least 20-30 years old, often sourced from a specific era, and appreciated for their unique style, quality, or historical significance. These pieces are no longer made, which makes them special and collectible. Vintage pieces are often one-of-a-kind and associated with past fashion trends. Personally, even though 20 years is officially considered vintage, I would place the early 2000s in the second-hand category rather than vintage.

The early 2000s doesn’t have a distinct style and instead had an eclectic mix of styles. In an attempt to define it, we called it many names: Y2K, Club Kid, Emo, Preppy, Glamour Chic, Hip-Hop Fashion, and more. Much of this can be traced back to other decades. So, no, this is not vintage—it’s second-hand. You could call it vintage 20 years from now if you like, but based on the quality of most of these garments, they will hardly survive in the way that a piece from the 60s or 30s would. (This is just my personal view, not something I impose on anyone!)

As you dive into vintage, you’ll realize that today’s designers and fashion brands are either repurposing their own past creations if they have a rich heritages or drawing inspiration from someone else’s old ideas. Educating yourselves on what truly lies behind a brand name and label will help you make better choices.

Apologies for the rant, but many sellers misuse the term “vintage,” often misplacing garments in time by incorrectly identifying their age or era. This not only misleads buyers but can also result in inflated prices for pieces that don’t truly match the description. If you’re not careful, you might end up paying premium prices for something that’s misrepresented—or worse, a complete knockoff. This issue is especially prevalent on peer-to-peer platforms, where proper vetting is often lacking.

Luxury vs Mainstream

Mainstream is generally associated with less expensive, more accessible and non-luxury essential pieces. Look for the best you can find in quality and price so you could love them for the long haul. In my experience, the best bargains are still found on large platforms like eBay, Poshmark, and the like, where sellers are mostly individuals unloading things they no longer want or running a resale business (either on the side or full-time). Many of these sellers thrift at local Goodwill, charity shops, and other budget-friendly spots to resell for a modest profit.

Luxury and designer items can also be found on these mainstream platforms, but if you’re really into authenticated luxury, you’re better off on more professionally run sites. This is a whole different game. No matter what you’re after, remember: it’s not about owning the most expensive or highly coveted label in your closet, but about having the freedom to make your own choices, trust your intuition, and decide what truly looks good on you. A good strategy is to have a mix of all three – mainstream, designer luxury and spice it up with a few vintage gems, but make sure all work with what you already have. No clutter.

Peer-to-Peer vs Business-To-Consumer

Peer-to-peer platforms allow individuals (peers) to buy from and sell to each other directly. The platform acts as an intermediary to facilitate transactions, but buyers and sellers are individuals rather than businesses. It may be unnerving when you see that you cannot return the item and have to rely on images and descriptions. But please do not be discouraged to explore. You can fool proof your experience as I will show later, and each platforms does provide varied levels of consumer protection that you can rely on.

Business-to-Consumer (B2C) platforms are websites or marketplaces where businesses, such as brands and retailers, sell directly to consumers. These platforms are typically more curated and regulated, often featuring higher-end products. They cater to a niche category of buyers seeking specific brand names, where authenticity is paramount.

A key advantage of B2C platforms is the ability to return items if you’re not satisfied with your purchase. Examples include The RealReal and 1stDIBS. Interestingly, many platforms combine both business models. In some cases, I’ve also discovered same items simultaneously listed on both eBay and ThredUp with a slightly different price because of the platforms’ fees to sellers. The B2C marketplaces really function very much like regular E-commerce stores with all the bells and whistles of the top notch customer services and much higher pricing.

E-commerce vs Social Commerce

E-commerce and social commerce are two different yet interwoven worlds shaping the future of online shopping. E-commerce, traditionally, is the sale of goods and services via websites, often characterized by marketplace giants like MyTheresa, Farfetch, and Net-a-Porter. These platforms offer an array of luxury goods, and they often also include pre-loved or vintage categories, allowing you to shop sustainably by purchasing items with a history, not just brand-new products.

