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.
In short
- GSYL uses four condition grades: New with tags, Like new, Very good and Good.
- Each grade tells you whether an item has been worn and whether you can see that.
- We always list small flaws separately on the item page, and you can see them in the photos.
- Items with holes, stains or heavy wear don’t make it into the shop.
Second-hand clothing comes in every degree of wear: from never worn to visibly loved. That’s why we give every item a condition grade. That way you know in advance what to expect, and you can choose what suits you.
GSYL’s four condition grades
New with tags
Never worn, original tag still attached.
Like new
Worn, but without visible signs of wear.
Very good
Lightly worn, with small signs of wear that we describe.
Good
Visibly worn; signs of wear are in the description and photos.
On every product page, you’ll see the grade as a four-step meter, with this explanation next to it. That makes it easy to compare items.
What are signs of wear?
Signs of wear are small changes caused by wearing and washing. Think of:
- Pilling: small bobbles on the fabric, especially on jumpers and cardigans and in places that rub.
- Slight fading of the colour, for example on black clothing or denim.
- A slightly stretched collar or cuff.
- Light wear on the inside, for example on the lining or the label.
With Very good, these signs are small; with Good, they’re visible. In both cases we describe them, and you’ll see them in the photos.
Flaws are listed in the details
If an item has a small flaw, such as a loose thread or a small snag in the fabric, it’s listed separately in the item’s details. That way, there are no surprises.
How do we check the clothes?
Every item is hand-picked and checked before it appears in the shop. We look at:
- Condition: no holes, stains or heavy wear.
- Fit: we measure every garment flat, so you can compare the measurements.
- Style: timeless, wearable pieces.
- Material: natural and sustainable materials where possible.
After that, every item is cleaned, so you receive a fresh garment.
Not sure about the condition?
Send us a message with the item number, which is shown with every item. We’re happy to take another look for you. You’ll find how to reach us on the contact page.
Which grade is right for you?
Looking for something for a special occasion, or want it to look brand new? Then choose New with tags or Like new. For clothes you wear every day, such as a jumper or a pair of jeans, Very good or Good is often a great choice: you’ll hardly notice a few small signs of wear while you’re wearing it, and you give a beautiful piece a second life.
Frequently asked questions
What does ‘new with tags’ mean for second-hand clothing?
The item has never been worn and the original tag is still attached.
What is the difference between ‘like new’ and ‘very good’?
Like new means the item has been worn, but shows no visible signs of wear. Very good means it has been lightly worn, with small signs of wear that we describe.
Does second-hand clothing in ‘good’ condition still look nice?
Yes. Good means you can see that the item has been worn; the signs of wear are in the description and the photos. We don’t list items with holes, stains or heavy wear in the shop.
Are the items washed before they are sent?
Yes. Every item is checked and cleaned before it appears in the shop.
See the condition of every item
For every item, you’ll see the condition grade, the details and close-up photos.