What goes wrong buying clothing used
Sizing, above everything. A garment that does not fit is the commonest reason a second-hand clothing purchase disappoints, and it is entirely avoidable by asking for flat measurements rather than trusting the label.
Misrepresentation and fakes
Counterfeits concentrate in a handful of premium labels and are usually given away by the internal tags rather than the outside: font weight, stitch density on the label edge, and a care label that does not match the era of the design.
How to verify before you pay
Ask for a photograph of the inner label and the garment laid flat with a tape measure across the chest and the length. Both are quick for an honest seller and awkward for anyone who does not have the item in front of them.
WishThrift does not authenticate, inspect or grade anything, and does not hold funds. You are buying on the seller’s description and photographs, so ask directly — a seller who has the item will answer in minutes.
What you should expect to pay
Across this category, guide prices run from about £4 to £600 (approximately $5 to $799) depending on the item and its condition. Grades run New with Tags, Like New, Good, Fair and For Parts — what each one means.
Sterling guide ranges with an approximate US dollar equivalent at £1 ≈ $1.33 (July 2026).
What each one typically costs
The most-searched items in this category, with the guide range a buyer should expect:
| Item | Good condition | Full range |
|---|---|---|
| Lehenga | £26–£228 | £40–£350 (~$53–$466) |
| Leather Jacket | £20–£117 | £30–£180 (~$40–$240) |
| Saree | £10–£98 | £15–£150 (~$20–$200) |
| Sunglasses | £6–£78 | £10–£120 (~$13–$160) |
| Winter Coat | £16–£78 | £25–£120 (~$33–$160) |
| Puffer Jacket | £13–£65 | £20–£100 (~$27–$133) |
| Cashmere Sweater | £13–£58 | £20–£90 (~$27–$120) |
| Band T-Shirt | £8–£52 | £12–£80 (~$16–$107) |
Every clothing buying guide
- Abaya
- Activewear Set
- Band T-Shirt
- Beanie
- Belt
- Bikini
- Blazer
- Blouse
- Bomber Jacket
- Bridesmaid Dress
- Cap
- Cardigan
- Cargo Pants
- Cashmere Sweater
- Chinos
- Cocktail Dress
- Corduroy Pants
- Denim Jacket
- Denim Shirt
- Denim Shorts
- Dressing Gown
- Flannel Shirt
- Fleece
- Gilet
- Gloves
- Graduation Dress
- Graphic Tee
- Gym Leggings
- Hat
- Hoodie
- Jeans
- Joggers
- Kaftan
- Kimono
- Knitwear
- Kurta
- Leather Jacket
- Leggings
- Lehenga
- Maternity Clothes
- Maxi Dress
- Midi Dress
- Midi Skirt
- Mini Dress
- Mom Jeans
- Oxford Shirt
- Parka
- Pleated Skirt
- Plus Size Clothing
- Polo Shirt
- Poncho
- Puffer Jacket
- Pyjamas
- Raincoat
- Salwar Kameez
- Saree
- Scarf
- Sherwani
- Shorts
- Skinny Jeans
- Skirt
- Slip Dress
- Sports Bra
- Suit
- Sunglasses
- Sweatshirt
- Swimwear
- Tie
- Tracksuit
- Trench Coat
- Varsity Jacket
- Vintage T-Shirt
- Waistcoat
- Wide Leg Jeans
- Winter Coat
- Wool Jumper
- Workwear Jacket
- Wrap Dress
Frequently asked questions
What should I check before buying clothing second hand?
Ask for a photograph of the inner label and the garment laid flat with a tape measure across the chest and the length. Both are quick for an honest seller and awkward for anyone who does not have the item in front of them.
What goes wrong most often?
Sizing, above everything. A garment that does not fit is the commonest reason a second-hand clothing purchase disappoints, and it is entirely avoidable by asking for flat measurements rather than trusting the label.
Does WishThrift check the item for me?
No. WishThrift does not authenticate, inspect or grade anything, and does not hold funds or offer buyer protection. Condition is described by the seller against five grades and the photographs are what you are buying on — which is why these 78 guides exist.
See also: all buying guides · Clothing listed now · selling guides · condition grades.