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Arket vs COS vs & Other Stories — which is worth buying pre-owned?
Words by Heather June Coombs
A pre-owned COS garment typically retains its integrity, making it a smart buy for enduring style.
The high street can feel like a conveyor belt of trend-led tat. But H&M Group’s 'premium' stable offers something different. Arket, COS, and & Other Stories sit above the main brand, aiming for better design, more considered fabrics, and a less disposable aesthetic. For those building a more sustainable, curated wardrobe, their pre-owned offerings are worth a look. The question is, which one delivers the most for your money on the secondary market?
They aren't fast fashion. Nor are they luxury. Think of them as the accessible middle ground. Each has carved out a distinct niche, influencing everything from fabric choice to construction. Understanding these differences is key to making a smart pre-owned purchase.
Arket: The New Scandinavian Standard
Arket launched in 2017, the youngest of the trio. Its aesthetic is clean, minimal, and functional – very Scandinavian. The focus is on wardrobe staples: well-cut chinos, weighty cotton t-shirts, cashmere knits, and solid outerwear. Their fabric choices often lean towards natural fibres and recycled materials. Wool, linen, and organic cotton feature heavily.
Construction tends to be robust for the price point. Seams are generally well-finished, and fabrics hold up to washing. Their outerwear, particularly their wool coats and overshirts, stands out. They prioritise longevity, which translates well to the pre-owned market. Arket pieces often retain their shape and finish, meaning a used item can still look and feel almost new.
On the pre-owned market, Arket offers exceptional value for basics. You can often find their knitwear, shirting, and trousers for significantly less than retail, yet with plenty of life left. The timeless designs ensure they don’t feel dated, even a few seasons on.
COS: Minimalist Workwear, Maximum Value
COS (Collection of Style) arrived in 2007, pioneering the 'quiet luxury' aesthetic before it was a trend. Their look is architectural, oversized, and often inspired by art and design. Think sculptural silhouettes, dropped shoulders, and a palette dominated by neutrals and deep, earthy tones.
Fabric quality at COS is generally strong. They often use substantial cottons, merino wool, and some surprisingly good quality silks and linen blends for the price. Their tailoring, while often deconstructed or oversized, is usually well-executed, with clean lines and durable stitching. Like Arket, longevity is an implicit goal.
Pre-owned COS is a goldmine for those seeking designer-esque pieces without the designer price tag. Their more structured items, like wool coats, blazers, and heavier knitwear, hold up particularly well. Given their often generous sizing, check measurements carefully. A pre-owned COS garment typically retains its integrity, making it a smart buy for enduring style.
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& Other Stories: Playful, Feminine, and Flawed
Launched in 2013, & Other Stories offers a more trend-driven, playful, and distinctly feminine alternative to its stablemates. While Arket and COS favour minimalism, & Other Stories embraces prints, brighter colours, and more delicate fabrics. They have multiple 'ateliers' (Paris, Stockholm, Los Angeles) influencing distinct seasonal collections.
Fabric quality can be inconsistent. While they do offer some excellent merino wools and organic cottons, there's also a higher proportion of synthetic blends or lighter, more delicate fabrics compared to Arket or COS. Construction varies too; some pieces are well-made, others show their price point more readily with less robust stitching or finish.
On the pre-owned market, & Other Stories can be hit or miss. The more delicate fabrics and trend-led designs mean some items may show wear faster or look dated more quickly. However, their knitwear and some of their more classic dresses can be good buys. It requires closer inspection of condition and a more discerning eye for timelessness.
The Pre-Owned Verdict
For sheer durability and enduring style, Arket and COS offer the strongest pre-owned propositions. Their focus on quality fabrics, robust construction, and timeless design means their pieces retain their value and appearance longer. You’re buying into a philosophy of considered consumption, not just a label.
Arket excels for well-made basics and reliable outerwear. COS is the pick for architectural tailoring, substantial knitwear, and statement pieces that defy fleeting trends. & Other Stories can be worth it for specific pieces, particularly knitwear or more classic dresses, but demands a more rigorous assessment of condition and design longevity.
When buying any of them pre-owned, check the fabric composition, examine seams and zips, and assess the overall drape. A well-cared-for piece from Arket or COS will almost always outperform a similar, cheaper item bought new from a fast fashion chain.
Ultimately, all three brands offer a step up from typical high street offerings. But for guaranteed value and longevity in the pre-owned sphere, Arket and COS stand head and shoulders above. They are an investment in a smarter wardrobe, not just a cheaper one.
