The economy may slow down but style is constant. Two bundle experts offer Nadia Badarudin tips on what to look for in thrift shops
LET’S face it, no matter how bad the economy is, we don’t want to be deprived of our basic needs.
We always find comfort in good, tasty food and in looking stylish in quality, fashionable clothing (depending on what fashionable means to us).
At a time when more of us are subscribing to spending less, thrifting or shopping for second-hand clothes and accessories at bundle shops, thrift stores, consignment shops, flea markets or online stores, is growing in popularity.
Such stores are also a treasure trove of rare or vintage items. Who knows what we can find while thrifting.
Shamsul Arif Mansor (of Buntil, Taman TTDI Jaya, Shah Alam, Selangor) and Ahmad Azuardi Firdaus Ismail (of AyoAsia, Sungai Buloh, Selangor) are two bundle entrepreneurs and experts on used or pre-loved clothing. Here, they share some tips and tricks on how to choose jeans, tops and boots at bundle stores.
JEANS AND TOPS
Shamsul Arif has been selling used clothing at Buntil since 1987. The bundle concept store sells various items for men and women, ranging from basic daily wear such as shirts, trousers, shoes and accessories.
Apart from the normal range, Buntil also carries branded, specialty items and vintage pieces.
“When it comes to second-hand items, the most important thing is to make sure that the item is mostly in good and wearable condition,” he says.
What to look for
1. Brands: Any brand is worth considering as long as you know the cut, style, material and naturally “seasoned art” in a pair of jeans.
New jeans are often stiff and uncomfortable, so a bundle store offer comfortable and aesthetically faded pairs and classic cuts (such as straight cut or boot cut). However, a bundle store is not the place to look for trendy items such as skinny jeans or denims made of synthetic or stretchable material.
2. Off-season/overrun stocks: Some of these items are usually unsold or unworn.
3. Size: If you are petite, look for items imported from Japan or other Asian countries.
4. Defects: Examine each item thoroughly. Avoid buying items with irremovable stains, holes or obvious defects.
Finding a gem
1. Evergreen cuts and styles (mainly straight cut) from brands such as Levi’s, Lee or Wrangler never go out of style. (Levi’s 501 is the most popular).
2. Vintage factors can be identified from the seasoned character (known to local jeans collectors as takek and misai, among others) and features like zippers, buttons, cuts, materials and stitching. For instance, items with zippers of brand names such as Talon, Colmar or Gripper Zipper are pre-1970s and considered vintage.
3. Shirts or jeans from discontinued brands or are no longer produced.
4. T-shirts featuring tour dates of bands/singers, or of a classic feature such as iron-on.
BOOTS
Ahmad Azuardi is a quality controller at AyoAsia bundle shoes wholesaler and retailer. His job is to sort out and choose the best used shoes of various brands sourced from around the world.
“Just like buying a pair of new boots, always go for those made of genuine leather because they last longer and look better over time,” he says.
“The most important factor to consider is to make sure that the boots are not worn out. Zoom in on the photos to look for defects when buying online.”
What to look for
1. Pay attention to the soles to check whether they need to be repaired or re-soled. Avoid buying a pair with soles that are beyond repair.
2. If you are looking for work boots or industrial footwear, choose those made from hide (heavy leather tanned from cow hide). Badly scratched or cracked leather as well as bald patches in suede will reduce the value of the used boots (in case you want to resell them).
3. Metallic, oily, waxy, suede and nubuck are among the common finishes. Choose whatever pleases your eyes but remember, the finishes as well as the type of leather will determine the way the boots should be maintained.
Finding a gem
1. Do not get these terms (vintage, antique and retro) mixed up when buying vintage boots. For vintage or rare boots, those made of exotic leather as well as select versions of popular brands can fetch a high price. For instance, Irish Setter of Red Wing Shoes is a worthwhile investment. A pair of vintage Dr Marten’s boots depends on its distinctive yellow stitching.
2. A sign of quality and exclusivity is reflected on the maker’s name stamped on one insole and the shop on the other.
SHOPPING AT BUNDLE STORES
1. Take your time because items in a bundle store are usually not organised neatly. Set your budget and think of it as a way to diversify your wardrobe.
2. Discard prejudices. Some bundle stores have moved up the scale and morphed into posh concept stores.
3. Try them on. Do not buy just because an item is cheap, especially if you know you will not wear it.
4. Check each piece thoroughly.
5. Wash the clothes when you get home. (Check the pockets before cleaning; buyers have been known to find money in there!).