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.
In short
- Compare the measurements in centimetres with a garment that fits you well. The size label alone doesn’t tell you much.
- Read the condition grade and the details, and look at every photo.
- Check the material: it determines how a piece hangs, how it wears and how it needs to be washed.
- Check the shipping costs and the return policy before you order.
Buying second-hand clothes online is affordable and sustainable, and you’ll find pieces that nobody else has. The difference from an ordinary online shop: there is only one of each item, in one size and in a particular condition. So it pays to look a little more closely before you order. This checklist will help you do just that.
1. Look at the measurements, not just the size
A size label is a starting point, not a guarantee. Sizes vary by brand and by country, and older clothes often come up smaller than the same size today. The measurements in centimetres are more reliable.
At GSYL we measure every garment flat, including the back length and the armpit width. At home, lay a garment that fits you well flat, measure it the same way and compare. You can read exactly how to do this in finding your size: how to measure yourself and your clothes.
Quick rule of thumb
Armpit width × 2 is roughly the circumference at chest height. So an armpit width of 48 cm means a circumference of about 96 cm. For a top that isn’t tight-fitting, that circumference is a few centimetres more than your own bust measurement.
2. Read the condition and the details
Second-hand doesn’t automatically mean worn out. Some items have never been worn; others show that they’ve been loved. A good seller tells you honestly what to expect. GSYL uses four condition grades, from New with tags to Good, and lists any small flaws separately on the item page.
- Look at all the photos, including the details of the fabric, the labels and any signs of wear.
- On jumpers and cardigans, look out for bobbling (pilling); on coats and blouses, check the collar, cuffs and armpits.
- Can’t see something clearly? Feel free to ask a question before you order.
3. Check the material
The material tells you a lot about how a garment wears and how long it lasts. Wool and cashmere are warm and breathable, but need gentle washing. Cotton and linen are strong and easy to care for. Viscose drapes beautifully, but can shrink if you wash it too hot. Polyester is strong and hardly creases, but it’s less breathable.
Want to know more? Read how to recognise quality and how to care for your clothes so they look good for longer.
4. Check the shipping costs and delivery time
Before you pay, see how much shipping to your country costs and how soon your parcel will arrive. At GSYL you’ll see the shipping costs and the expected delivery time on every product page. You’ll find the rates for every country under shipping and delivery.
5. Know the return policy
If you buy online from a shop in the EU, as a consumer you generally have a 14-day cooling-off period. That applies to second-hand clothing too. If you buy from a private seller, for example through a second-hand marketplace, that right usually doesn’t apply.
At GSYL, you register a return within 14 days of receipt. The item must be unworn and unwashed, with the original labels. Return shipping is at your own expense, unless the product is damaged or wrong. Full details are in our return policy.
Every item is one of a kind
So the same piece in a different size doesn’t exist. If something doesn’t fit, you send it back and order a different item. Torn between two sizes? Then focus on comparing the centimetres.
6. Shop mindfully
There’s only one of every second-hand item. If you see something you really love and it fits, don’t wait too long. Still not sure? Save it to your favourites and take another look later. In the end, the most sustainable garment is the one you wear often.
Just in at GSYL
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to buy second-hand clothes online?
Yes, if you buy from an online shop with clear contact details, secure payment methods and a return policy. With an online shop in the EU, you generally have a 14-day cooling-off period. At GSYL you pay securely via Mollie, with options including iDEAL and credit card.
How do I know if second-hand clothes will fit me?
Compare the measurements in centimetres with a garment that fits you well. That’s more reliable than the size label, because sizes vary by brand and by era. Read how to measure a garment.
Are second-hand clothes from GSYL washed?
Yes. Every item is checked and cleaned before it appears in the shop.
Can I return second-hand clothes?
From an online shop, usually yes. At GSYL you register a return within 14 days of receipt; the item must be unworn and unwashed, with the original labels. See the return policy.
Ready to shop?
Every item is hand-picked, measured flat and honestly described.