buying guides
4 minute read
The brands that are always worth buying pre-owned — and why
Words by Heather June Coombs
A Barbour jacket is designed to be worn for decades. Buying one new feels almost like cheating the process.
The Brands That Always Make Sense Pre-Owned
Buying new is often a habit, not a necessity. For certain brands, the argument for pre-owned moves beyond just cost. It becomes about intelligent consumption, accessing higher quality for less, or simply sidestepping the relentless churn of seasonal drops. Some garments, in fact, improve with age, or hold their value so robustly that a new purchase feels like an unnecessary premium. This is about calculated buying. Here are eight names where pre-owned consistently trumps new.
Stone Island
The resale market for Stone Island is a testament to its enduring quality and the obsessive nature of its collectors. Pieces from specific eras – particularly those designed under Massimo Osti – often command prices equal to, or even exceeding, their original retail. A Ventile Smock or a Raso Gommato jacket from the early 2000s will likely outlast most contemporary equivalents, and crucially, hold its value. Buying new means paying top retail for current season garments that will inevitably depreciate once out of production. Go pre-owned, target a specific season or material, and invest in an enduring piece.
C.P. Company
Like its sibling Stone Island, C.P. Company thrives on a heritage of textile innovation and robust construction. The iconic Goggle Jacket, in its various guises, is a prime example of a design that remains largely unchanged and highly sought-after, regardless of the season it was released. You are paying for the fabric research and the finishing process. These garments are built to last; a well-cared-for piece from five or ten years ago loses nothing in terms of functionality or aesthetic, but sheds a significant portion of its initial price tag.
Barbour
A Barbour jacket is designed to be worn for decades. The oilcloth develops a unique patina; the waxed cotton softens and moulds to the wearer. Buying one new feels almost like cheating the process. Pre-owned, you acquire a jacket with character already built-in, often for a fraction of the original price. Furthermore, Barbour’s repair and re-waxing service means a second-hand jacket can be restored to near-new functionality. You get the authentic British heritage look, minus the heavy initial investment.
Norse Projects
Norse Projects pieces are understated, well-made, and built to last. They focus on quality fabrics, precise construction, and a timeless Scandinavian aesthetic. This means their core items – a cotton mac, a classic sweatshirt, a merino knit – do not drastically change from season to season. A pre-owned Norse piece, if looked after, will deliver the same quality and design integrity as a new one, but at a more accessible price. The designs are not trend-led, so they remain relevant for years.
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A.P.C.
A.P.C. built its reputation on minimalist design, quality materials, and impeccable cuts. Their raw denim, particularly the New Standard, is legendary for how it breaks in over time. Buying new A.P.C. denim requires a significant initial outlay for jeans you have to actively ‘work’ to make your own. Pre-owned, you can find pairs already broken in, often with subtle fades and creases unique to a previous owner, creating a more personal and immediate connection. Their minimalist wardrobe staples also retain their appeal, making them smart pre-owned buys.
Our Legacy
Our Legacy occupies a unique space between classic menswear and avant-garde. Their fabrics are often custom-developed, and their cuts are distinctive. The price tag for a new Our Legacy piece reflects this attention to detail. However, their garments often feature subtle details and unique textures that improve with wear. Buying pre-owned allows access to these distinctive pieces without the full retail premium. Given their slightly oversized, relaxed fits, small imperfections often add to the intended aesthetic, rather than detracting from it.
Adidas Originals
Specific Adidas Originals pieces, particularly certain trainer models like Gazelles, Sambas, and Spezial editions, have a devoted following. They are not fast fashion; they are part of a cultural canon. The beauty of pre-owned Adidas Originals is finding limited editions or colourways that are no longer available new. You are buying into authenticity and history, often for less than what a current, less desirable general release might cost. Condition is key, but a good pair of pre-owned Sambas often look better than pristine new ones.
Uniqlo (Knitwear)
Uniqlo knitwear, particularly their merino wool and cashmere offerings, provides exceptional value for money when new. However, given their high production volume and accessible price points, pre-owned Uniqlo knitwear presents an even greater bargain. These are well-constructed, foundational pieces that perform their function without fuss. You can stock up on essential merino jumpers or quality cashmere at prices that are genuinely unbeatable, extending the lifespan of perfectly good garments while spending a fraction of the cost. This is not an exhaustive list. It is a starting point, a primer for the discerning buyer. These brands prove that the true value of clothing often lies beyond the initial purchase, in its longevity, its history, and its inherent quality.
