Benefits of shopping second-hand items online

There used to be a time when it was nothing to be proud of to buy second-hand goods. It was known to be something for only those who could not afford new items. Second-hand shopping is gaining popularity nowadays. You can sell and purchase used goods on the market, and online second-hand shopping in UAE is popping up everywhere.

Why second-hand shopping?

One of the best things about second-hand shopping is that a sustainable chain of goods is established. Most of us will go shopping for fun, either for the upcoming party we have a big paycheck or desperately need the outfit. Moreover, before deciding it is just not what we are looking for, many of us wear those things a couple of times.

Second-hand or antique shopping is a little like a treasure hunt. You also have to dig, scour, examine, research, and occasionally make some wrong turns along the way in order to find the hidden gems. But we now have access to what once took hours of sorting through clothing racks and shelves of shoes, luggage, and homeware, from the comfort of our own homes, with the ease and convenience of online second hand shopping in UAE. Wondering where to shop for second-hand clothes? Whether online or in your local area, we have done the job for you by putting together this guide.

Buying antique and second-hand provides a refreshing way to shop in our globalized world dominated by fast fashion giants. It enables us to add items to our wardrobe without using extra resources in the production process, give a second life to discarded items, and discover unique and exclusive pieces along the way. Vintage and second-hand fashion have become increasingly popular as sustainable and ethical consumption resonates with more individuals.

The following recommendations are for you whether you are thinking of getting into second-hand shopping, or want to brush up on your thrift shopping skills!

1. Pick your shop

Are you chasing luxury, or are you searching for more budget-friendly brands? Contemporary or vintage? In between, something? It will set a base for success by focusing on what you are looking for and choosing an online shop that reflects your needs.

Looking for a little bit more to spend on a designer piece? To authenticate the luxury goods, select a shop that employs a team of experts. While you're at it, make sure to find out each store's delivery and return policies. Just in case, you know.

2. Create a list

It will help you concentrate on finding gaps in your wardrobe and making a list, but often you will come across a wonderful something you didn't realize you wanted. And that's also totally okay!

3. Look for brands that you love already,

In case you didn't know, you can find a lot of brands you already buy online second-hand.

It takes the guesswork out of online shopping to search for and purchase recognizable products because you already know the clothes' quality and the brands' specific size.

4. Understand the measurements

Would you like to try vintage or brands that you do not wear already? Well, for that, you would need to know your measurements. When you have this experience, make sure you review the measurements of each object you want to fit to ensure it is fit!

5. Take advantage of the search filters of each online store

Specifically, looking for a red Midi dress?  We suggest using the filters for online second-hand shopping in the UAE (a type of clothing, color, size, etc.) to find what you're searching for in less than a minute. Bet you can't do that in your nearest thrift shop!

6. Put the whole thing in your virtual cart

This is particularly important when buying from online retailers that reserve your goods for a defined period of time. Do a quick search of items available and (virtually) grab something that catches your eye, even if you're not sure about it. Your first look is not the time for final cuts to be made. If you don't pick it up when you see it for the first time, there's a chance someone else is going to pick it up from right under you.

7. Still search twice

Enlarge and scrutinize the images of the items. Read and reread the item summary. And then do it again. When your second-hand item arrives, you don't want to be shocked because it's not in the like-new state you pictured it in.

8. Don't buy that just because it's cheap

Do not buy anything for the love of all things thrift, only because it's cheap! You risk loading up your closet room with things you don't end up wearing when you buy something that you're not a hundred percent into. Not to mention, you may be taking away the chance to love the piece to death for someone else. Let them have it.

A perfect way to reduce your effect while still enjoying shopping and style is to browse for second-hand clothes. You may avoid developing new demand for raw materials, and in most cases, unfair labor practices by buying parts that already exist.