Thirfting in Michigan and What to Check Before Buying Secondhand Clothes

It’s common to question the safety of buying used clothes or wonder whether there’s value in investing money at a thrift store in general. After all, being skeptical of used items is a reasonable concern when you consider where your money is going. Previously owned things required further inspection than newly manufactured items, especially since wear and tear impact their value or functionality. Used clothes have a shorter shelf life than other items, which is why it’s important to know what to examine before purchasing them. Explore this guide on what to check before buying secondhand clothes to find high-quality items and get the most value out of your thrift store purchase.

Check for Defects

It’s important to thoroughly inspect articles of used clothing for defects before purchasing them. Secondhand clothes often have a lot of life left in them, but holes, stains, and tears mean they won’t last much longer after they leave the store. Inspect the material of your secondhand purchase and pay special attention to the underarms of shirts and the crotch area of jeans because these places tend to experience the most wear. When trying on secondhand clothes, take a second look to see whether the hems and stitching are intact.

Examine the Label

Just like when you buy new clothes, it’s important to check the label on secondhand items to see what the material is and how to wash it. The labels on secondhand clothes also help you narrow down the brands you’re looking for. It’s especially important to examine the labels on secondhand clothes because it can help you determine whether the piece is authentic vintage or a standard reproduction.

Try Before You Buy

Shopping for clothes in an eclectic store means the brands and manufacturers are inconsistent. Clothing sizes can differ between manufacturers, which is why it’s important to try everything on. Secondhand clothes have undergone the stretching and washing process from their previous owners, which means the size on the tag and how the item wears can be deceptive.

Next time you’re shopping secondhand, take note of the pricing on the items you’re looking at to ensure the quality matches the value. Thrift stores can also have return policies that differ from regular retail stores, so be mindful of double-checking things before making a purchase on an item with an overlooked defect.

Here’s a List of Michigan resale boutiques and stores, we recommend:

1. Salvation Army – 20 locations are available across Michigan including locations in Royal Oak, Utica, Rochester, and more. Click here for a listing of all locations. 
2. Deja Vu Upscale Resale,  32750 Franklin Rd., Franklin Village, Mi 48025. Phone – 248-855-4567.
3. Emporium of Birmingham, 33744 Woodward Ave., Birmingham, Mi 48009. Phone – 248-376-7165.
4. Lost & Found Vintage, 510 South Washington Ave., Royal Oak, Mi 48067. Phone – 248-548-6154.
5. Hips Resale Boutique, 10 South Main St., Clawson, Mi 48017. Phone – 248-435-2130.
6. Le Boutique Upscale Resale, 115 E. Grand River
   Howell, Mi 48843. Phone – 517-545-2442.
7. Consignment Clothier, 42945 7 Mile Rd., Northville, Mi 48167. Phone –
   248-347-4570.
8. Bellocchio, 25519 Woodward Avenue. Royal Oak, Mi 48067. Phone – (248) 541-8025.
9. Designer Resale Boutique, 22442 Woodward Avenue
   Ferndale, Mi 48220. Phone – 248-840-2569.
10. Rotate Boutique, 361 East Maple Rd., Birmingham, Mi 48009. Phone – 248-885-8179.

Photo – Arianna Jadé