5 min read
How to check condition when buying clothes online
The hardest part of buying clothes secondhand online is judging condition without handling the item. With the right approach to photos, descriptions and seller signals, you can buy with confidence and avoid disappointment.
Read the condition label honestly
Both eBay and Vinted use condition labels — 'new with tags', 'very good', 'good', and so on. Treat these as a starting point rather than gospel. A careful seller will back up the label with specifics in the description; vagueness is a sign to ask questions before buying.
Scrutinise the photos
- Look for close-ups of high-wear areas: cuffs, elbows, underarms, collars and hems.
- Check knitwear for pilling and small holes — natural light photos reveal these best.
- On structured pieces, confirm the garment holds its shape rather than looking collapsed.
- Be wary of listings with only one photo, or stock images instead of the real item.
Ask about specifics
A quick message to the seller — 'Any pilling, marks or repairs?' — costs nothing and tells you a lot. Responsive, detailed answers indicate a trustworthy seller. Silence or evasiveness is a useful warning.
Check measurements, not just size
Sizing varies enormously between brands and changes over the years. Where a seller lists garment measurements — chest, length, sleeve — use those against a piece you already own rather than relying on the label size alone. This is the single most effective way to avoid fit disappointment.