From someone else's shoulder: what things are better not to take in a thrift store
The number of sales in domestic thrift stores has soared to a record high. Sellers do not recall such a stir and associate it not only with the departure of some well-known brands from Russia, but also with the demand for "things with history" at affordable prices. The fashionable trend alarms doctors — they advise, for safety reasons, how purchases should be handled in order to avoid health problems. How to choose decent goods in a thrift store, what to pay attention to first and which diagnoses can be "bought" along with outfits — in the Izvestia article.
What is fashionable
Fashion expert, professional stylist, and image consultant Alexandra Levitina confirms the unprecedented interest in thrift stores.
"According to MTS Bank and MTS AdTech, in the summer of 2025, the number of transactions in thrift stores increased by 58%, while the average receipt decreased by 14%, to 1,39 thousand rubles," comments fashion expert, professional stylist, image consultant Alexandra Levitina. — The increase in the use of the commission format may be associated with both nostalgic trends and changes in consumer behavior.
In particular, according to the expert, the demand for archived models, discontinued collections and high-quality clothing has increased. People search thrift stores for items that match these parameters, which for various reasons cannot be purchased at other outlets.
— The upper segment of the secondary market is characterized by a separate dynamic: the IMARC Group 2025 analytical review estimates the volume of the Russian second-hand luxury segment at 2.10 billion US dollars, including online and offline channels, that is, including luxury commission boutiques. This part of the market does not reflect the full range of commission trading, but it clearly demonstrates the steady demand," comments Alexandra Levitina.
Another point is the continuing "cultural background" of nostalgia, which does not define, but supports interest in things with history, she emphasizes.
— But it does not manifest itself as the main incentive, but as an additional motive in the form of emotional involvement, enhancing the value of the object, which becomes a "carrier of memory", epoch and recognizable context, — says the stylist.
Zoomers are especially willing to buy things with a history — their interest in vintage outfits is widely discussed online.
According to Levitina, there are also stores operating abroad that largely correspond to the Russian model of thrift stores. They are called the consignment store or curated resale boutique.
— In Europe, this is often a qualifying format: a thing is accepted only after authentication, assessment of the condition and confirmation of liquidity, — explains Levitina. — In Milan and Paris, such boutiques use international serial number databases and stamp archives (Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton). This is fundamental: proven provenance and archival quality are important, which is why consignment abroad is perceived as a regulated part of the pre-owned luxury (luxury goods) market, and not as "hand-me-downs".
High-quality zippers and smooth stitches
Inexperienced visitors to thrift stores are wondering: how do I look for something worthwhile on the brackets? Most of the items that are not the most fashionable get into such outlets, unless the owners hand them over soon after purchase due to the size not being suitable. In thrift stores, Alexandra Levitina advises not to look for a brand, but to rely on the so-called archival signs of quality. For things of this level, in fact, even wealthy ladies go to the "lump".
— The first thing you need to pay attention to is the design: smooth shoulder without strapping, clean edging, uniform stitch, manual fasteners, old metal Riri or Lampo zippers. The second is the material: cashmere, thick wool without spools, leather without varnishing fillings. The third is production: Italy / France markings until the 2000s and early 2010s are traditionally considered a sign of a better level of manufacturing than modern production," says Alexandra Levitina.
A good find is not just a "well—known brand", but a product with an ideal design, material and origin, the expert emphasizes. Of course, the safety of things is important, but sometimes buyers deliberately take risks, without excluding the need for restoration. In this case, it should be assessed whether it is possible to get rid of the traces of wear.
— If the item is subject to restoration, then gentle interventions are appropriate. This is a replacement of the lining or polishing or partial restoration of the skin, but not a change in shoulder and length.: it changes the original design," the expert comments.
Most often, customers go to thrift stores for glasses, belts, and bags. These wardrobe items are not as intimate as clothes and shoes.
— In thrift stores, it's really worth starting with accessories, — says the fashion expert. — They are the ones that can be objectively verified. Bags and glasses of premium brands have serial numbers, workshop stamps, characteristic font standards and factory codes, which are easy to verify authenticity (this is an established international practice of resale — resale of goods).
According to the stylist, unlike clothes, the correct restoration of accessories (replacement of fittings, straps, nose guards, polishing leather or acetate) often does not lead to a significant loss of value in the secondary market. Alexandra Levitina calls accessories the safest "entry" into commission purchases: they are easier to confirm, restore and integrate into the wardrobe. And with proper care, the service life of such items significantly exceeds the life cycle of ordinary things.
In order not to buy completely "grandmother's" sweaters or boots, the expert advises to look closely at those items of clothing that still resonate with modern fashion.
