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You CAN Purchase Great Jeans Used! Here's How

Confession:  I have only rarely tried to purchase jeans used. My preferences are usually so specific that I despair of ever finding that needle in a haystack.

But having recently done research on how devastating the manufacture of denim is to the environment, I thought I would rescue  a pair of jeans from my local landfill if I could. Here are some steps you can take to locate your own great pair of used jeans:

Don't just shop

I didn't properly prepare when I first went shopping. I naively assumed that if I just tried on a bunch of jeans I'd eventually find a pair I liked. That might work in a more traditional store that offers new clothes, but I didn't find this approach helpful (plus, as I write this, we're in the middle of a pandemic, and you may not wish to try clothing on at the store).

After visiting my local consignment store first and trying on nine different pairs of jeans, only to strike out, I got more strategic.

Review your criteria

I reviewed the tags and measured both the waist and the inseam of jeans I already owned that I felt fit well. I also mentally reviewed the criteria that were important to me:

  • Dark wash, no stressing, fading or other marks
  • Straight or skinny fit
  • Stretchy, but not like jeggings
  • Mid to low waist
  • Ability to wear with ankle boots, but not traditional boot cut
  • Would keep me warm in cooler weather

Take a tape measure with you

Once I had my criteria firmly in mind, I then took a small tape measure with me (I chose a metal one that automatically retracts) and headed out.

My first trip to a local Goodwill store was a bust - I did find one pair that met all of the criteria except for not being stretchy. I decided I'd hold out and went on another trip to a different Goodwill store a few days later. This time - jackpot! I found not one but two pairs of jeans that met my criteria. One had a better cut for ankle boots; the other pair was not as high-waisted, and looked better with a tucked-in T-shirt. After debating which one I would settle upon, I decided to purchase both:

Banana Republic and Jones New York jeans
purchased used for $19.99 and $12.99, respectively

Total cost for my two pairs of jeans was $32.98. Both pairs look brand new and have no stress marks or fading. I may choose to have the one with cuffs tailored to fit my short legs; this would add to the total cost. For now, I'm happy to wear them cuffed.

Mission to have great jeans while sparing the environment (for now) accomplished!

Comments

  1. Kris TuallaNovember 21, 2020 at 8:52 AM

    Great advice to measure the jeans! I never would have thought of that. That and looking for the same brand as the ones you have that fit sure would be a time saver.

    ReplyDelete

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