A second-hand dress can be good for your wallet and the planet – but there are some essential things to consider.
As the saying goes, brides need something old, new, borrowed, and blue. Of course, it’s 2024 – you can wear whatever you like! But who’s to say that ‘something old ‘can’t be your wedding dress?
A preloved or pre-owned bridal outfit is sustainable and could save you some serious cash. It might also be a style-led decision, especially if you want to wear something vintage.
“Preloved options are much cheaper and come at various price points. Furthermore, brides-to-be can choose from designs/styles and materials spanning decades that are sustainable and timeless,” says Anita Lo, owner of Clara’s Box (clarasbox.com, website coming soon), a website selling vintage clothing and accessories. Lo also has an Etsy store.
“For example, silk dresses with long skirt tails and veils were fashionable in the early 20th century. They are one-of-a-kind and unique. There is also a symbolic aspect to this – the happy couple will survive the test of time, just like the preloved wedding dress.”
Where should you look?
There are lots of places you could try. First, check if any local shops in your area stock preloved wedding dresses.
If you’re mainly looking for a bargain, sites like eBay may be worth a look, as well as charity shops like Oxfam, which has six well-stocked bridal boutiques nationwide and some dresses online.
There are also various websites where brides can sell their worn outfits, such as preownedweddingdresses.com and stillwhite.com
If it’s something designer you’re after, rebeccaschoneveld has a curated selection of gorgeous preloved gowns, while Etsy can be fantastic for vintage treasures.
Size up your options
However, some essential things to consider before buying a preloved wedding dress include factoring in potential added costs for cleaning and alterations. Return policies can also differ when buying second-hand, so you’ll want to think carefully before parting with your money.
Of course, buying from a shop means you can try things on. This may get trickier if you’re buying online.
If you buy directly from a seller who previously wore the dress, you’ll usually be able to see photos of them wearing it and ask questions about the fit and sizing. And you never know—you might come across something that’s already a perfect fit.
It’s also helpful to remember that bridal dress sizes often tend to be smaller than for regular clothes—and even more so if shopping vintage. Not only are there costs to consider here, but there’s also the question of whether the alterations you’d want would be doable.
“Make sure you have accurate measurements for bust, waist, hip, and height. Vintage dresses come in smaller sizes than modern clothing,” says Lo. Wedding dresses might also have been altered to complement the previous owner. If the bride is unsure about the desired dress style, it could be more accessible to narrow down the options by material or era.
“The required alterations would depend on the original structure and material of the dress, the buyer’s measurements, and personal taste,” she adds. “If the dress’ length or sleeves need to be shortened, this can be done relatively easily by hand or using the sewing machine, although it takes time. I’d recommend hiring a professional seamstress for repairs and more challenging alterations.”
Will the dress need cleaning?
Depending on where you buy from, a preloved dress might need to be cleaned or refreshed. Some sellers might have already taken care of this. Ensure you know the dress’s condition to avoid unexpected costs upon arrival.
The method required will depend on the fabrics and designs and the nature of the necessary cleaning.
Lamprini Fameli is a product expert at Philips. She says preloved shopping is a beloved trend in fashion, and second-hand wedding dresses are becoming more popular.
“An easy, affordable, and effective way to spruce up your second-hand wedding dress is a handheld steamer.
Philips has a 3000 Series Handheld Steamer for $45. They can swiftly remove stubborn creases, providing a much-needed refresh ahead of the big day.
“It’s hygienic, too, killing 99.9% of the potential bacteria lurking on your second-hand purchase,” Fameli adds. But you must remember that not all materials suit this type of touch-up.
“If you’re going to steam a dress, stick to lightweight fabrics like silk, tulle, organza, and chiffon. These fabrics will withstand the heat, and a quick steam will give them a refreshed, airy quality.
“If your dress is made up with lace, velvet, satin or any type of beading, you’re best to avoid using a handheld steamer, as these fabrics can be liable to warp in shape, texture and colour if exposed to direct steam,” advises Fameli.
Lo agrees it’s essential to get this step right. Consult with the experts if you’re unsure.
“More delicate materials and older wedding dresses need to be hand-washed or dry-cleaned, which can be time-consuming and costly,” says Lo. Modern dresses are easy to wash: either dry-clean or use the washing machine [always check the care instructions].”
