Craving name-brand apparel at reduced rates but tired of endless scrolling through resale apps? Go straight to the brand. Several labels operate their own marketplaces for preowned items — and their prices can compete with independent secondhand sellers.
Here are some pointers before you begin shopping secondhand.
- Review the return policy. One upside to buying from a brand rather than an individual seller is the potential to return an item if it doesn’t work out. However, not every company accepts returns on used pieces. Read the fine print before you hit purchase.
- Inspect the condition. Are you comfortable with minor blemishes, or do you expect garments to appear nearly new? If you prefer the latter, only choose items labeled “like new.”
- Scan the clearance section. You can’t beat a solid clearance deal. Sometimes a clearance item will be cheaper than a secondhand listing. Take a quick look there before checking out.
With those tips in mind, here are eight well-known brands that host their own marketplaces for preowned apparel.
1. Anthropologie Nuuly Resale
If you’re trying to cut clothing costs, Anthropologie might not be your first thought. Look again.
Anthropologie shares a parent company with Nuuly, a clothing rental service. When pieces from Anthropologie leave Nuuly’s rotation, they can be listed for sale on Anthropologie’s site.
We spotted a Lisa Says Gah! top priced at just $9.95 — originally $78. The caveat: Nuuly Resale items are typically final sale.
2. Doc Martens Rewair
Buy cheap boots and you may replace them within a year. Invest in a quality pair and you might wear them for life. If brand-new Docs are a stretch, check out the Doc Martens Rewair shop. Returned footwear and factory rejects are repaired by experienced technicians.
The boots aren’t bargain-basement cheap, but they’re notably less expensive than new. For example, the 2976 Chelsea Boots list at $170 new, but we found them on Rewair for $96. Rewair offers a 30-day return window, so sizing shouldn’t be a major worry.
3. Free People Nuuly Resale
Did you realize Free People and Anthropologie are sister brands? We didn’t either — until we found Free People’s Nuuly resale page. Free People also takes part in circular fashion: items rented through Nuuly are resold when they’re lightly worn.
The standout bargain we found was a blouse for $9.95 that originally retailed for $139 — over 90% off. Bear in mind the usual final sale rule applies.
4. Levi’s Secondhand
Ever wandered into a vintage shop for old Levi’s and left shocked by the price tag? Preowned Levi’s can command prices close to—or even exceeding—their original retail, given their iconic status. You may find better deals on Levi’s own secondhand site.
We discovered jeans starting at $29. Full disclosure: we also saw pairs listed for $225. If you’re budget-conscious, avoid selvedge denim and premium styles. Levi’s lets you return purchases within 60 days, so you can exchange if the fit isn’t right.
5. Lululemon Like New
No one truly needs $100 Lululemon leggings, but many of us want them. Before splurging on a fresh pair of Wunder Unders, look at Lululemon Like New: gently used Lululemon pieces sold at a discount.
We spotted Wunder Under Smooth Cover High-Rise tights for $44, compared to a $98 retail price. Returns are allowed within 14 days, though a $7.50 shipping fee will be deducted from your refund.
Note: proceeds may support sustainability programs — profits go to the Apparel Impact Institute’s Fashion Climate Fund.
6. Los Angeles Apparel Swap Meet
For well-made, American-made basics, Los Angeles Apparel is a go-to. The downside is that a quality, U.S.-made crop top can cost $80.
Save on ethically made garments by shopping Swap Meet, Los Angeles Apparel’s used marketplace. When we browsed, crop tops were far more reasonably priced — around $9–$28.
Swap Meet offers a bit more detail on each listing than some other platforms. Expect product photos and short descriptions provided by the original owner.
Los Angeles Apparel also lists samples and slightly imperfect pieces on its official Depop account.
7. Patagonia Worn Wear
“Patagucci” exists for a reason. Patagonia is synonymous with premium quality — and premium prices. A women’s fleece can top $250 new. On Patagonia’s Worn Wear site, you might score one for about $50. Not dirt cheap, but significantly less than retail.
Used Patagonia items sold through Worn Wear remain covered by the same lifetime warranty as new products. The Patagonia Ironclad Guarantee states: “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
If you’re after a sequin maxi, a pleather mini, or a neon jacket on the cheap, you’re in luck. Urban Outfitters also participates in Nuuly’s circular-fashion program.
The best bargain we found was a pair of horseshoe-print jeans for $9.99 — practically thrift-store pricing.
Remember: that $9.99 is wasted if the jeans don’t fit. Nuuly Resale listings are nonrefundable, so you might prefer to risk a t-shirt instead.
Contributor Maya Foster is a freelance journalist whose work appears in HuffPost, Insider and other outlets. You can follow her on Substack.
