Some people have reservations about wearing used clothing and/or shopping in consignment, thrift, or vintage stores. But many will tell you that shopping in these kinds of stores can result in some of the most fabulous bargains you’ve ever seen. More specifically, these stores are a great place to find quality jeans. In fact, this particular garment is the only reason that some people find cause to shop in second-hand stores. This is because pre-worn jeans often provide a much better fit than blue jeans that are fresh off the racks in retail stores. An added bonus is that because jeans are so often discarded, second-hand stores usually carry these coveted items at bargain basement prices. But diving into rows and rows of stale-smelling jeans can seem quite daunting when faced with the task. If you’re dying to find the perfect pair of jeans out there for you, search no farther than your local thrift or vintage store. That perfect pair awaits you. But you’ll need to know what you’re looking for…
Length
I’ve heard a lot of tall women claim that it’s difficult to find a pair of jeans that can accommodate their long legs. It seems that if you’re a tall woman, you must be a stick figure to actually fit into today’s “tall” jeans. Sure, there are plenty of designers now catering to various body types. Still length is a huge factor where it regards shopping for jeans. In any case, if you find that you’re looking for a long pair of gently worn jeans, it can be exhausting flipping through racks and racks of endless blues. Simply squat down near the rack and examine the jeans from underneath; look for all the pairs which are hanging closest to the floor. This will help eliminate all the tons of pairs that you know will be too short. It’s a simple, yet effective solution.
Condition
The next thing that you should take into consideration when purchasing used jeans is the condition. Levi’s 501s are particularly fetching when the fabric is worn in certain places. In truth, clothing manufacturers have been capitalizing for years off of that “well-worn” look. Stores like Abercrombie and Fitch sell pairs of jeans which they deem “distressed”—wherein the knees, rear, thigh, or hem are faded, ripped, or threadbare. Buying jeans which look like this, in vintage and thrift stores will yield a more authentic effect. But you must know how to draw the comparison between “worn” and “broken.” Fairly large holes found in jeans will only become larger once you’ve washed and dried them a few times. So, unless you’re looking for a completely trashed looking pair, it’s best to stick with styles that have thinning fabric in the knees, or rear. Check also for staining. Jeans with stains that look embedded probably will never come out no matter how much washing you do to them. Additionally, know that paint, nail polish, and other more permanent stains can sometimes make you look “underprivileged” instead of Bohemian Chic.
Size
Shopping for second hand jeans can also be tricky when it comes to sizes. Because the jeans have been worn previously, their original measurements will be slightly skewed. A size 34 in mens’ may actually feel like a 36 if the previous wearer stretched the fabric in any considerable way. Many women actually find that men’s jeans have a more flattering fit than womens’ jeans. If this is the case, it can be confusing trying to figure out which size is best. Women who wear a size 8-10 in womens’ clothing may find that mens’ jeans in sizes from 32-36 are best for a relaxed fit. Again, this will vary based on how much the jeans have been donned by their previous owner(s), and whether there is extensive fading or wear.
That Perfect Pair…
Finding that perfect pair of second-hand jeans needn’t be as difficult or time-consuming as it may seem. The main thing to think about is where you plan on wearing the jeans and how. This will dictate whether you purchase a conservative pair with little wear, or a completely bohemian pair replete with holes, hem-fringe, and the whole nine yards. Vintage and consignment stores are terrific places to find jeans to experiment with. Like the fit through the thighs and hips, but hate the length? Take them home and make some cut-offs or capris. Or find a really “blank” pair and indulge yourself in a little art. You need not Beadazzle simply to make a statement; there are all sorts of ways to customize jeans. After all the beauty of second-hand jeans is that they rarely look second-hand no matter how much they’ve been worn. If you select the perfect pair, admirers will be convinced that your casually trendy style is all your own.
