10 Best Second Hand Clothing Brands to Shop

A faded Levi’s trucker jacket, a proper wool Barbour and a well-worn Ralph Lauren shirt all have something most new clothes cannot fake: character. The best second hand clothing brands are the ones that still look good after years of wear, feel useful in real life and give you more for your money than another disposable trend.

Shopping preloved is not about settling for what is left. It is about knowing which labels made great clothing in the first place, then finding the fit, fabric and era that work for you. From technical outerwear to everyday denim, these are the brands worth keeping an eye on.

What makes the best second hand clothing brands worth buying?

A recognisable logo helps, but it is not the whole story. The best buys tend to come from brands with a clear strength: Levi’s for denim, Barbour for wax jackets, The North Face for outerwear. They used durable materials, created cuts that have stayed relevant and often made pieces that get better with age.

Condition still matters. A vintage sweatshirt with gentle fading can be a great find; stretched cuffs, a broken zip or heavy staining may not be worth the saving. Check measurements rather than relying only on the size label, especially with older garments. A vintage medium can fit very differently from a current medium.

10 best second hand clothing brands to look for

1. Levi’s

Levi’s is the obvious place to begin because good denim earns its place in almost any wardrobe. Look for 501s if you want a straight-leg classic, 505s for a roomier fit or 550s for that relaxed, tapered shape that works brilliantly with trainers and oversized knitwear.

Denim jackets, western shirts and corduroy trousers are also strong second-hand buys. Fading, whiskering and repaired details can add personality, but always inspect the inner thigh on jeans and the cuffs on jackets for wear. A great pair should feel lived-in, not worn out.

2. The North Face

The North Face has earned its resale reputation by making outerwear that handles British weather while still looking right with everyday streetwear. Fleeces, puffer jackets, lightweight shells and gilets are all popular for good reason: they are practical, easy to layer and rarely sit unused in the wardrobe.

For older technical pieces, check the lining, zip pulls and any seam tape inside waterproof jackets. A retro fleece is usually a straightforward buy, while a shell needs a closer look to make sure it is still ready for rain rather than just good for the pub.

3. Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren does casual staples with enough quality and detail to outlast the moment. Oxford shirts, polo shirts, cable-knit jumpers, rugby tops and chino trousers are easy to mix into a wardrobe without looking overly styled.

The beauty of buying Ralph Lauren second-hand is the range. You might find a crisp shirt for work, a heavyweight sweatshirt for weekends or an old rugby shirt with just the right amount of colour. Check collars and underarms on shirts, as these areas show the most honest signs of wear.

4. Barbour

A Barbour jacket is one of those purchases that makes more sense after it has already had a life. Waxed cotton develops a rich, slightly battered finish, while the classic cuts are practical enough for dog walks, commutes and everything in between.

Bedale, Beaufort and Border jackets are reliable names to know, but do not get too caught up in labels. Focus on sleeve length, overall fit and condition of the zip, lining and corduroy collar. Rewaxing can revive tired fabric, which makes a sound older jacket a seriously good long-term find.

5. Adidas

Second-hand Adidas is a goldmine for track tops, football shirts, sweatshirts and trainers-inspired casualwear. The three-stripe look has crossed decades without becoming costume, especially when it is paired simply with denim, cargos or tailored trousers.

Older track jackets often have better weight and colour than newer versions, while vintage football shirts bring a bit of history to an outfit. Be careful with delicate printed sponsors and cracking graphics. A little fade looks right; peeling print is another matter.

6. Nike

Nike is at its best preloved when you find sportswear built for more than one season. Think heavyweight sweatshirts, embroidered-logo fleeces, running jackets, rugby shirts and old team pieces. The brand’s archive is huge, so there is room to go subtle or make a statement.

Focus on fabric quality and shape rather than chasing every old logo. A clean grey Nike sweatshirt can work harder than a rare piece that never leaves the hanger. For jackets, test whether elasticated cuffs and hems have held their stretch, as they can loosen over time.

7. Fred Perry

Fred Perry sits neatly between sportswear and smart casual, which is exactly why it works so well second-hand. Polo shirts are the headline item, but harrington jackets, knitted jumpers and zip-through track tops deserve just as much attention.

A classic polo gives you an easy alternative to a plain tee without feeling dressed up. Look closely at the collar and placket, and make sure the fabric has not gone thin from repeated washing. The best ones still hold their shape and have a clean, structured feel.

8. Lacoste

Lacoste is another reliable choice for polos, knitwear and understated sportswear. Its pieces often have a softer, more refined feel than standard athletic brands, making them useful when you want comfort without going full tracksuit.

Vintage Lacoste knitwear can be especially good, from simple crew necks to bold patterned jumpers. Check fabric composition before buying: cotton is easy to wear year-round, while wool blends need a quick look for moth damage, pulls or misshaping. A small crocodile badge is enough - let the fit do the rest.

9. Berghaus

Berghaus deserves a place here for anyone who wants outdoor clothing that does its job. Fleece jackets, waterproof shells and insulated layers are practical buys for hiking, commuting, festivals and cold mornings when a fashion jacket will not cut it.

Older Berghaus often has proper technical features without the price of a new outdoor drop. Check pockets, drawcords, zip function and the inside coating of waterproof items. It depends on what you need: a lightly worn fleece is ideal for daily wear, while a shell should be chosen with function first.

10. Carhartt

Carhartt workwear has become a staple for people who want relaxed fits, useful pockets and clothing that feels solid. Chore jackets, carpenter trousers, hoodies and heavyweight overshirts all work across seasons, whether you wear them with trainers or boots.

The distinction between Carhartt and Carhartt WIP can affect fit and styling, but both can be worthwhile. Traditional workwear pieces are often roomier and tougher, while WIP tends to lean more fashion-led. Either way, fading and light paint marks can add to the appeal, provided the fabric itself remains strong.

How to buy branded preloved clothing with confidence

Start with the measurements you already know suit you. Lay your favourite jacket, shirt or jeans flat and compare its chest, length, waist and rise to the listing. This avoids the most common second-hand disappointment: buying a great piece that is simply the wrong shape.

Then assess the details that matter for that item. On a jacket, it is the zip, lining and cuffs. On a shirt, it is the collar, buttons and underarms. On denim, it is the inseam, seat and inner thigh. Honest wear is part of the appeal, but clear product photos and condition notes should tell you what you are getting.

Authenticity is worth considering with highly copied labels, particularly popular sportswear and luxury-adjacent pieces. Buy from sellers that describe items individually, photograph labels and check stock before listing. At Brass Hanger, every piece is quality checked and authenticated, so finding an older favourite does not have to feel like a gamble.

Do not shop only by brand, either. The smartest wardrobe finds are the things you will wear repeatedly: a fleece that works over a tee, jeans that fit without effort, a jacket that gets better in the rain. Find the label you like, trust your measurements and choose the piece that feels like it already belongs with what you own.