4 Clothing Items Worth Buying Used

Is there anything better than a day of thrifting? Okay, maybe a few things, but an iced coffee in one hand and an armful of mismatched hangers in the other is an undeniably good time. It's also sometimes the only option to find affordable, unique, and specific pieces. If you're going for a witchy '90s aesthetic or trying to find some of those babydoll tops that were a universally flattering clothing hack in the 2000s, you might have no choice but to venture into secondhand territory.

Finding the gems hidden within the bins and racks is a real skill, one that Kelly Handley has undoubtedly mastered. As the founder of Ultimate Thrifting, the internet's one-stop shop for all things gently used, she knows exactly what to look for at your local resale shop. Speaking with Women, she lets us know which clothing items are worth buying used, and exclusively shares a few pearls of wisdom on how to be a thrifty, strategic shopper.

Cashmere is the ultimate investment piece: beautiful, durable, and often comes with a price tag to match. When you buy it used, however, you don't have to make that trade-off. "Cashmere sweaters are one of my favorite things to pick up at a thrift store," Kelly Handley exclusively tells Women. "I regularly see 100% cashmere pieces that would have retailed for over $100 on sale for less than $10, and these sweaters are going to outlast anything you'd find at fast fashion retail stores."

There are a few things you have to keep in mind when buying second-hand knitwear, however. First, check the label to find out what it's made of. "You want 100% cashmere or wool," Handley says. "I leave synthetic blends on the rack." That doesn't mean there's no risk with cashmere; its delicate fibers leave it susceptible to damage, so make sure to check each garment for holes. To do this, 'hold the sweater up to the light,' Handley advises, adding that you can 'use your phone flashlight if you need to.'

Like cashmere, a good pair of jeans can make or break a look, but there's so much more you can do with it. Everyone's got that favorite pair that not only fits just right but has just the right cut, wash, and details for your body and style. Unfortunately, the steep price climb for anything more elevated than the most basic variety is enough to send anyone running back to their sweatpants.

But Kelly Handley let us in on a little secret. "High-quality denim is one of the biggest markups in retail," she tells Women, exclusively. It's also 'one of the easiest finds at a thrift store.' Not only can you often find 'premium jeans that retail for over $300 available for under $15,' but as an added bonus, 'someone else has done the breaking-in for you!'

However, you should keep an eye out for a few potential issues with secondhand denim. As with cashmere, check the fabric content. "Look for mostly cotton with maybe a little stretch," Handley recommends. If you've ever loved a pair of jeans to death, you know some symptoms can foretell a pair's demise, so Handley also warns shoppers to 'inspect the seat, knees, inner thighs, and belt loops for excessive wear' to make sure they can stand up against future use.

You're probably thinking more about swimwear and linen than layers of wool at the moment, but that's no reason to pass over the coat rack. In fact, according to Kelly Handley, "[Now is] a great time to pick up donated winter coats that thrift stores are discounting to clear space," she exclusively tells us. "Wool coats are one of the biggest saving opportunities in thrift; it's not unusual to find wool coats retailing for hundreds of dollars discounted to $30 or less."

To get the best deal on a wool coat, Handley suggests, "Look for classic styles like pea coats that will never look 'dated.'" She also reminds us to make sure the lining is in good condition — always a concern for wool — which 'can also trap smoke and mildew smells, so if the scent is off, leave it in the store.' As always, it's important to check the label for the exact percentage of wool. "100% is the ideal target, and it's getting harder and harder to find in retail stores!" Handley says.

If you've got a special occasion coming up but you don't want to drop tons of dough on a dress for it, you're not alone. "Formalwear is one of my favorite ways to get more people into thrifting," Handley exclusively tells Women. "For many people, it's something they'll only wear once, and it's hard to say no to paying $25 or less for a piece that someone else bought for $400 and only wore once or twice. Sometimes you'll even find dresses with the tags still attached!"

When it comes to these pieces, our expert relays, "Look for lined dresses made of silk or wool crepe." She continues, "They're generally of higher quality." The real key, however, comes down to planning. If you know you've got an event coming up in the months ahead, Handley recommends '[visiting] thrift stores in affluent areas in January and June following the big party seasons.' "That's when most donations come in," she reminds us. Everyone at your niece's wedding will be guessing what mysterious side hustle made such a purchase possible, and you're under no obligation to correct them.