8 Clothing Items Experts Say You Should Never Buy Secondhand

Lingerie

Jennifer Johnson, founder of secondhand store True Fashionistas, steers clear of thrifted lingerie. She says hygiene plays a big role in this decision: Used lingerie may be tough to properly sanitize, especially if the item is made of lace or silk. And since these items touch some of the most sensitive parts of our bodies, you don’t want to take chances on them (even if they are only a dollar or two).

Fast Fashion

Nowadays, it’s more common than ever to flip through the racks at the thrift store and find tons of clothing from brands like Shein, Cider, or Primark. And while this is the most sustainable way to procure fast fashion items (rather than buying them directly from the retailer), Jenna Sondhelm, CEO at Estate of Eclectic, recommends skipping them altogether. 

Sondhelm avoids fast fashion made of synthetic fabrics since natural fibers are so easy to purchase secondhand. Clothing made of these natural fibers (like cotton, wool, and linen) tend to be more durable, easier to clean, and look higher-end. Compare that to synthetic blends that pill after a few wears and weren’t built with longevity in mind, and it’s a no-brainer to spend your money elsewhere in the thrift store.

Vintage Shoes

Although it can be tempting to pick up a pair of vintage Creepers or kitten heels, Jacquelyn LaMar Berney, president of VI Marketing & Branding, thinks you’re better off saving your cash for something else. "They may look fine outside," she says, "but once the interior padding is worn down, they don’t fit properly or feel supportive."

Besides a lack of support, vintage and older shoes often have other serious structural issues. Materials tend to deteriorate with age—even if the shoes weren’t worn frequently—which means soles can split apart and glue can easily crumble once you slip them on.

Swimsuits

Similar to lingerie, used swimsuits are a dime a dozen at the thrift store, but you (for the most part) shouldn’t pick them up—especially the bottoms. Berney thinks they’re too intimate and that the hygiene can be questionable.

However, a brand-new swimsuit with hygiene tags still intact is likely fine to purchase—just make sure to wash before wearing.

Outerwear With Torn Lining

We've all seen that leather jacket at the thrift store with a peeling or torn inner lining—but is it fixable? Berney doesn’t think so. Since any damage inside the lining can trap odors and bacteria, she recommends passing on any coats with internal damage and checking for odors before purchasing.

Awkwardly Stained Pants

"I know this is going to sound gross, but check the crotch in pants just to be certain there is no staining," Johnson says. "This happens more frequently than anyone would want to admit."

Before adding a pair of pants or shorts to your cart at the thrift, turn the item inside out to inspect the garment from all angles. This can help you avoid purchasing anything that is stained, pilled, or damaged in a spot that’s easy to miss or treat.

Pilling Cashmere

Although you could spend hours painstakingly de-pilling a newly thrifted cashmere sweater, Johnson recommends putting the item back. She emphasizes the importance of checking the underarms specifically, as this is a common spot for pilling.

And pilling is more than just a visual nuisance: It’s usually a bigger signal that the fabric itself is weakening from improper care or excessive use.

Items That Need Significant Alterations

Unless you find the wedding dress of your dreams for a steal, Sondhelm advises you might want to think twice about purchasing clothing that requires significant alterations. “I have purchased a vintage evening gown with beading, and it’s still waiting to be hemmed,” Sondhelm shares. “So, if alterations and repairs are needed, it’s sometimes better to pass as the cost of these repairs can exceed the purchase price.”

Moreover, if the item in question has embellishments or beading, finding someone qualified to properly repair the item can be difficult or time-consuming. If you’re not certain you’ll commit to completing the necessary alterations, leave the project behind.