Shopping second hand online is the go-to cool and sustainable way to shop for…well anything! But with second hand shopping, comes a tidal wave of new terms only found in the resale, sustainable fashion and second hand space. We’re going to break down those commonly found terms and phrases that you may need some clarification on to help you snag your next bargain online.
And the best part? This glossary is for all things second hand online not just fashion. Whether you’re shopping for second hand dresses or vintage home accessories, we’re here to clear up some of the unknowns. Save this blog for later, screenshot the important bits or share with a friend who needs this too. We want you to be able to shop second hand online with confidence so you can bag the biggest bargains and the most unique finds.
Common resale and sustainable fashion terms
Starting off with general terms, commonly found when shopping second hand online that will help you identify what you’re looking for a bit easier.
Preloved
“What is the difference between second hand and preloved?” is a question we see get asked a lot and the answer is nothing, they describe the same thing. Preloved is a more marketing-led term to describe items that have had a previous owner.
Slow Fashion
Slow fashion is a term we’re seeing more and more of and that is because as consumers, we’re making more conscious decisions when it comes to shopping for our wardrobe. Slow fashion is a sustainable approach to fashion that focuses on buying fewer, higher-quality pieces designed to last longer instead of following fast-changing trends.
Thrifted
“Thrifted” is an American term used to describe items sourced from charity shops, thrift stores, vintage markets, car boot sales, or online second hand retailers. Just with “preloved” there is no difference between “thrifted” and “second hand,” other than “thrifted is a verb to describe the action of finding something second hand.
RRP (Recommended Retail Price)
This is the original selling price by the original retailer of an item. Second hand retailer or sellers may use this to signify the saving when compared to the second hand price for a particular item.
Consignment Store
Consignment stores are a shop or online retailer that sells items on behalf of the original owner and takes a percentage of the sale once the item sells. This method of making a little bit of money from your unwanted items is a great way to avoid the hassle of online selling, whilst still responsibility clearing out your unwanted stuff.
Second Hand Retailer
A business that sells previously owned clothing, accessories, or home décor items either online or in-store that does not sell items on behalf of others, as seen with consignment stores. A great example of a second hand retailer is…you guessed it, Sunshine Thrift!
Second Hand Condition Categories
Understanding the condition of an item when shopping second hand online the most important aspect is of knowing that particular item’s features. The condition of an item determines its second hand value. Second hand shoppers have varying levels of condition that they are willing to accept which is why it is important to know the condition of each item you buy second hand online.
Deadstock
Unused vintage or older stock that was never originally sold or worn. Deadstock items are often highly sought after because they are technically vintage but remain in new condition.
NWT (New With Tags)
“New with tags,” commonly abbreviated to “NWT” refers to an item (usually second hand clothing, footwear or accessories) that has never been worn or used and still has its original retail tags attached.
NWOT (New Without Tags)
“NWOT” refers to an item that appears brand new and unused but no longer has its original tags attached. We remain slightly dubious of items listed as “NWOT” or “new without tags” because the original retailer tag is the only indicator that this particular item hasn’t be worn for a prolonged period of time. Items listed with this condition should only really be seen on C2C platforms where the seller purchased the item directly from the retailer, removed the tags but never wore the item and now wishes to sell it on.
Vintage
Is vintage the same as second hand? The answer can be yes, and no. Vintage refers to an item that is older than 20 years, at the time of writing this blog anything manufactured in 2006 or prior would be considered vintage. But vintage items can also be referred to as second hand, hence the confusion. “Vintage” is a term that is used a lot as it can be a reason to justify an inflated price. Be wary of sellers or retailers who overuse the term “vintage” without any additional verification that their items are dated 20+ years.
Antique
Items categorised as “antique” is generally considered to be at least 100 years old and valued for its age, rarity, craftsmanship, or historical significance.
Second Hand Clothes Terms
If you regularly shop for second hand clothes online, you may have seen some of these terms before. Remember to screenshot, save and share as you go when you find a definition that you didn’t know about.
