The Best Tips for Buying *Affordable* Secondhand Activewear (Online + In Person)

Hi friends!! I’m super excited about this post because I’m releasing some of my biggest secrets about how I built my activewear wardrobe (sustainably + on a budget). I buy secondhand!! I know some people might feel icky about buying used activewear but, trust me, you can find VERY gently used and new items secondhand as well! As long as you give it a good wash, items are basically as good as new. Some of my favorite scores: Lululemon Tights for <$50, Carbon38 Takara Leggings <$50, New Birkenstock Sanadls for <$50… you get the idea!

Buying Secondhand Activewear

Online

Using apps like Thred Up, Poshmark, and DePop

  • Be Specific: The best ways to find good stuff is to know what you want. The more specific, the better. Because you can’t physically see brand, fabrics, textures and colors, you have to use what you’re looking for in the search bar. Don’t search “black legging” instead search “lululemon fast and free legging” and then use the filters to sort by color for black, and size.

  • Follow the “good ones”: I’ve found after finding a seller has good stuff (aka my size and or has a selection of items I like), I’ll follow them so that my app gives me notifications when they post new stuff. The key with individual sellers on these apps is to find someone who is around the same size as you and sells the “good stuff.”

  • Look for deals on pricey stuff: stay up to date with trends and high end brands on the regular, so that you know what to search when you’re looking for that something. I find people usually only resell items that maintain some value so, the likelihood of you finding a pair of $15 leggings from target used, is low (maybe NWT BUT, keep in mind, most of these apps ask you to pay $7-8 of shipping on top of item cost so… think about if it’s worth it). Higher end brands sold at places like Carbon38, Athleta, Lululemon, REI, Bandier, Nordstrom, Nemian’s, Alo Yoga, Sweaty Betty, Lorna Jane and more will be easier to find and more worth it to buy.

  • Send an offer!: If your app (I mainly use Poshmark) lets you “offer”, make sure to use it. I hardly buy anything at the price it’s marked as and send offers of what I think the item should be worth.

  • Don’t get scammed: No stock photos here. Make sure to get snaps of the actual item. Double check sizing (and if it’s mens or womens!) before purchasing as well.

  • Some brands that you can easily find on these apps:

    • Carbon38

    • Alo Yoga

    • Soul Cycle/Peloton apparel

    • Lululemon

    • Athleta

    • Fabletics

    • Patagonia

    • Dagne Dover

    • Outdoor Voices

    • Girlfriend Collective

    • Zella (Nordstrom)

    • Patagonia

    • Nike

    • Under Armour

    • Adidas

    • Any tech items (Smart Watches, Bike Computers etc)

    • Recovery Accessories (Foam Rollers, Peanuts, Normatec Boots)

Some other online sites that can have some great used items:

  • Patagonia Worn Wear

  • REI Used Gear

  • Facebook Marketplace

  • Ebay

In person

Of course you can shop in person at consignment or thrift stores. The chances of finding “designer activewear” Items is a little lower unless you go to a consignment store but, you can often find a decent selection if you dig! Consignment stores tend to be local (not chains) so it’s hard for me to recommend something but, try a quick google or Yelp search in your area. In the Southern California/AZ area, My Sister’s Closet has a good selection at a decent price!

Sustainable Brands to buy New

I don’t necessarily recommend buying new but, if it’s your only option here are a few brands I’d recommend! As a note, if you do purchase something, try to purchase something that lasts. Follow washing instructions and repair when necessary to extend the wear life of the item. I’ve placed a ? next to brands that I’ve heard mixed things about so, purchase if you’d like but, do some research first.

  • Patagonia

  • Girlfriend Collective

  • Wolven

  • Alternative Apparel

  • Organic Basics

  • Pact

  • Prana

  • Boody

  • Veja

  • Athleta (?)

  • Everlane (?)

  • Outdoor Voices (?)


Christie Wang