On the other hand, social commerce merges the power of social media and online shopping by allowing people to discover and purchase items through platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Many influencers and brands now use these platforms to directly engage with their audiences, guiding them toward their products.

While this opens up exciting possibilities for spontaneous purchases, it’s worth noting that a growing number of luxury brands now offer options to buy and sell their pre-owned clothes directly on their websites, and it would be worth checking if any of your favorites brands offer that option. Authenticity guaranteed.

These initiatives offer a new dimension to social commerce, blending sustainability with accessibility. More and more brands have take-back programs offering store credit in exchange for used goods, which helps promote circular fashion. But don’t be fooled—it’s crucial to distinguish between marketing tactics and authentic sustainability efforts. Is it just a clever strategy to hook consumers, or is the brand truly committed to keeping textiles in circulation and out of landfills?

At The Sustainable Fashion Edit, I focus on empowering consumers to see beyond greenwashing and marketing tactics, teaching them how to read between the lines and make truly informed choices.

Quick comparison Guide for your convenience

This is a general guide to online shopping for vintage and pre-owned fashion. I’ve selected platforms that are widely popular in the US, as well as accessible in terms of processing, shipping, and payments, offering a wide range of goods for any budget.

The comparison chart is based on my personal shopping and selling experience with these platforms and represents my opinions only.

In addition to platforms dedicated to vintage and pre-loved fashion and accessories, I’ve also included some large e-commerce stores that offer resale options for the brands they feature. These platforms typically partner with technology companies to power their resale services and provide concierge support to customers interested in reselling their items. And lastly, for my top five that I use the most be sure to scroll down.

Top 5 all-time personal go-to favorites.

EBAY

I see eBay as the big elephant in the room. Although it now faces significant competition and has been losing some ground to newer online retailers of second-hand and vintage goods, it remains by far the largest global marketplace for reselling almost anything. With over 130 million shoppers and 8 million sellers, its scale is unmatched. It’s also the oldest platform of its kind, predating the reselling boom. eBay started in 1995 as an auction house and transitioned online at the dawn of the internet age. Just think, eBay was already operating for nearly a decade before Facebook even launched.

The way I feel about eBay is similar to how I felt the first time I walked into a Walmart after moving to the States in my late 20s. Coming from Europe, where different products were traditionally sold in designated shops, it felt overwhelming and even shocking. I still avoid Walmart because I’ve never been drawn to places where, as a character from Frasier once said, “you can buy French fries and French doors in the same aisle.” The experience feels impersonal and excessive, and I’ve always preferred something more curated and intimate.

However, eBay being online softens the overwhelm. Peering into its massive marketplace through the size of a screen makes it more manageable. It’s also impressively organized, which adds to its appeal for serious shoppers. I spend a lot of time browsing and buying on the platform, and I even had a legitimate storefront on eBay for a while, reselling second-hand clothing. It gave me a new appreciation for the platform’s role in connecting buyers and sellers across the globe.

A couple years ago I learned from a few very able and fun-to-watch YouTubers how to resell stuff on eBay and Poshmark. I spent hours learning the tricks of the trade and did not hesitate to set up my own store. I had to know if this really works or prove that it’s all a sham. To my delight—and huge surprise—it actually worked! Luckily, I know clothes and brands, I sew, and I do my own photography. This also gave me a chance to do what I love—write and describe fashion.

I focused on dresses and accessories and, over time, rescued hundreds of garments from the brink of disposal. Many pieces needed extra love—whether they had a stain, a loose hem, or missing buttons. I lovingly restored each one, gave them a new story by styling them with other finds, and displayed them in my shop. It felt rewarding to thank my customers for considering pre-loved fashion and playing a role in reducing waste.

Along the way, I also picked up a few treasures for myself. One of my all-time favorite finds was a brand-new, super-stylish black wide-legged jumpsuit by Dries Van Noten—a designer I’ve admired for as long as I can remember. While browsing the rack at my local Unique store, a pair of black pants caught my eye because of the fabric’s weight and texture. Taking a closer look, I was stunned to see the label. There it was—my perfect European size 38 jumpsuit, priced at just $8. Or as my husband joked, “Dress von Nothing.” It’s amazing what people simply throw away.

