These 8 Name Brands Run Their Own Secondhand Stores

Levi's store at Westfield Century City mall in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock.com

Editor's Note: This story originally appeared on The Penny Hoarder.

Want brand name clothing at discount prices? Don’t want to spend hours scrolling through resale apps? Go straight to the source. Some brands run their own marketplaces for used clothing – and their prices can rival those of secondhand sellers.

But first, a few tips before you start secondhand shopping.

Tips for Successful Secondhand Shopping

happy woman buying clothes
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  • Check the return policy. One of the benefits of buying from a brand instead of an independent reseller is the possibility of returning something that doesn’t work out. But not so fast – not all companies allow returns on their used clothing. Check the fine print before you buy.
  • Check the condition. Are you okay with a stain or two, or do you expect your clothing to look just like new? If you fall into the latter category, make sure you only buy items with “like new” in the description.
  • Check the clearance section. You can’t beat a good clearance section. Literally. An item on clearance may be cheaper than a secondhand item. Give it a quick search before you hit checkout.

With those tips in mind, keep reading for eight popular brands that run their own marketplaces for used clothing.

1. Anthropologie Nuuly Resale

Anthropologie
JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock.com

If you were trying to save money on clothes, Anthropologie probably wouldn’t be the first place you’d look. Well, look a little closer.

Anthropologie is owned by the same parent company as Nuuly, a clothing rental app. When Anthropologie clothing is ready to be retired from Nuuly, it can be listed for sale on Anthropologie’s website.

We spotted a Lisa Says Gah! top for just $9.95. It was $78 new. The catch: That top, like all Nuuly Resale items, is final sale.

2. Doc Martens Rewair

Dr Martens storefront Dr. Martens
JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock.com

Buy a cheap pair of boots, and you’ll replace them in a year. Buy a nice pair of boots and buy them for life. If a brand new pair of Docs is slightly out of reach, check out Doc Martens Rewair shop.

Returned shoes and factory rejects are sent to skilled technicians for repair.

The boots aren’t cheap, but they’re a lot cheaper than new. The original retail price of 2976 Chelsea Boots is $170, but we found them on Rewair for $96. (There’s a 30-day return policy, so don’t worry too much about sizing.)

3. Free People Nuuly Resale

free people storefront
JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock.com

Did you know Free People is owned by the same company as Anthropologie? Us either – until we found their Nuuly Resale page. It turns out Free People also participates in the circular fashion cycle by renting out clothes with Nuuly and selling them on when they’re gently worn.

The best deal we found was a $9.95 blouse that originally cost $139 – that’s more than 90% off. Just watch out for that blanket final sale policy.

4. Levi’s Secondhand

Vintage Levi's "Big E" denim jeans
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Have you ever browsed a vintage store for old Levi’s? Did you walk right out with a nasty case of sticker shock? Levi’s jeans are one of those iconic pieces that sell for almost as much — if not more — than their original price when used. You might find a better deal on Levi’s own secondhand website.

We found jeans as cheap as $29. Full disclosure: We also found jeans as expensive as $225. Steer clear of selvedge denim and premium styles if you’re on a budget. You can return the jeans within 60 days of purchase, so you don’t have to worry if the fit’s not right.

5. Lululemon Like New

Lululemon
Sorbis / Shutterstock.com

Nobody needs $100 Lululemon leggings. But some of us really want them. Before you splurge on a pair of Wunder Unders, check Lululemon Like New. It’s exactly what it sounds like: gently used Lululemon clothing for sale at a discount.

We found Wunder Under Smooth Cover High-Rise tights for $44. New, they retail for $98. You can initiate a return of your Like New purchase within 14 days – but a $7.50 shipping fee will be deducted from your refund.

FYI: Your purchase may play a small part in supporting sustainability initiatives. All profits go to Apparel Impact Institute’s Fashion Climate Fund.

6. Los Angeles Apparel Swap Meet

Woman shopping online
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If you want quality, American-made basics, Los Angeles Apparel is the place to shop. The only problem is that sometimes, a quality, American-made crop top costs $80.

You can save money on sweatshop-free clothing by shopping on Swap Meet, Los Angeles Apparel’s used marketplace. When we checked it out, crop tops were on sale for a much more reasonable $9-$28.

Swap Meet provides a little more information on each item than the other guys. Expect product photos and brief descriptions, straight from the original owner.

Los Angeles Apparel also sells samples and slightly damaged pieces on its official Depop account.

7. Patagonia Worn Wear

Patagonia store
Sundry Photography / Shutterstock.com

It’s called Patagucci for a reason. Patagonia is known for high quality — and high prices. A women’s fleece can run over $250 new. $250! On Patagonia’s Worn Wear site, you can get one for $50. Not super cheap, but much cheaper.

And it’s covered by the same lifetime warranty as new Patagonia products. Here’s the Patagonia Ironclad Guarantee for reference:

“If you are not satisfied with one of our products at the time you receive it, or if one of our products does not perform to your satisfaction, return it to the store you bought it from or to Patagonia for a repair, replacement or refund. Damage due to wear and tear will be repaired at a reasonable charge.”

8. Urban Outfitters Nuuly Resale

Urban Outfitters
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If you want a sequined maxi skirt, pleather minidress, or neon jacket on the cheap, you’re in luck. Another brand that participates in Nuuly’s circular fashion cycle? Urban Outfitters.

The best deal we found was a pair of horseshoe printed jeans for $9.99. That’s practically a thrift store price tag.

Of course, all $9.99 will go down the drain if the jeans don’t fit. Nuuly Resale items are non-refundable, so you might be better off going for a T-shirt.

 

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