LITTLE GREEN DRESS

The Art of Shopping Secondhand Online

By Hannah Timm

September 2026

Forget endless scrolling or unwanted purchases. If you have ever felt overwhelmed at the thought of online secondhand shopping, you’re not alone. The secondhand online market is huge, with endless places to shop and thousands of listings to sort through. It is incredibly easy to get lost, overwhelmed, or stop before you even begin. 

Much like any type of shopping trip, if you lead a little with a plan and prep ahead of time, you can use all of the inventory to your advantage. I suggest having a few things mapped out before you scroll. This is where I would start.

Before sitting down to scroll any type of resale app, you need to figure out what you are actually looking for. If you don’t have a clear plan in mind, you might accidentally end up scrolling for hours, most likely without much to show for it. 

Start by asking yourself these questions:

1. What gap in your wardrobe are you trying to fill?
2. Are there certain pieces that would help tie your outfits together? 
3. Is there a specific silhouette, color, fabric, brand, that you love? 
4. What in your closet do you own that already works?

This is key.

If you don’t know your measurements already or need to update, now is the time. If you are not sure how to do so, you can do a quick YouTube search or head to your local tailor where they will do this for you. I recommend knowing at least your bust, waist, and hip measurements. 

Keep your measurements saved in your phone for easy access when you are online shopping. Many garments on the secondhand market will have measurements included in the listing details. I do not always recommend going off of the tag for sizing. With the secondhand market you can frequently come across vintage or older clothing where sizing can be inconsistent. 

For further accuracy, you can measure the garments you already own. For instance, you can measure your favorite pair of jeans or a jacket that you wear on repeat, and use those measurements as comparison.

This is where you are going to think like a stylist. Learning how to search and what to search will not only save you loads of time, but you will end up with pieces that excite you, and most importantly, feel like you. When you purchase items that you truly love, they are more likely to last longer in your closet. 

So, is there a strategic way to search? There are a few ways I like to narrow things down.

When searching, try to be as specific as possible. Add in details like color, size, fabric, silhouette, brands. You can also swap out terminology to get different results. 

For instance, if you are searching on Poshmark and you know you need a pair of brown pants for work and you love a high rise, your search would look a little something like this: brown trousers, high rise, size 8. From there, you get more specific with the shape of the pants, from wide leg, to straight leg, tapered, etc. You can even add a brand you already know and like, such as Abercrombie or J.Crew.

One other tip I love recommending is searching brand names that you are familiar with – ones that you know and love. There are so many available on the secondhand market that there is a good chance you will find some of your favorites. Plus you already have an idea of how they fit.

Before clicking purchase, make sure to read the fine print. Double-check the measurements, fabric content, condition of the item, return policy, and pricing. Look closely at all of the photos for any signs of wear, damage or stains.

And remember, just because it seems like a deal does not mean you have to have it. It should still check all the boxes and make sense for your wardrobe and your lifestyle.

If you come across something online that you love, either at a current retailer or even on Pinterest, there is a fun tool called Beni that can make secondhand shopping so much easier. You can use it on your phone or computer to help find the same or similar item on the secondhand market. You can also add key details like size and brand to narrow your search. Save all of your finds on separate boards to keep everything organized for later. 

Now that we have prepped and even have some usual tools for knowing how to shop, the big question is, where should we actually shop? These are some of my go-to places that I think you will love.

Most of us are familiar with Poshmark. This is my favorite secondhand retailer. It can be a little overwhelming at times, but the selection tends to exceed some of the other online sites.

If you are looking for moderate to higher-end brands, definitely check out The Real Real. I particularly love searching for specific brands if you have a couple in mind. You can also sign into your account and save the items you have been eyeing.

I love Etsy for vintage sellers and collectors, and particularly vintage jewelry and accessories. Once you find a collector on Etsy, be sure to save or follow them.

Sell and purchase your favorite modern brands on ThredUp. ThredUp is very organized and has a wide range of styles and sizes.

There is so much available on the secondhand market it has become incredibly easy to become overwhelmed by the selection. Going in with a bit of knowledge and plan, makes the process feel more manageable… and a lot more fun. 

Starting with what you need, knowing your measurements, get specific with your searches, and take your time before hitting purchase. Your goal isn’t to find the best deal or the most pieces. You want to find pieces of quality, fit well within your wardrobe, and that bring you joy. 

When you find something that you love and brings you joy, there is something really special about bringing a second life back into that piece.