Cult brands and classics: how to get the best value from reselling clothes

A few months in the past, on a weekend away by the ocean, a buddy and I stumbled upon a type of uncommon, unspoiled classic shops. The sort with mannequins carrying hats, and racks squished filled with Catherine Walker blazers, Burberry trench coats and one notably fabulous pair of gold Collette Dinnigan trousers.

The cardigan-clad proprietor of the shop overheard our chat in regards to the garments and got here out from behind the counter to speak us by means of her favorite items. She was notably proud that Catherine Walker was one in every of Diana, Princess of Wales’ favorite designers.

The secondhand clothes market is experiencing a fast rise. It's anticipated to develop 16 occasions sooner than the retail trade by 2026, which is exceptionally excellent news for the planet. However the expertise within the retailer and the point out of the unique influencer – Diana – left me questioning: what does it take for a garment or accent to retain its worth on the resale market?

That is the primary of a two-part sequence on the secondhand market. Subsequent week will embrace skilled recommendation on methods to promote your classic or pre-loved gadgets.

High quality over amount

It’s a maxim that may appear quaint within the period of fast-fashion hauls however on the earth of resale, high quality is the most important figuring out think about an merchandise retaining its worth.

A spokesperson for the posh resale platform Vestiaire Collective says, “Our group is curious about investing and shopping for high quality items that final the take a look at of time”.

This attitude extends to the broader market too. Developments and class supervisor of the resale platform Depop, Agustina Panzoni, says, “Nicely-made gadgets are at all times a superb wager for sustaining their worth on the resale market over cheaply made fast-fashion gadgets that are inherently much less sturdy”.

The International Head of Partnerships and Normal Supervisor ANZ of AirRobe, Beth Glancey, says that, usually, “manufacturers with low value factors (suppose $50 and underneath) have a tendency to not promote rapidly. The worth of these things within the secondhand market are perceived to be much less – and due to this fact demand is decrease”.

Play exhausting to get

One other issue that contributes to an merchandise’s resale reputation is how exhausting it's to seek out and purchase. Items which might be scarce, that had been made in restricted runs, or from manufacturers that hardly ever go on sale, are in larger demand.

An Alexander McQueen piece – like this number from his AW 2009 show – will always retain its value, if you’re lucky enough to own one.
An Alexander McQueen piece – like this quantity from his AW 2009 present – will at all times retain its worth, when you’re fortunate sufficient to personal one. Photograph: Dominique Charriau/WireImage

In response to Vestiaire, gadgets from uncommon classic collections made by previous, French luxurious homes like Dior and YSL, or the late British designer, Alexander McQueen, are “an incredible funding”.

This extends to the opposite finish of the dimensions: extra trend-focused, newer labels with loyal followings additionally garner individuals’s consideration on-line. Panzoni says, “Cult manufacturers, one-offs or uncommon gadgets, model collaborations like Ganni x Juicy Couture are set to extend in worth on the resale market.”

On repeat

Different gadgets that do nicely are staple wardrobe or high-rotation items like classic-cut denim and trench coats. “This stuff are sometimes value paying a bit additional for as you’ll put on them on repeat, and also you want high quality that can final. This stuff are much more more likely to retain their worth on a resale platform,” says Panzoni.

That is additionally true for extra useful gadgets like puffer jackets and raincoats. Panzoni says, “Since August, we’ve seen a 200% spike in searches for the North Face puffer, a basic fashion that continues to be in style on Depop 12 months on 12 months, particularly because the seasons flip and the climate begins to get colder”. Different in-demand gadgets are trainers, sneakers and cargo pants.

Methods to spot a development

There may be additionally an artwork to reselling that entails maintaining a tally of social media and the information to capitalise on moments within the zeitgeist. Vestiaire says there's a robust correlation between popular culture and shoppers’ purchasing habits. “For instance, with the final premiere of The Crown’s new season we noticed a requirement on the app for the Girl Dior bag.”

The Dior Saddle: a classic style with renewed interest spiked by TV series And Just Like That.
The Dior Saddle: a basic fashion with renewed curiosity spiked by TV sequence And Simply Like That. Photograph: Edward Berthelot/Getty Photographs

One other latest cultural affect, Vestiaire says, was TV sequence And Simply Like That – which elevated the demand of “classic items to the market such because the Dior Saddle [and] Fendi Baguette”.

However Panzoni says it’s vital to discern between tendencies and micro-trends, and to maintain all the earlier recommendation about high quality and timeless items in thoughts, when you don’t need to lose cash. “It’s simple to get caught up in micro-trends, particularly with superstar and influencer social-media tradition, however incorporating such gadgets into your wardrobe could be pricey, each to your pocket and the setting.”

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