Buying second-hand clothes online: what to look for
Size, condition, material and returns: this checklist helps you buy second-hand clothes online with no surprises.
4 min read
Tips and advice
Guides
Everything about buying second-hand clothing, finding your size and keeping clothes looking good for longer. Explained honestly and practically by the GSYL team.
Buying second-hand
What to look for when you buy second-hand clothing online, and what the terms and labels mean.
Second-hand clothing condition grades: what do they mean?
New with tags, like new, very good or good: how we grade the condition of second-hand clothing, and what you can expect from each grade.
3 min read
Vintage, second-hand, pre-loved or retro: what’s the difference?
Vintage, second-hand, pre-loved, retro and deadstock are often used interchangeably. Here’s what each term means, with examples.
3 min read
Sizes and fit
How to find the right size, even when labels and brands fit differently.
Finding your size: how to measure yourself and your clothes
Find your size in centimetres with a tape measure and a garment that fits well. How to measure armpit width, back length, waist, hips and inside leg.
4 min read
Women’s size chart: converting clothing and shoe sizes
What is a Dutch size 38 in Belgium, France, Italy, the UK or the US? Use this size chart to convert women’s clothing and shoe sizes.
3 min read
Care and quality
How to recognise quality and care for clothes so they last.
How to tell if clothes are good quality: what to look for
Fabric, seams, lining and finishing: how to tell whether a garment is well made and will last, even when it’s second-hand.
4 min read
Clothing care: how to keep your clothes looking good for longer
Wash less often and cooler, air your clothes and store them well: how to care for wool, cashmere, silk, viscose, cotton, denim and leather.
5 min read
Sustainability
What buying second-hand really changes, with figures from reliable sources.
How sustainable is second-hand clothing, really?
What is the environmental impact of clothing, and what difference does buying second-hand make? The key facts at a glance, with sources.
5 min read