Living a financially astute lifestyle while indulging in life’s finer moments is a cherished pursuit among Southerners, and embracing the secondhand market is a top strategy for attaining this balance. Not only does purchasing pre-owned items promote environmental kindness, but it also allows for the acquisition of esteemed brands at a fraction of their original cost. Perhaps you’ll be fortunate enough to outfit your children in cherished hand-me-downs from a close friend or to inherit treasured family heirlooms from your grandmother.
Whether you’ve found these garments through chance or a particular reason, ensuring they remain in top condition is key. A simple wash or a thorough cleaning can breathe new life into these well-worn items. Cortnie Rohr, the proprietress of Retro Clothing Closet in Asheville and Marion, North Carolina, cautions, “If you’re sourcing secondhand apparel, you may need to invest some effort in restoring it to wearable quality.” She emphasizes the importance of putting in the initial work to maintain the items’ pristine appearance.
The surge in upcycling has made it easier than ever to construct a sustainable wardrobe, saving items from the landfill. Siobhan Haines, also known as The Lake Gypsy, who reclaims and resells vintage pieces, underscores the environmental benefits of buying secondhand and vintage clothing. “Keeping textiles out of the landfills is a significant advantage of purchasing vintage and secondhand attire,” she remarks. Here are seven expert tips on what to do with your secondhand treasures once they’re brought home.
Reviving a thrifted garment or an heirloom piece is as simple as giving it a thorough wash. “As soon as you bring your clothing home, I suggest giving it a good wash,” advises Bethany Simonds, a North Carolina-based reseller who shares her finds on Instagram through Just Thrift It. Always check the care tag for instructions and apply a stain remover as needed. Be meticulous in your approach to ensure the longevity of your finds.
Yet, in some cases, the care tags are missing or the items are too old to have one. “Unfortunately, vintage pieces often lack their original care information, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with fabric care,” Rohr notes. Fabrics like wool and silk usually require dry cleaning, while synthetic materials and natural fibers such as cotton and linen can be hand-washed or gently machine-washed.
Your local dry cleaner can become your go-to resource for rejuvenating secondhand garments. Haines, who upcycles and resells items through her Virginia-based business, relies on reputable dry cleaners for particularly delicate fabrics. “I’ve formed incredible relationships with reliable dry cleaners for those fabrics that are too delicate for home laundering,” she shares. A quality service will assess whether a fabric needs dry cleaning or can be hand-washed with ease.
While encountering musty fabrics at the store might be off-putting, it’s not uncommon with family keepsakes. “It may take a soak or multiple washes to eliminate storage odors,” Rohr advises. Over time, Haines has concocted a natural home remedy for freshening up garments. “The sun and a few drops of very diluted cedarwood oil, along with detergent, are often the best solution for smells,” she explains. Air-drying in the sunshine is a timeless method that remains effective today.
Both Simonds and Haines recommend removing pilling from garments to restore their luster. A sweater shaver can be a quick fix, but Haines has a different method. “For knits with pills, I find that gently using a disposable razor is more effective than any tool I’ve bought,” she notes. Pilling can affect not just sweaters but also t-shirts and pants, diminishing the quality of even the finest attire. A lint brush or roller can help trap any lingering bits of fur or fabric.
Before purchasing, examining clothing for flaws and considering repair options is crucial, especially for Simonds. “It’s vital to evaluate the item’s condition and decide if it’s worth the time and money to fix it,” she says. While she often passes on items that require too much work, there are simple repairs you can learn to make. “Fixing a seam, replacing buttons, mending a hole, hemming, and stain treatment are all skills nearly anyone can acquire,” Rohr reveals. An alterations shop can assist with more complex repairs, and due to the sustainability aspect, Rohr views this as a valuable pursuit. “Minor condition issues in vintage pieces rarely need to be a deal-breaker,” she adds.
For Haines, her passion for upcycling compels her to take on more challenging tasks. “A simple sewing machine is a necessity for even simple repairs,” she says. “It’s also a great way to maintain your wardrobe.” Learning to hem and replace buttons is a practical skill that can be picked up quickly. Haines also suggests that there is an abundance of information available on platforms like TikTok and YouTube for those interested in learning these skills.
Just as Southerners take pride in maintaining their belongings, from fine dining utensils to garden ornaments, so too should they care for their clothing. Simonds recommends storing seasonal garments in a cool, dry place and inspecting them after each wear to ensure they remain in good repair. “Use acid-free tissue paper and a garment storage box to preserve heirlooms or delicate items,” she adds.
Once your garments are in perfect condition, don’t let them gather dust in your closet. Embrace the uniqueness of your finds, whether it’s a patterned sundress or a handmade sweater, and wear them with pride. “I cherish discovering unique, one-of-a-kind vintage fashion,” Haines asserts. She believes that vintage items demonstrate the resilience of time and the enduring quality of well-crafted clothing. Rohr agrees, noting that older garments, even those from before the fast-fashion era, were designed to last. “You can be confident that you’re purchasing a quality piece,” she says.
Shopping pre-owned also supports smaller, independent businesses. “By buying secondhand, we’re keeping more of our money within our community and supporting those who work to rescue quality, wearable clothing from the waste stream,” Rohr says. Whether you’re preserving family treasures or purchasing from a reseller or charity shop, wear or display your items with confidence.