Upcycled Fashion
Clothing or accessories that have been creatively redesigned or altered to give them a new purpose instead of being thrown away. Think bejewelled denim and old shirts turned into a patchwork bag.
Dopamine Dressing
“Dopamine dressing” refers to a long-lasting fashion trend centred around wearing bright colours, playful patterns, and expressive clothing to boost mood and confidence. You may see sellers on online marketplace use this term on their titles and descriptions to target their items to buyers looking for a bright and expressive second hand outfit.
Y2K
A fashion and design trend inspired by late 1990s and early 2000s styles, including metallic finishes, bold accessories, low-rise silhouettes, and playful nostalgic fashion. Be careful of listings that describe items as “Y2K” versus “Y2K style,” the latter refers to the aesthetic of the item tying in with the 90s and 2000s but wasn’t necessarily manufactured during that time period.
Capsule Wardrobe
A carefully chosen collection of versatile clothing pieces that can be mixed and matched easily to create multiple outfits with fewer items. The emergence of capsule wardrobes as a way to reduce our consumption ties in nicely with slow fashion, both sharing the message of filling your wardrobe with easily-to-style better quality pieces.
Second Hand and Vintage Home Décor Terms
When it comes to shopping for second hand and vintage home décor online, it is good to know that some terms and phrases seen with second hand fashion also apply such as “new with tags” but there are also some key terms that you need to know, which can help you identify the era, value and style of a second hand and vintage home décor item.
Upcycled Home Décor
Home accessories or decorative items that have been transformed or repurposed into something new, often using recycled or reclaimed materials. This is commonly found with furniture items such as wardrobes, desks and chests of drawers.
MCM (Mid-Century Modern)
“MCM” is an abbreviation often used on eBay product listings, forced by the 80 character limit. Mid-century modern was a popular interior design style from the mid-20th century known for clean lines, organic shapes, minimalist décor, warm wood tones, and timeless modern styling.
Eclectic Décor
A home styling approach that mixes different colours, eras, textures, and decorative styles to create a unique and personalised space. Eclectic interiors are popular in vintage and second hand home décor.
Retro
“Retro” refers to newer home décor or accessories designed to imitate styles from previous decades, especially the 60s, 70s, 80s, or 90s.
Art Deco
A glamorous early-20th-century design style known for geometric shapes, metallic finishes, symmetry, and luxurious decorative details. In recent years there has been a resurgence for art deco pieces, but with a modern twist, now being titled as “neo-deco.”
Style and Aesthetic Terms
The style or trending terms used on online marketplace listings can help buyers and sellers reach people with a shared style or taste. Many of these terms are driving by fashion and home décor trends, with a second hand or vintage twist.
Cottagecore
“Cottagecore” remains one of the long standing home décor and fashion trends. It refers to a romantic aesthetic inspired by countryside living, vintage florals, cosy interiors, soft fabrics, and nostalgic fashion. The continuous of this trend is spurred on by the widely available vintage fashion and home decoration that this trend is based on.
Poetcore
“Poetcore” is a newer trend seen in 2026 which is inspired by romantic and literary styles, featuring flowing silhouettes, lace details, embroidery, soft fabrics, and vintage-inspired clothing.
Maximalism
A bold design and fashion style focused on layered patterns, vibrant colours, eclectic décor, and expressive styling rather than minimal simplicity.
Boho (Bohemian Style)
A relaxed and artistic aesthetic inspired by vintage fashion, earthy tones, embroidery, layered textures, and eclectic styling. Seen in both fashion and home décor, this is a style which regularly finds itself at the top of the Pinterest and Google trends particularly around the spring and summertime.
Final thoughts
Whether you are completely new to shopping second hand online or already love hunting for vintage fashion and unique home décor, understanding these commonly used resale terms can help you shop with far more confidence. From knowing the difference between NWT and vintage to recognising aesthetics like cottagecore, boho, and maximalism, learning the language of second hand online shopping makes it easier to spot genuine bargains, avoid misleading listings, and discover pieces that truly match your personal style.
