This is how you recognize quality in second-hand men's clothing

Second-hand men's clothing is no longer dusty or worn out. On the contrary: those who know what to look for can find clothes that are often better than new. But how do you recognize quality in second-hand clothing? We will take you step by step.

1. Look at the fabric (and feel it too)

Good quality starts with the material. Natural fabrics usually last longer and remain more beautiful than synthetic alternatives.

• Wool and wool blends (for jackets & blazers)
• Cotton (shirts, chinos, jeans)
• Linen (for summer items)
• Silk (ties, sometimes shirts)

Does the fabric feel firm but supple? Then you are often in the right place. Too thin, shiny or “plastic-like” is usually not a good sign.

2. Check the seams and finishing

Turn the garment inside out. This often says more than the outside.

• Are the seams straight and sturdy?
• Are there any loose wires?
• Is the finish neatly finished (for example with piping)?

When you look at quality you see attention. With fast production you see haste. If you want examples of what a well-finished seam looks like, take a look at our explanation the difference between jacket and blazer. 

3. Buttons, zippers and details reveal a lot

Small details make a big difference:

• Heavy buttons instead of thin plastic
• Metal zippers that run smoothly
• Spare button on the inside

You often find these kinds of details in older or better brands — you also see this in beautiful vintage pieces from our collection blazers & jackets collection.

4. Pay attention to the fit and construction

A good garment retains its shape, even after a lot of wear.

• Shoulders should be tight, not slumped
• Lapels of a jacket should fall back nicely
• Trousers may not be “pulled” at the crotch

If the basis is good, you can always have something taken in or adjusted.

5. Labels say something — but not everything

Brand names can help, but are no guarantee. Rather look at:

• Country of production (e.g. Italy, England)
• Material citation
• Older labels (often better quality than recent productions)

Many clothes from the past were made to last — and it shows.

Why this is standard at EcoGents

At EcoGents, every item is pre-selected, checked, washed and ironed. Only clothing that is really good is in the store. No fast fashion, but pieces with character and quality.

Feel free to take a look around our complete collection of second-hand men's clothing online — from shirts and jeans to jackets and accessories. 

Do you want to learn to look at quality yourself? Feel free to drop by in Tilburg. We can explain it to you just as easily at the counter.

Stylish, unique and always durable.