Why you should only buy Vintage and not just secondhand!
There are key differences between secondhand and vintage clothing — and both are reshaping the fashion industry as sustainable style choices.
Whether you’re on the hunt for a timeless vintage Chanel jacket or just looking for an affordable secondhand find, the pre-owned fashion market offers endless possibilities. Understanding the distinction between secondhand and vintage clothing ensures you’re making informed choices—whether for sustainability, style, or investment purposes.
For us there’s an important distinction to be made: not all secondhand clothing is vintage, and not all vintage clothing is just secondhand. Understanding the differences — age, rarity, price, and cultural value — can help fashion lovers navigate the world of pre-owned apparel with ease.
What is secondhand clothing?
Secondhand clothing refers to any pre-owned garment, regardless of its age or original value. It includes everything from last season’s designer dresses to fast fashion items donated to thrift stores. These pieces are typically resold through Thrift stores, Charity shops and online marketplaces like ore Vinted
What defines vintage clothing?
Vintage clothing, on the other hand, refers to garments that are at least 20 years old, reflecting the style of a specific era. Unlike general secondhand clothing, vintage pieces hold historical or cultural significance and often feature higher-quality craftsmanship. True vintage collectors seek out iconic silhouettes from past decades, whether it’s a ‘90s Jean Paul Gaultier mesh dress or a perfectly preserved 1950s Dior gown.
Because of their rarity and craftsmanship, vintage items tend to hold — or even increase — their value over time, making them more expensive than typical secondhand clothing.
The reality of things today is that when a garment has made it to your Charity shops or Secondhand thrift shop, it is probably not an undiscovered historical gem.
The differences between secondhand and vintage
Both secondhand and vintage clothing are pre-owned, but there are key differences to be on the lookout for.
“You need to know your vintage brands or at least be able to spot a vintage brand tag so that you don’t buy a vintage reproduction, as an example: you can look for the Union Made (ILGWU) tags that were sewn into clothes starting in 1959 and prevalent through the ‘70s.” Vintage Fashion Guild is a great resource for checking labels.
Age and Historical Value
All vintage clothing is secondhand, but not all secondhand clothing qualifies as vintage. Vintage garments are at least two decades old, while secondhand pieces can be from last season or last year.
Rarity and Uniqueness
Vintage clothing is often one-of-a-kind, especially if it comes from a designer or limited production run. Secondhand Stores, on the other hand, can include fast fashion and mass-produced styles still in circulation. We believe a quality piece of vintage clothing is a feeling and not a certain set of criteria. When you try on a "Real Vintage Piece" that fits you perfectly and has your personality, the stars align… It does not have to be a name brand for it to be a quality piece. But you just know that it has to go home with you.
Quality and Craftsmanship
Many vintage garments were made using durable materials and superior tailoring techniques, designed to last decades. Secondhand clothing varies widely, from luxury brands to fast fashion. Even the quality of older polyester fabrics was superior, possibly due to modern fast fashion using cheaper, lower-quality production. Part of the allure of vintage clothes is the vibrancy of the colors, and it is amazing that a dress that is six decades old can look brand new. Thank you, polyester.”
Secondhand or vintage?
The rise of secondhand and vintage fashion isn’t just about affordability — it’s about sustainability. The fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to pollution, with textile waste filling landfills at an alarming rate. By opting for secondhand or vintage, consumers extend the life cycle of garments and reduce the demand for new production and especially fast fashion
Vintage lovers that are seeking rare, high-end pieces, are being drawn towards real Vintage Shops while mainstream resale apps like Vinted make secondhand shopping effortless for shoppers who are not so interested in the quality and story of the garment.
A shift in consumer behavior is driving this trend, too. Young shoppers, in particular, are turning to pre-owned fashion not just as a way to save money, but as a means of self-expression and environmental activism.
Our advice: Look for quality If you can, avoid buying secondhand fast fashion and focus on quality brands. Seek out investment and rare pieces that are going to wear well and last you a lifetime! We also urge our customers to be patient, as Vintage stores often have a wide variety of items, which means you will likely need to spend more time looking for the perfect piece. “And be open, Don’t overlook incredible pieces". Go into your faverit Vintage Store as often as you can and don't have a specific piece in mind, for in doing so, you may end up having left behind some really great items.”