ETSY

I’ve had a long and loving relationship with Etsy—my go-to destination for all things creative and vintage. As someone passionate about sewing and recreating vintage designs, and a collector of original Vogue sewing patterns, Etsy is unbeatable. It’s also my first stop when I need authentic accessories like headpieces, gloves, or jewelry to upstyle my recreated dresses for videos or photoshoots.

I simply can’t talk about Etsy without mentioning some of my favorite stores. I adore their well-curated collections and the inspiring stories behind the people who run them. When you shop at a small business, it truly becomes personal. My best advice when shopping online at peer-to-peer marketplaces? Take a moment to connect with the people behind the shop and be kind. We’re all here to support one another.

• The Vault1969 – Fantastic designer and vintage clothing for men and women.
• Plum&Posey – Unique, personalized gifts for any occasion.
• OffBroadWayVintage – Authentic, one-of-a-kind garments from every era.
• ADIEUCREATURES – Phenomenal designer brands with French flair.
• VintageKabinet – Rare finds of luxury designer pieces.
• Priestleysvintage – Beautifully curated collections of stunning clothes.
• TheFashionHouseGB – Thoughtful collections of pre-loved designer fashion.
• VintageParisLuxe – Fantastic jewelry to brighten up your wardrobe.

This year, I went even further, discovering amazing Valentine’s and Christmas gifts, art, and a few incredible luxury fashion pieces I couldn’t find anywhere else. Along the way, I connected with wonderful shop owners, shared inspiring conversations, and enjoyed a few good laughs. I also tested the platform’s global reach, purchasing unique items from Spain, France, England, Canada, and the US. By far, it’s been the most fun I’ve had on a peer-to-peer online marketplace.

ThredUP

In my opinion, ThredUP sits at the intersection of mainstream and high-end. It’s an informal yet well-curated platform for both shopping and selling. ThredUP embraces various business models and offers a wide range of products while enhancing the experience with additional services, thoughtful curation, storytelling, and impressive sales and promotions.

That said, it does feature many fast fashion brands. But this is part of the solution—we need to keep these items in circulation and out of landfills for as long as possible, at least until recycling technologies can manage the massive volume of unwanted textiles. It’s going to take some time!

ThredUP Resale as a Service (RaaS) is a brilliant initiative that scales up the collection, sorting, and resale of fashion. In simple terms, you can fill a bag with clothes from any brand that are still in good condition and suitable for resale. ThredUP handles the rest—they collect, sort, photograph, price, sell, and track the items. As a seller, you receive store credit from participating brands based on what you send. No overthinking, no hassle.

Many beloved brands have partnered with ThredUP for this initiative, including Madewell, Reformation, Athleta, Banana Republic, FRAME, COS, Kate Spade, and more! This approach addresses the critical issue of limited recycling options for unwanted textiles. It’s a more sustainable alternative to traditional donations, particularly if you’re not donating directly to charitable organizations with a clear purpose.

The RealReal and Vestiaire Collective

When I want to treat myself to something exclusive, expertly curated, and authentic and luxurious—I turn to these two platforms. Each caters to luxury and designer-oriented shoppers, perfectly aligning with my preference for pre-owned quality and new sustainable brands. Simply put, I shop rarely but choose only the best.

All three platforms blend peer-to-peer shopping with consignment services, offering flexibility for both buyers and sellers. With consignment, the platform takes your items, authenticates them, resells them, and pays you a commission. The inventory is well-curated, thoughtfully organized, and beautifully presented. The apps enhance the experience with features like price drop alerts, new edits, and more—it’s easy to lose track of time browsing! You can find really good deals if you browse a lot and frequently.

