Second-hand shopping is an amazing way to refresh your wardrobe while reducing waste, saving money, and supporting sustainable fashion. But not all preloved clothing is created equal—some pieces are built to last, while others might not survive a few more washes.
If you’ve ever found a beautiful vintage piece or a designer item at a swap or thrift store, only to realise later that it was poorly made, this guide is for you! Knowing how to spot high-quality second-hand fashion can help you swap and shop smarter, ensuring that your wardrobe is filled with durable, stylish, and well-made garments.
At Swap A Frock, we want to make preloved fashion accessible and exciting. Here’s how to identify quality pieces, which fabrics and brands to look for, and how to revive vintage treasures so they last for years to come!
🧵 Signs of High-Quality Clothing: What to Look For
When shopping second-hand, the key to finding durable and well-made clothing lies in the details. Here’s what to check:
1️⃣ Fabric Quality: The Foundation of Good Clothing
A high-quality fabric will feel sturdy, soft, and luxurious to the touch. Look for:
✔ Natural fibres like cotton, wool, silk, and linen—they last longer and improve with age.
✔ Tightly woven fabrics—hold them up to the light; if you can see through the fabric, it may be too thin.
✔ Soft yet strong textures—cheap fabrics often feel stiff or scratchy.
✔ Wrinkle test—scrunch the fabric in your hand; if it wrinkles instantly and stays wrinkled, it may be poor quality.
🌟 Pro Tip: Avoid cheap synthetics like polyester blends unless they’re high-end recycled fabrics or feel durable.
2️⃣ Stitching & Seams: The Mark of True Craftsmanship
Good stitching is essential for durability. Poor seams and loose stitches are a sign of low-quality production.
🔎 How to Spot Well-Made Stitching:
✔ Straight, even seams – Check for double stitching, which makes clothes last longer.
✔ No loose threads – Stray threads are a sign of rushed manufacturing.
✔ Well-finished hems – Look for folded hems instead of raw edges.
✔ Reinforced buttons & zippers – High-quality garments use strong closures that won’t break easily.
🌟 Pro Tip: Turn the garment inside out—quality pieces will have neat, well-finished interiors without excess threads or rough edges.
3️⃣ Fastenings & Hardware: A Test of Durability
Buttons, zippers, and clasps are easy to overlook, but they’re a strong indicator of quality.
🔎 How to Check:
✔ Metal zippers over plastic – They last much longer and slide smoothly.
✔ Tightly sewn buttons – Give them a slight tug; if they feel loose, they may not last.
✔ Secure hook-and-eye closures – Check dresses and blouses for strong, non-fraying fastenings.
🌟 Pro Tip: If you love an item but it has a loose button or faulty zipper, it’s an easy, affordable fix—especially for high-quality garments!
🏆 Which Brands and Fabrics Last the Longest?
Certain brands and fabrics stand the test of time, making them ideal finds when swapping or thrifting.
✨ Best Fabrics for Long-Lasting Clothing:
✔ Linen – Softens with wear and gets better over time.
✔ 100% Cotton – Breathable and strong, especially in denim and shirts.
✔ Silk & Wool – Natural, long-lasting, and luxurious.
✔ Raw or Selvedge Denim – Higher quality than mass-produced stretchy jeans.
✨ High-Quality Second-Hand Brands to Look For:
When swapping or thrifting, keep an eye out for trusted, durable brands that make long-lasting pieces. Some great choices include:
✔ Levi’s – Vintage denim that lasts decades.
✔ Ralph Lauren – Well-made cotton shirts, sweaters, and blazers.
✔ Burberry & Barbour – Classic coats with excellent craftsmanship.
✔ Patagonia & The North Face – High-quality outerwear designed to last.
✔ Dr. Martens & Timberland – Durable boots and leather goods.
🌟 Pro Tip: If you find designer labels while thrifting or swapping, check for authenticity markers like proper stitching, logo placement, and high-quality fabrics.
🔍 How to Check for Wear & Tear Before Swapping or Buying
Even the best-quality clothes can show signs of wear, but some issues are easy to fix, while others might not be worth it.
🚦 What’s Worth Swapping or Buying?
✔ Light pilling – Easily fixable with a fabric shaver.
✔ Loose buttons or small holes – Simple to repair.
✔ Slight fading – Can often be revived with proper washing.
✔ Stretchy denim or wool that still holds shape – High-quality items naturally adjust to wear.
🚨 What to Avoid?
❌ Major stains – Oil, sweat, and ink stains are hard to remove.
❌ Weakened fabric – Thin areas that look close to tearing.
❌ Misshapen or stretched-out clothing – Won’t fit well even after washing.
❌ Funky odours – If a smell lingers after washing, it’s hard to get rid of.
🌟 Pro Tip: When swapping online, ask for extra photos or descriptions to check for wear and tear before agreeing to trade.
✨ Tips for Reviving Vintage or Worn Items
Found a beautiful vintage or second-hand item that needs a little love? Here’s how to bring it back to life:
✔ Steam or iron vintage fabrics to remove wrinkles and freshen up fibres.
✔ Use a fabric shaver to remove pilling from wool and knits.
✔ Spot-treat stains with baking soda or eco-friendly stain removers.
✔ Take items to a tailor for resizing, hemming, or small fixes.
✔ Dye faded fabrics to give them a fresh, new look.
🌟 Pro Tip: Some of the best second-hand finds only need a little TLC to look brand new again!
🔄 Swap Smarter: Find High-Quality Second-Hand Fashion at Swap A Frock!
Now that you know how to spot quality pieces, you can swap and thrift with confidence!
At Swap A Frock, we make sustainable fashion easy by offering a platform for high-quality clothing swaps. Whether you’re looking to declutter, find designer deals, or refresh your style without fast fashion, we’ve got you covered.
🔗 Start Swapping Now & Upgrade Your Wardrobe with Quality Finds!
♻️ Swap smart, dress sustainably, and build a timeless wardrobe! 👗✨