What to Buy Secondhand and What Not – The Complete List
The most worthwhile items to buy secondhand
The items most worth buying secondhand are those that are expensive when new and maintain quality over time: coats and winter jackets (save 60-70% off the price), branded leather bags (leather only improves with age), jeans from brands like Levi's and Diesel (they soften and become more comfortable), and accessories like belts, scarves and sunglasses. Suits and formal wear are also great secondhand – most people wear them only a handful of times.
What's better to buy new
Some items shouldn't be bought secondhand for hygiene or safety reasons. Underwear and swimwear – always new, no compromises. Socks and tights – not worth it, the new price is low enough. Running shoes for serious running – internal wear is invisible and can cause injuries. Bras – elastic loosens and loses support.
Items that hold up exceptionally well
Some items are practically "born" to be sold secondhand. Quality wool coats and raincoats last decades. Real leather bags only improve – the patina adds character. Jewelry and watches (especially branded) maintain or even increase in value. Dr. Martens and Birkenstock shoes soften with use and are actually more comfortable secondhand.
Cost-benefit analysis – where the biggest savings are
The biggest savings are on items with high original prices but low wear and tear. A Tommy Hilfiger blazer at 800 ILS new sells for 200 ILS secondhand – 75% savings. A Longchamp bag at 500 ILS new sells for 150 ILS – 70% savings. In contrast, an H&M T-shirt at 60 ILS new sells for 25 ILS secondhand – the savings are relatively small and not always worth the search effort.
Kids' clothes – the smartest secondhand category
Kids grow fast, which means children's secondhand clothes are almost always in excellent condition – worn for just a few months. A kid's winter coat for 40 ILS instead of 200, a holiday dress for 25 ILS instead of 150. On Swapo, the kids' category is one of the most popular – smart parents buy and sell by season and age, saving thousands of shekels per year.