How to shop safely in second-hand clothes

Many love designer clothes, but not everyone can afford it. Second-hand stores come to the rescue, thanks to which everyone can buy a branded item, without spending half of their salary on it. Rambler figured out the pros and cons of shopping in second-hand stores.

In addition to affordable cost, among the advantages of any second-hand is the originality of things and quality, time-tested.

Only in second hand you will find a vintage dress of the 50s that you will not see anywhere else. In addition, you can be sure that the jeans you like do not come off from washing, and the selected leather belt does not crack, because all kinds of defects have most likely already been identified during the previous operation.

Nevertheless, around shopping in second-hand stores there are a lot of stereotypes and misconceptions. The most important of them is that the clothes bought in a thrift store are dirty and you can get various diseases from it. In fact, thermal and dry cleaning makes it safe for subsequent wear.

On the subject: Bedbugs, feces and germs: now you will always wash new clothes

The second-hand specific odor, also often called the “old smell”, is the result of this treatment. However, in any case, after the purchase, it is better to take the item to dry cleaning, or wash it yourself, then iron or steam.

In order for second-hand shopping to turn into a useful and enjoyable experience, follow these rules:

1. Before you go to the store, contact him to find out when they plan to replenish the assortment and whether there is a discount system in the second-hand. This way you can plan the perfect visit time.
2. Make a list in advance of the things you would like to buy and come to the store with it - so you won’t spend several hours wandering aimlessly among heaps of clothes. In the same way, it’s better to set your own budget so that after shopping in a second hand you don’t have to leave an empty wallet.
3. Before going to the store, read about it online. More and more second-hand accounts appear on social networks, where you can get acquainted with the assortment of the store. This is a good way to take a closer look and find something specific in advance.
4. Take a thing during a walk around the store, even if you are not sure about it. Leave a thorough study and decision for the fitting room. Often all things in second-hand ones are in a single copy, and if you do not take it when you have a chance, someone else can buy it.
5. Put something neutral and comfortable on the store — an outfit that’s easy to put on and take off so you don’t waste precious time in the fitting room. It can be a basic t-shirt and skirt, or loose trousers. Do not forget to bring along a pair of socks in case you suddenly like a nice pair of shoes.
6. Do not make impulsive purchases. When prices seem too attractive, there is a great temptation to buy things that you really do not need. Therefore, before buying, ask yourself the following questions: how often will I wear it? What will I wear it with? Does this item fit with my rest of the wardrobe? Am I satisfied with the quality at this price?
7. You should not buy clothes with spots if you are not sure that you can wash them. Nevertheless, if you know that you can easily replace the zipper on the chosen jeans with a broken fly, or take your favorite dress, which turned out to be too long, in the studio to shorten it, go ahead.
8. If in doubt about the purchase - put off the thing. If after a few hours or every other day you feel that you still like it, and you still want to buy it, return to the second-hand.
9. Always check material stuff and care instructions. Buy items that are easy to care for.
10. Do not buy second-hand underwear, hats, down jackets and fleece items.

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