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6 min readIf you’re anything like our reviews team, buying new gear is a dopamine hit. But when we want to score rare grail for (relatively) cheap, we turn to our favorite secondhand sites. We’ve found clothes, some home gym equipment, and gadgets that look as good as new at a fraction of the price.
However, not all resale platforms are created equal. Some feel like a gamble (we’re looking at you, Facebook Marketplace), others have authentication pros that make sure the stuff they sell are actually legit. Scoring secondhand clothes is also a smart style move. You’ll find discontinued or vintage merch that no one else has.
For me, I’m definitely an eBay guy. It’s where I go to shop for no-longer-sold wardrobe items that I know will elevate my look in any given season. The reseller has an inventory of so many rare finds (both used and some new). The multipart authentication process ensures that buyers are receiving exactly what was described. That in itself is what makes a reseller site actually good.
But eBay is already a platform you probably know a lot about. Below, we found the best sites to score preowned clothes, fitness gear, and refurbished tech that deliver on quality without wrecking your budget.
What to Consider
Original Photos
High-quality photos are one of the most important factors in building trust when shopping secondhand. We’re not just talking clear, well-lit images, but also photos that show everything about a product. That includes any wears or stains if any, so that you know exactly what you’re getting. Bonus points if there’s an image of someone wearing the product, so that you can get a better idea of how it’ll fit you. The more visual detail, the better!
Details
The more detailed a listing is, the better. Buyers should expect to see comprehensive information about any product, especially in categories like fashion and technology. An item’s history, how much it has been worn or used, matters just as much as its current size and fit. For vintage clothes, you should know the year the item was manufactured. You can find this out by looking at the tags. For extra verification, check photos for sturdy seams, high-quality linings, and metal zippers (a common indicator of pre-1970s vintage).
When it comes to tech or gear, you should be looking for any signs of cosmetic damage. If you can’t tell by the image, see if anything regarding that is written in the listing. Feel free to reach out to the seller as well. It’s also good to know if the item will come in its original packaging or not. While that might not always be the deciding factor, it’s a nice added piece of assurance.
What You’re Looking For
What you’re shopping for should guide where you shop.
- Used electronics: Amazon Renewed and Walmart Restored are your best bet as they both have quality control experts to ensure the gear they sell actually work.
- Used and hard-to-find fashion: eBay, The RealReal, and StockX are great for sourcing used, vintage, and otherwise sold out new clothing. All three sites have a dedicated authentication system (whether in house or third party) to ensure quality.
- Used gear and equipment: Amazon Renewed, Like New Lululemon, and Patagonia Worn Wear are all great for used gear and equipment. All three have their own in house team to inspect and treat their gear and workout clothes.
How We Selected
To find the best secondhand sites, our reviews team (led by Style and Reviews Director, Christian Gollayan) gave input on their own shopping experiences, and only listed the best ones. Across the board, these are sites that have proven to take the authentication process seriously. Buyers should feel confident that the items they are receiving are legit and in the exact quality described in the listing. The sites below are trusted to provide that.
The Best Secondhand Sites for Men
Amazon Renewed
Amazon has a preowned section on its site (deemed Amazon Renewed), and it’s low-key stacked with solid deals. You can grab refurbished headphones, smartwatches, and even home gym gear that’s been tested and backed by a warranty. Amazon Renewed has its products inspected, tested, and cleaned by qualified suppliers to ensure they look and work like new. We’re seeing rowing machines and Garmin watches at hundreds of dollars cheaper than they normally are. The only thing that would make Amazon Renewed better would be a larger selection of workout equipment.
Echelon Indoor Rowing Machine,(Renewed)
Amazon
Pull Up Bands (Used)Walmart Restored
Walmart Restored is another solid place to look for refurbished tech and home gear. Like other big-name sites, Walmart pre-owned products are professionally inspected, tested, and cleaned before they ever become available online. You’ll find everything from smartphones and laptops to kitchen appliances and headphones, often at serious discounts. Most items come with at least a 90-day return window, and higher-tier “Premium” products include longer warranties, so you’re not just rolling the dice on used gear. It’s not the flashiest marketplace, but it’s got the brands you want.
Microsoft Xbox Series X Console (Refurbished)
The RealReal
If you’ve ever wanted to step up your style without blowing your whole paycheck, The RealReal is worth a look. It specializes in authenticated luxury (even more so than eBay), so don’t worry about gambling on somehow snagging fake designer goods. You can find high-end sneakers, dress shoes, watches, and bags for way less than retail, which makes upgrading your wardrobe feel a lot more doable.
Alexander McQueen Patterned Sunglasses
Like New Lululemon
Like New is Lululemon’s own resale shop, and it’s a no-brainer if you already like the brand but can’t justify splurging given its prices. You’ll find gently used joggers, hoodies, and workout-ready basics that still look and feel great. Everything goes through quality checks to ensure functionality. They’re also cleaned by professionals, which is especially important to note for workout clothes. It’s an easy way to stock up on everyday and attractive gear.
StockX
StockX is where you go when you want something specific and hard to find. I’m talking limited-edition sneakers, rare collectibles (remember Labubu?), and older tech that has been discontinued. Everything gets authenticated, which matters a lot in categories full of fakes. The pricing works like a live market, so you can actually see what things are worth before you buy. If you’re into rare finds or just want to flex something a little different, this is the spot for sure.
Patagonia Worn Wear
Patagonia’s Worn Wear program is basically proof that buying used can still mean investing in quality items. You’re getting high-performance outdoor gear that’s built to last in the first place, then repaired and resold at a discount. Jackets, fleeces, and layers that still give that crisp, granola-man factor (and can handle real conditions, not just look good on a coffee run) are all still attainable. If you’re the kind of guy who actually uses his gear, this is a smart way to load up without dropping a ton of cash. Bonus points for doing something good for the planet while you’re at it.
Disclaimer: We recommend checking the site yourself and browse your specific size since most products tend to be scarce (as they go fast!).
eBay
Yes, eBay is still one of the best places to score serious deals on clothes. It’s one of the largest resellers on the market with a huge inventory. Also, eBay has its sellers go through an intense authentication process. Eligible items (especially vintage and designer apparel) are shipped directly from the seller to a third-party authentication facility. Once verified, it is repackaged and sent to the buyer. It’s worth checking out The NYC Edit, a section on eBay that tracks what a collective of New York-based style professionals are actively buying and selling. It’s probably better to buy tech through resellers via Amazon or Walmart as there are more quality refurbished items there.
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Josiah is the Digital Content Producer for the commerce team at Popular Mechanics, Best Products, Runner’s World, and Bicycling Magazine. He also writes for “BIO Buys”—a column on Biography.com—giving readers the lowdown on what products their favorite celebs are using. In another life, Josiah was an editor at ThePioneerWoman.com, where he sharpened his expertise on all things lifestyle, food-news, and entertainment. Outside work related matters, he’s a fan of Studio Ghibli films, unimportant reality TV drama, and melancholy Lorde songs.
Christian is the Style and Reviews Director at Men's Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping and style content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.
