Glossary: Key Terms in the Wholesale Second-Hand Clothing Industry
What Are Second Hand Clothes Called
At Indetexx, we believe that understanding the right terms can protect your business.
Whether you’re sourcing in bulk or just starting in second-hand fashion, misinterpreting key industry terms can lead to confusion—or even loss. That’s why we’ve created this simple, reliable glossary. From donation-based bales to refurbished and upcycled fashion, we’ll help you navigate the second-hand clothing market with clarity and confidence. If you ever have questions or need clarification, please don’t hesitate to contact us—we’re here to help.
2. Second-hand Clothing
Second-hand clothing is often used interchangeably with “used clothing” but carries a slightly softer and more neutral tone. This term is widely accepted in consumer markets and appears frequently on ecommerce websites and thrift platforms.
Example: Many second-hand clothing platforms offer gently worn garments at significantly lower prices than new ones.
3. Pre-owned Clothing
Pre-owned clothing is a more polished and upscale variation of “used clothing.” It is often used when referring to second-hand luxury or branded second-hand clothing. The term implies the clothing is in good or excellent condition and was owned with care.
Example: High-end resale platforms frequently use “pre-owned” to describe authenticated designer pieces.
Example: Many second-hand clothing platforms offer gently worn garments at significantly lower prices than new ones.
4. Pre-loved Clothing
Pre-loved clothing is a marketing-friendly term that adds emotional value to second-hand garments. It suggests that the item was previously cherished, often used by brands to appeal to eco-conscious and sentimental buyers.
Example: Boutique thrift stores use “pre-loved” to elevate the perceived value of second-hand fashion.
Used Brand Hoodies
Used Brand Light Jackets
Used Brand Heavy Jacket
Used Brand Windbreakers
5. Thrifted Clothing
Thrifted clothing refers to second-hand garments purchased from thrift stores, charity shops, or resale platforms. These items are typically donated and sold at low prices, offering budget-friendly and sustainable fashion options. Thrifting helps reduce textile waste, supports reuse, and allows shoppers to find unique or vintage pieces not available in mainstream retail.
Example: Young fashion influencers often promote thrifted clothing as both stylish and sustainable.
6. Charity Shop Clothing
Clothing donated by individuals and sold in charity-run shops to raise funds for charitable causes. These garments are usually pre-owned, often in good condition, and offered at affordable prices. Buying charity shop clothing supports recycling, reduces textile waste, and contributes to social and environmental good.
Example: Buying charity shop clothing supports both affordable fashion and nonprofit missions.
Clothing that originates from a previous era, typically 20 years or older, and reflects the styles and trends of its time. Vintage garments are often valued for their unique designs, quality craftsmanship, and nostalgic appeal. They are popular among collectors, fashion enthusiasts, and sustainable shoppers seeking timeless fashion with character.
Example: A 1980s Levi’s denim jacket is considered vintage clothing and may command a premium price.
8. Retro Clothing
Modern clothing designed to imitate the style of a past era, typically inspired by fashion from the 1950s to the 1990s. Unlike vintage clothing, retro pieces are newly made but capture the look, patterns, and spirit of older trends. Retro fashion appeals to those who enjoy nostalgic aesthetics with contemporary comfort and quality.
Example: A floral dress designed in the style of the 1970s may be labeled retro, even if it’s not old.
9. Resale Clothing
Pre-owned clothing that is sold again through second-hand stores, online marketplaces, or consignment shops. These garments are typically in good condition and offered at lower prices than new retail. Resale clothing supports sustainable fashion by extending the life of garments and reducing textile waste.
Example: Entrepreneurs often build online stores specializing in resale clothing sourced from thrift stores.
10. Hand-me-downs
Clothing or other items passed from one person to another, usually within families or among friends, rather than being purchased new. Often given from older siblings to younger ones, hand-me-downs are a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to reuse items and reduce waste.
Example: Children often wear hand-me-downs from older siblings, reducing the need for new purchases.““““““““““““““
11. Reused Clothing
Garments that are worn again by the same or a different person instead of being discarded. Reusing clothing helps reduce environmental impact by extending the life of textiles and decreasing demand for new clothing production.
Example: Fashion brands that promote circular economies often encourage customers to reuse clothing.
12. Reclaimed Clothing
Clothing or fabric that has been recovered from waste or discarded textiles and then repurposed or upcycled into new garments or products. This process reduces textile waste and promotes sustainable fashion by giving materials a second life.
Example: A reclaimed wool sweater may be deconstructed and turned into a new, modern jacket.
13. Upcycled Clothing
Garments created by creatively transforming old or discarded clothing and textiles into new, often higher-quality or more fashionable items. Upcycling extends the life of materials, reduces waste, and supports sustainable fashion by adding value through design.
Example: A pair of jeans may be cut and stitched into a handbag, transforming its use and design.
14. Refurbished Clothing
Pre-owned clothing that has been cleaned, repaired, and restored to good condition for resale. Refurbishing helps extend the lifespan of garments, making them suitable for reuse while reducing fashion waste and promoting sustainability.
Example: Luxury resale platforms often sell refurbished jackets after cleaning and minor repairs.
