Let's start by saying that men - even though they should - Men don't like buying second hand. Is it the "walking in another men's shoes" the issue ? Who knows! Even if that's the case - that's not a very smart move. 

Today men can get in consignment the same pieces (almost) that they can get brand new in a store, at 10-20 percent of its retail value! 

With that price difference men should learn how to buy consignment and save lots of $$$$$.

Here is the check list:

For beginners - I say start with the easy pieces like jeans, a tie - if you need one, belts. 

If you are already advanced in this area and have tried this niche -  you already know that the best deals are in the shoes, shirts,  jackets and suits and unique pieces !

What to do? 

Beginners :

• First use common sense and buy from a reputable seller.
• Make sure they have a clear return policy. 
• Know your size and measurements. Make sure you know your size in US and EU sizing and your measurements. This way there is a zero chance you will go wrong. If you don't know how to measure yourself or don't want to - then buy brands that you are familiar or go  to the store and try the sizes in the different brands so you know your size. 
• Disclosure : While looking at items for sale make sure seller provides lots of images, measurements, including if tags and that items are authenticated.
• Vague descriptions are big question marks !!!

Now ! Let's shop! 

Jeans - men usually wear the same style over and over. They might go thru some different color combinations but men - unlike most women - will stick to that one style. Once you know your style you can buy them on consignment at about 40-50$ a piece while a new pair of designer jeans starts at 250-350$ ranking up to the 900$ for the high end designer brand. 

Ties - ties have the lowest resale value on consignment - and all the consignment stores that sell them - you will see -  they look brand new!!! Why pay the retail price for an Hermes Tie when you can buy one second hand for about 50-75$. If you go for Gucci or Armani we are already talking 30-50$. So that's a no brainer! You don't need to know much about ties to buy one that you love in your desired designer brand. 

Belts - how can you go wrong with a belt?!? Even if it's second hand?!? Looking around you can see that black belts - even high end designer ones - are up for grabs at ridiculous prices!!!! For example a crocodile belt that retailed - on its peak for 2000$ - is sold for 200$ (Dior Homme). That is amazing ! Especially if you are looking for special pieces that have almost no resale value! 

Those are the easy pieces - and I'm sure that men can get the hang of it!

As far as shirts, jackets, suits and unique pieces you will find amazing deals but the are some caveats. 

Be on the lookout for the following:

Items that you can't wash - eg dry clean only - might be susceptible to BO. 

Underarms area - make sure it's not discoloration or stained. 

Suits - make sure they are not altered and if so - make sure it fits you. Even if you can buy an Armani suit for 200$ but eventually it didn't fit you, then that was a waste. 

Uniques pieces might be a big red flag for fakes. So know your stuff or trust your seller!!!

Online or brick and mortar?

Well to me that's a no brainer - Online you can refine items, by brand, color, size, even style. Can you do that in a brick and mortar store? Of course NOT! So that's your answer!

Enjoy your shopping!!!

Lorena Shiff