Purchasing Secondhand Linen Clothing
One of my favorite ways to acquire linen clothing is through thrift shopping. Purchasing secondhand is cost effective and a fun way to spend an afternoon. Sifting through racks of clothes becomes an adventure of “oh the things I could find!” As we have talked about before, linen is an amazing fabric because it gets softer and more beautiful with age. A linen garment then, along with other natural fibers, is a great piece to pick up secondhand.
When I say secondhand, I’m talking about any pre-owned item. This includes both vintage and new textiles, anything previously worn.
Here are a few thrifting tips I have learned about purchasing secondhand linen clothes!
1) Define your style – Thrift shopping becomes simple when you’re confident in your personal style. Know the colors, cuts, patterns, prints, brands, etc you love to wear. Write it down or start a Pinterest board with inspiration photos, whatever you need to do to arrive at the shop with a plan.
2) Check the fiber content tag – So many people forget this! Lots of clothes are made from a blend of fibers. Look for 100% linen or linen mixed with other natural fibers like wool or cotton.
3) Know your measurements, not your size – Every brand has their own version of sizing. A size S in one brand might be a size M in another. Also, usually the textiles at a secondhand shop have already been worn and washed and dried, which could change the fit.
4) Shop the men’s section – Seriously, size down a size or two and try it. I have found many slightly oversized, timeless pieces in the men’s section and then tailored them to fit me. Buying a large piece and repurposing it into something new is an option too!
5) Try it on – Speaking of tailoring, my mom has always insisted on trying on clothes before buying them. As a kid, I really disliked this rule, but growing up and spending my own money, I agree this is a great habit to adopt.
6) Don’t forget the home goods section – Years ago I bought linen curtains for $10 at a local thrift store and cut them apart to make a dress. The possibilities are endless if you know how to sew. Get creative!
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A few places to shop for secondhand clothing:
Online: Etsy, Ebay, ThredUp, Poshmark, Facebook Marketplace. Use descriptive words when searching. This seems to be the key to success.
In person: local thrift stores, estate sales, flea markets, antique stores, consignment shops, and the list goes on.
Are you a fan of thrift shopping? Any tips you have learned over the years? Would love it if you’d share your favorite find in the comments!
Happy thrifting,
Morgann
About Author
Morgann McCoy
Morgann is the owner, designer, and seamstress behind A Well Worn Story, a sewing studio in southern Wisconsin creating handcrafted leather and canvas bags inspired by adventure.Leave a Reply to Maria Stahl Cancel reply
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3 Comments
Marilee Henneberger
I recently ventured into a Goodwill store and as I perused the racks, found a gorgeous lavender linen long sleeve shirt, in a size XL for $6. My clothing is usually in the Med range, but I’ve learned that venturing larger allows remodeling. The shirt may have been worn once or twice or maybe never, as it was in perfect condition. Then on another day, I found a large men’s heavy silk shirt in a country red jacquard, again, maybe never worn. It was also $6. It’s also going to be cut down into a more fitted shirt.
Shopping in the depths of my own closet, I re-acquainted myself with a large scale floral linen jacket and skirt, I bought some 30 years ago. I’d realized too late to return that it was simply an overwhelming as an outfit. Still, the fabric was beautiful and I loved the colors in the print. So, I had saved it. Recently I decided that the outfit wasn’t going to work just remodeled as it was hopelessly out of style, but I could harvest the linen for entirely new garment. I carefully deconstructed, saving what I could. I recently used part of the jacket to make a new top, a simple slightly oversized pullover in which the large floral print is featured without being too overpowering. I love the colors, which include peach, olive, sage on a cream field and am very happy with my “new” top.
So, my advice is, salvage, re-style and re-use the quality fabrics we find, than can last decades if cared for. Linen is one of the best for this, whether new or used.
Alison Williams
Aside from sewing this is my very favorite way to store linen clothing. I’ve even found gorgeous linen duvet covers, tablecloths and handkerchiefs. All useful! I feel my best in my linen clothing.
Maria Stahl
Ah, I can finally leave a comment – thanks for fixing.
I love your suggestions. Also wanted to suggest people keep an eye out for old linen tablecloths – yards and yards of lovely linen to repurpose. I made a medieval-cut undergown out of two butter-yellow linen tablecloths with lots of drawn work that I found at a thrift store. Don’t worry about a few stains; dye that sucker, cover the stains, and start with a lovely wide piece of already softened linen. 