Clothing designed, produced, and distributed with minimal environmental and social impact. This includes using eco-friendly materials, ethical manufacturing practices, and promoting durability and recyclability to reduce waste and support long-term ecological balance.
Example: A brand that sells only second-hand garments made from organic fabrics may label them as sustainable clothing.
16. Eco-friendly Clothing
Clothing made from materials and processes that have a reduced impact on the environment. This includes using organic or recycled fibers, non-toxic dyes, and sustainable production methods to minimize pollution, conserve resources, and support a healthier planet.
Example: Buying eco-friendly clothing is one of the most effective ways to reduce fashion waste.
17. Circular Fashion
A sustainable approach to clothing design, production, and consumption that aims to keep garments and materials in use for as long as possible through reuse, recycling, and regeneration. Circular fashion reduces waste and the need for new raw materials, promoting a closed-loop system in the fashion industry.
Example: Brands practicing circular fashion often run take-back schemes or promote second-hand sales.
Bulk-packed bundles of second-hand clothing are sorted by quality, type, or origin and often contain a mix of styles and garments. These bales are commonly sold to wholesalers and retailers in the used clothing industry for resale or recycling.
At Indetexx, we offer second-hand clothing sold by the kilogram, providing flexibility and convenience for buyers. We also support full container shipments, including large volumes of denim jeans and branded clothing, tailored to meet your bulk purchasing needs.
Example: Wholesalers in Africa or South America often purchase mixed clothing bales for resale.
19. Credential Clothing
Second-hand clothing collected directly from donation bins or drives, left untouched and unsorted. These garments are typically still in the original condition they were donated—bagged, ungraded, and mixed—often containing higher-quality items, branded used clothing, or hidden gems. Credential clothing is popular among resellers seeking premium or unique pieces.
Example: Credential clothing bales are sold as-is, often in clear plastic bags to show authenticity.
20. Consignment Clothing
Clothing that is placed in a store by an individual or business to be sold on their behalf. The consignor retains ownership until the item is sold, at which point the store takes a commission and the consignor receives a percentage of the sale price. This model supports resale, reduces waste, and gives sellers a way to earn from pre-owned garments.
Example: Boutique consignment stores often specialize in premium or designer second-hand clothing.
21. Luxury Second-hand Clothing
This refers to high-end branded garments that are resold, often after authentication and refurbishment. Luxury resale is a booming sector, offering access to expensive brands at lower prices.
Example: A verified pre-owned Chanel coat in good condition would be sold as luxury second-hand clothing.
Used Brand Hoodies
Used Brand Light Jackets
Used Brand Heavy Jacket
22. B-stock Clothing
New or like-new garments that are unsellable at full retail price due to minor defects, overproduction, returns, or damaged packaging. Though not considered first-quality stock, B-stock clothing is still wearable and is often sold at discounted prices through outlets, wholesalers, or secondary markets.
Example: B-stock jeans may have minor stitching issues but are otherwise new and wearable.
23. Overstock Clothing
Brand-new clothing that remains unsold due to excess inventory, seasonal changes, or discontinued styles. These items are often in perfect condition and are typically sold at discounted prices through outlets, wholesalers, or resale platforms to clear space for new stock.
Example: Retailers liquidating old stock may offload overstock clothing in bulk to resellers.
24. Surplus Clothing
Excess clothing inventory that goes beyond current sales demand, often resulting from overproduction or canceled orders. Surplus clothing is typically brand new and sold at reduced prices through secondary markets, outlets, or wholesalers to avoid waste and recover value.
Example: Military surplus stores sell surplus clothing from government stockpiles.
25. Outlet Second-hand Clothing
Pre-owned clothing sold through specialized outlet stores or warehouses, often at significantly reduced prices. These outlets typically offer bulk quantities or last-chance items, making them popular among budget-conscious buyers and resellers looking for affordable, good-quality second-hand garments.
Example: A pair of outlet sneakers resold by a thrift shop qualifies as outlet second-hand clothing.
26. Deadstock Vintage Clothing
Unworn, original vintage garments that were never sold or used, often still with their original tags. These items are typically from past decades and found in old warehouses or store stockrooms. Deadstock vintage clothing offers a rare combination of authentic vintage style and brand-new condition, making it highly sought-after by collectors and fashion enthusiasts.
Example: A 1980s deadstock t-shirt still in its original packaging is a collector’s item.
27. Clearance Second-hand Clothing
Pre-owned clothing sold at heavily discounted prices to quickly clear out inventory. These items are typically lower-grade, out-of-season, or slow-moving stock offered in bulk or at final sale rates. Clearance second-hand clothing is ideal for budget buyers or resellers seeking low-cost sourcing options.
Example: Clearance second-hand clothing lots are ideal for discount stores or exporters.
Final Thoughts
As the second-hand clothing market continues to grow, understanding the vocabulary is crucial for buyers, sellers, and businesses alike. These terms not only define product categories but also communicate quality, sustainability, and resale potential. Whether you’re sourcing used clothing for bulk export or shopping for a one-of-a-kind vintage piece, this glossary equips you with the language to navigate the industry confidently.
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