—According to the FW 2025/26 catwalk analytics, among the most recurring elements of the season are fur, enlarged shoulder, printed leather, classic sartorial construction and a cage," comments Alexandra Levitina. — The palette is dominated by brown and earthy shades, and accessories include top-handle bags and models made of suede and smooth leather.
Fungus, pediculosis, dust and mold
Maria Kyzymko, a dermatovenerologist, cosmetologist, and trichologist at the Be Healthy clinic on Sretenka, emphasizes that shopping in thrift stores is often accompanied by certain health risks. What are the dangers of second-hand clothing buyers?
— Buyers of used goods face the risk of contracting various infections of the skin, hair and nails, — explains Maria Kyzymko. — Fungal infections, including mycoses of the feet and nails, parasitic diseases (scabies, pediculosis, etc.), allergic reactions caused by dust, mold, and chemicals are most often dangerous. Bacterial infections are possible, especially if the skin is damaged. In rare cases, it is even possible to become infected with viruses, such as molluscum contagiosum.
The dermatovenerologist draws attention to the fact that some pathogens remain active outside the host body for a long time, especially in a favorable environment (for example, warm and wet shoes).
"It is especially dangerous to purchase used personal hygiene items, underwear, bed linen, towels, shoes, sportswear and hats, as they are the most common sources of infections," the dermatovenerologist warns. — It is better to avoid buying items that are in direct contact with skin and hair. Jewelry is also included in this list.
Olga Stolyarova, an infectious disease specialist at the Be Healthy clinic on Sretenka, also notes that second-hand items can be a source of fungal infections such as ringworm, foot mycoses, and candidiasis. Fungi are resistant to the external environment and remain viable on fabrics and shoes for a long time. Complete disinfection is difficult in this case. As for bacterial infections (Staphylococcus, streptococcus), they are especially aggressive in conditions of high humidity. Therefore, their source may be sportswear — leggings and T-shirts.
— Parasites (head lice, scabies mite) are transmitted through hats, scarves, bed linen. Woolen, fur products and old clothes accumulate a lot of allergens and house dust mites. The risk of transmission of viruses such as herpes and papillomavirus through used clothing is minimal, as they quickly die outside the body, but it is possible if there are fresh biological traces (blood, saliva), explains Olga Stolyarova.
Even dishes are at risk if they are damaged. Cracks and chips may contain pathogens, such as hepatitis A viruses and intestinal infections, Stolyarova emphasizes. Jewelry made of low-quality alloys can cause allergies or irritation, especially in the presence of skin microtrauma. Things with stains should be examined especially carefully. These may be traces of blood, pus, and mold — clear signs of biological contamination.
Olga Stolyarova recommends against using second-hand items for people with weakened immune systems, as well as those who suffer from allergies and skin diseases (eczema and psoriasis). And we must take into account that the body of children and the elderly is less resistant to infections.
What items can be borrowed from a thrift store and how to process them
Doctors advise fans of thrift stores to choose those items that can be properly processed. According to the infectious disease specialist, this list includes outerwear, trousers, dresses and other items that are suitable for washing. Woolen products and furs are acceptable if it is possible to take them to the dry cleaners or undergo deep treatment from dust mites. Jewelry made of precious metals (silver, gold) is treated with antiseptic, and whole dishes (glass, ceramics) are safe after boiling or washing at high temperatures.
The infectious disease specialist advises washing textiles at 60-90 ° C with the addition of disinfectant (chlorine-containing or oxygen-based bleaches are used). After drying, things should be ironed with steam. In the case of delicate fabrics, freezing will help — to do this, leave clothes in the cold (from -15 ° C and below) for 2-3 days. If the weather conditions do not allow for such a procedure, then the easiest way is to take the item to the dry cleaner.
Experts recommend using special anti-fungus and mildew products designed to treat the inner surface to disinfect shoes. Antiseptic sprays based on chlorhexidine or alcohol are suitable for this. After the procedure, the boots or boots should be well dried and even ventilated outdoors for one to two weeks.
— Before using the headdress, it is necessary to thoroughly wash it with warm water and soap and disinfect it with ultraviolet radiation or a special spray, — Maria Kyzymko comments.
According to Olga Stolyarova, wash such items at high temperatures whenever possible or soak them in a vinegar solution (one-to-one ratio with water) to kill lice.
It makes sense to boil the dishes for 10-15 minutes or load them into the dishwasher, setting the 70 °C mode. It is enough to wipe metal jewelry with medical alcohol or soak it in a solution of chlorhexidine.
Experts emphasize that the risk of infection through commission goods is real, but manageable. The main thing is to carefully inspect your purchases and not skimp on hygiene. And if you have doubts about the cleanliness of things, it is better to refuse to buy, because health care should be put above saving money and imaginary beauty.
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