Buzz
Image Source: Vsviridova/Getty ImagesVintage shopping and thrifting can be fantastic ways to add unique pieces to your wardrobe—items you can't find anywhere else. However, while it's perfect for picking up skirts or jackets, certain clothing types might not be safe to buy secondhand. Before you head out on your next thrifting trip, consider crossing these items off your list.
1. Underwear
There's a reason most stores don’t allow returns on underwear, even when it’s brand new. Anything that comes into such close contact with the body should never be bought secondhand, no matter how well it's sanitized.
2. Bras
Bras are worn directly against the skin, and as they are used, they tend to lose their support and elasticity. On average, a bra will wear out after about a year of use, meaning a secondhand bra has probably already passed its prime.
3. Children's Clothing—Especially Sleepwear
Children’s clothing is often subject to stricter safety regulations than adult clothing, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. These items, especially sleepwear, are frequently recalled due to safety concerns like drawstrings. Though thrift stores are supposed to remove recalled items, it's difficult to be sure that all have been taken off the shelves, so it’s safer to avoid buying them.
4. Bike or Sports Helmets
When it comes to safety, helmets are crucial. Sports and bike helmets are considered unsafe if they've been involved in a crash or even dropped hard. It’s hard to tell if a helmet has been damaged just by looking at it, though visible scrapes or scratches might give you a clue. If you decide to purchase one secondhand, check for an expiration date, as biking helmets typically have one.
5. Bathing Suits
If it's something worn directly against your skin—and something you can't return after wearing—it’s best to buy it new. Also, the elasticity that helps the suit maintain its shape has probably deteriorated, meaning a secondhand bathing suit may not provide the best fit.
6. Clothes That Smell or Are Stained
If an item you find while thrifting has an odor or stain, it’s likely set in and may be impossible to remove no matter what methods you try. Only invest in these if you're planning to dye or alter them, or if you're willing to risk the money if the issue remains after attempting to fix it.
7. Clothes That Aren't Easily Washed
Be cautious about clothes that are difficult to clean properly, such as leather or delicate fabrics. Studies have found that some secondhand clothing can harbor scabies and other parasites, which can be killed by laundering and high-heat drying—but these pests are harder to remove from clothes that require gentle care.
8. Leggings
Like bathing suits and underwear, leggings are worn close to the body and may already have lost the support and elasticity that you need. Besides, they're often available new at discounted prices.
9. Some Shoes
Before buying any shoes, inspect them closely for signs of wear and tear. Uneven wear from a previous owner's gait can lead to foot, leg, hip, and back problems if worn for extended periods. Be extra cautious with athletic shoes, which often have a shorter lifespan.
If you're in love with a pair of shoes, think about whether a specific issue can be fixed before deciding against them. Certain types of damage, like a worn heel, may be repairable by a shoe repair service.
