Shopping new and second-hand

Look for clothing that will last you years, not weeks. Investing in well-made clothing means getting more wear out of every piece, saving money, and reducing your environmental impact.

Before you shop

• Look at what you have in your closet. Identify gaps in your wardrobe and know what it is you’re looking for. 
• Walk in with a plan, or a list, and know what impulse items to be aware of and avoid. 
• Keep in mind what new items might go well with what you already have at home.
• Study the items in your wardrobe that have held up longer than others. What qualities do those clothes have? Keep an eye out for those qualities when you’re shopping.​​

Tips for identifying quality

1. ​Let your hands be your guide. 
   Quality clothing should feel smooth and substantial. It doesn’t necessarily need to be heavy, but what you want to see is density in the clothing weave. The stronger and more substantial the fiber, the more likely it will last longer. Some manufacturers may add chemicals to make clothing feel heftier and smoother, so judging on touch alone is a good start, but won’t be enough.
2. Look carefully. 
   Hold the garment up to the light to get a better look at it. The more tightly packed or spun the weave, the better. Now look at the seams, inside and out. Look for stitching that is even and closely spaced. Avoid sloppy or loose stitching, as this is usually a red flag for lower quality. Avoid buttons that look flimsy or button holes with fraying ends. Fabric on clothing should be cut either straight along the grain, or on a right angle, allowing the clothing to stretch. Improperly cut clothing will get pulled out of shape over time. Look for collars on dress shirts and waistbands on pants with interfacing (thicker cloth that creates structure to keep the garment shape stable), which ensures that area will maintain shape over time.
3. Read the label. 
   Natural fibers, such as cotton, wool, linen, or silk are typically a good sign of better quality. Cheaper synthetic materials such as polyester, acrylic, spandex, rayon and other manmade fibers made from plastics are cheaper and usually an indicator of a lower quality item. Natural fibers can withstand repeated washing and drying, whereas cheaper manmade materials will break down much quicker. For example, when you dry a cotton-polyester blend, the two fibers will shrink at differing rates, eventually changing the shape of the garment.
4. High price doesn't always equal high quality. 
   Buying better quality clothing typically means paying more upfront (unless you are buying second-hand). But spending more upfront on clothing that lasts longer can save you money in the long run. Lower price clothes are typically cheaper for a reason — they are of a lower quality and they don't last.

However, a key thing to highlight here is that a higher price tag doesn't necessarily mean higher quality, so use the tips in this section to become a more conscious connoisseur of quality clothing.​​

Tips for shopping second-hand

1. Come prepared. 
   Shop with purpose. If you're a first time second-hand shopper, start with a specific outfit in mind. Do you need something for an upcoming party? Or more outfits for work? Shop with your wardrobe in mind, and think about things that you already own that might match with your new purchases.
2. Keep your eyes open. 
   Thrift stores can be great places to find second-hand gems, but they're not the only game in town. Second-hand consignment stores, vintage clothing shops, garage sales, online communities, andclothing swaps are all great places to find quality second-hand clothes. Lots of second-hand stores will have a "golden rail," or separate area for vintage or designer clothes — keep an eye out for those or ask the staff if they have gotten anything special in store recently, as they may even have something hidden in the back that isn't on display yet.
3. Always try it on. 
   We've all made this mistake before, as clothes can look quite different once you pull them off the hanger and try them on. Sizes vary between eras and manufacturers, so make sure it fits before you take it home. Remember to inspect the garment for quality too (see tips for identifying quality​, above — the same rules apply for second-hand clothing).
4. Take your time. 
   Enjoy the process. Sometimes you need to have a really good look around to find the hidden gems at a second-hand store. So take your time and see if there's anything hiding where it shouldn't be. If you find yourself getting overwhelmed, try looking for specific colours, styles, or patterns that you like, regardless of where in the shop you find it, as items can get mixed around on the racks fairly easily.
5. Drop one, pick one. 
   Before you head out to the thrift shop, double check that you don't have anything to donate. Bring along anything you don't want and drop it off while you're searching for your newest second-hand treasure. (Note that many consignment stores will require a minimum number of items to create an account. Call ahead to make sure you know their policy.)