My favorite designers to hunt for include Dries Van Noten, Ulla Johnson, Burberry, Michael Kors Collection, Celine, Stella McCartney, and Gabriela Hearst. While some of these brands don’t align perfectly with my vision of sustainability and often are out of my price range when new, finding their pre-owned pieces in good condition fits within the ethos of responsible shopping and makes your wallet less stressed—and I’m all for that!

One of the key selling points for me is how seriously an e-commerce platform approaches their role in helping transform the fashion industry into a more responsible and circular one. Both, the RealReal and Vestiaire Collective are active members and proactive voices within the American Circular Textiles Group (ACT), which is working toward meaningful policy changes—the only real way to drive systemic change in the fashion industry.

Without legislation, brands that disregard environmental and social issues will continue business as usual. We can all do our part by shifting our shopping habits, choosing clothes and accessories that already exist. The platforms I am promoting in my blog are making it easier and more accessible for us to make these choices.

Did you know that when we buy something secondhand from an online store, we ( consumers) are essentially paying taxes twice? The item was taxed when it was purchased new by the previous owner, and now it’s taxed again when you buy it. The ACT is working to change this by advocating for the elimination of double taxation to help promote circular fashion and make it accessible to more people. You can read more about this on the ACT Platform and sign their petition to help make this change.

I encourage you to check out Vestiaire Collective’s 2024 Circularity Report, titled “Exposing the True Cost of Fast Fashion.” It’s an inspiring read, packed with data, and if you’re not already convinced about choosing pre-owned clothes and accessories, I guarantee it will at least spark your curiosity.

The convenience & the Dangers of E-commerce and Social commerce.

E-commerce and social commerce have transformed the way we shop, offering unparalleled convenience and access to products from around the world with just a few clicks or taps. The ability to compare prices, read reviews, and find niche or customized items has empowered consumers to make informed decisions. Social commerce has taken this further by integrating shopping with social media platforms, enabling users to discover and purchase products seamlessly while scrolling through their feeds.

However, this ease comes with its dangers. Impulse buying is one of the most common pitfalls, as curated ads and influencer endorsements create an illusion of need rather than want. Additionally, concerns about privacy and data security are heightened in a landscape where algorithms constantly track our preferences and spending habits. The environmental impact of excessive packaging and frequent shipping further complicates the ethicality of e-commerce. As these platforms grow, striking a balance between convenience and mindful consumption becomes increasingly important for both individuals and the planet.

Why Vintage and Second-Hand Shopping Are the Cornerstones of Eco-Luxury

In a world driven by instant gratification and fast commerce, the allure of pre-owned, second-hand, and vintage treasures stands as a powerful solution to overconsumption. Shopping this way is more than a transaction; it’s an experience of discovering yourself through appreciation of beautiful and manful things that tells stories. It is a statement, a choice, a true luxury. Each vintage accessory or second-hand garment carries with it a history—a whisper of another era, another life, woven into every thread and gemstone. By embracing pre-owned goods, you’re not simply acquiring items; you’re inheriting a narrative that sets your style apart.

But the appeal doesn’t stop at individuality. Shopping sustainably through second-hand and vintage channels gives you a way to rebel against the wastefulness of mass production and make choices that resonate with your values. It’s eco-luxury at its finest—saving resources, reducing landfill contributions, and reclaiming beauty in what already exists. Who wouldn’t want to adorn themselves in pieces that tell a story, offer timeless quality, and show the world that sustainability can be effortlessly chic?

Vintage and second-hand shopping embody the essence of eco-luxury by merging sustainability with individuality and quality. These choices not only reduce waste and minimize the demand for new production, but they also allow shoppers to invest in timeless pieces crafted with exceptional artistry. By giving pre-loved items a second life, we celebrate the beauty of repurposing while embracing a more conscious approach to fashion and lifestyle. With vintage finds and second-hand treasures, eco-luxury becomes accessible—combining a love for the environment with a taste for the unique and extraordinary.

Thank you all for staying to the end. I have to admit, this is epic, but it is a guide and meant to be useful and informative. Stay tuned for future blogs on more pro-tips on sustainable fashion, beauty, and home.