The Trove Guide to Secondhand Labels
Picture this: You push open the door and walk into a secondhand shop. The racks are full of opportunity, and you just know there’s a gem waiting for you. But there are clothes everywhere. You’re in a sea of clothing, with pieces as far as the eye can see, and no idea where to start. What do you do?
Whether you’re new to secondhand shopping or a seasoned thrifting pro, you’ve probably been overwhelmed by the disarray in your local thrift store’s clothing section. While it can be tempting to give up entirely, the British Fashion Council has said that there’s enough clothing on the planet to dress the next six generations, and secondhand shopping is our best line of defense against textile waste. Don’t despair! The perfect piece is out there if you know where to look.
Today, we’re sharing our Trove guide to shopping for secondhand labels: where to focus your energy, how to spot a gem, and a few pro tips to help you get started. Let’s get into it!
Focusing Your Search
When it comes to sourcing new pieces for Trove Fashion, owner Kelly looks for labels that offer high-quality pieces in classic styles. These brands tend to have a longer lifespan in your closet, and they also retain their value, so you can recoup some of your investment when you’re ready to part with them.
The Trove team loves modern and minimalist brands like Sézane, Inwear, ça va de soi, Tiger of Sweden, and COS. These brands tend to produce high-quality classic styles that are well-made and flattering. The same goes for slow fashion brands that are doing their part to reduce waste in the garment production industry. Familiarize yourself with some popular sustainable fashion brands before you shop, or keep a list on your phone so you have the information at your fingertips while browsing.
Spotting a Gem
Now that you know what to look for, how can you spot a gem in a sea of clothing? Here are a few tips to get started:
Decide what to focus on ahead of time. Are you in the market for a new pair of jeans? A fall jacket? A cozy sweater? Narrowing down your list will make shopping feel less overwhelming.
Once you know what you’re looking for, head to that section first. It’s easier to focus at the start of a shopping trip, when your eyes (and mind) are fresh.
Next, scan the racks to see what stands out to you. With time, you’ll become an expert at spotting high-quality fabrics, prints, and other details at a glance.
Finally, flip through the rack, starting at the end closest to the aisle. Store employees often put new pieces right at the end of the rack, so your chances of finding a gem are higher there.
More Trove Tips
When browsing, check all the racks, even if they’re not necessarily in your size. Clothing is sometimes misplaced, either by employees or other shoppers, so you might find a gem in your size in a section that you would have otherwise skipped.
Similarly, don’t skip the ends of each aisle. Another shopper may have hastily hung up pieces that they decided not to buy, and their castoffs might be just what you’re looking for.
If a piece that you love doesn’t fit quite right, think about whether or not it can be tailored. A tailor can easily fix a zipper, close a gaping neckline, or adjust a hem. Read more on the Trove blog: The Magic of Tailoring.
Trove Tip: Looking for a curated shopping experience? Visit us in store! The Trove team is always happy to assist you. We’re located at 1000 Wellington St W. in the heart of beautiful Hintonburg in Ottawa. The shop is open Tuesday-Sunday and is wheelchair/stroller accessible. See you soon!
