Another factor is... how shall I say this? Well, at a yard sale or used clothing store, we're able to tell that the item hasn't either been in moth balls or stored in a damp moldy area for a decade. Or worn without being laundered before the sale. Ick!

My ex had the 'okay for kids but not for me' thing too. Personally, I am just focussed on saving money that I suppose my standards of used vs. new are a bit lower? I don't know. To each his/her own. :)

Nah, I don't think it's a matter of lower standards at all. Mostly what holds me back is the fear of opening a box and finding something smelly or stained or popped seams that I'll have to deal with after thinking I was getting a good item. I do really need to check around more... I'd like some really great sweaters for this winter... my problem *there* is I think "what if they were washed wrong and shrinking occurred and the size tag isn't right any longer?" Hehe, see, I'm just fickle!

What about "truth in advertising?" I know that you're supposed to be able to trust that what someone posts about an item is true, but when it comes to clothes, I'm not sure. I've had a friend who bought something for one of her kids, when she got the item, it was NOT the size it was supposed to be.
So, if I'm looking for used clothes, I'd much rather go to a good consignment shop or something. You KNOW what you're getting when you leave your money with them.

After reading the entire thread I had a few thoughts pop into mind about the used clothing thing. I sell all sorts of used clothing on eBay. Some I pick up from yardsales for cheap cheap and I wash, iron, and resell on eBay. I also sell some of my kids old clothing on eBay.

My son is 5 and I sold all of his baby clothes on eBay... lets think about what happens before the age of 5 though, potty training! Yep, he peed in 'em. Nearly every single one of those clothing items had at one point in time been urinated in. But, I washed it. Any mother knows to wash used items.

Now let me also point out the used jeans, men avert thine eyes. Seriously, ladies, you really think that every woman out there wears undies with their jeans and shorts? Newp. You take that chance as well buying used. So when you get it home, wash it immediately with Clorox 2 if its jeans, and in scalding hot water.

Knowing these things, I still buy used clothing on eBay. I know the risks of 'ickyness' and trust me when I tell you, we have more germs in our own laundry than you know! (1 gram of fecal matter per load of laundry, OUR OWN LAUNDRY not someoe elses. Our very very own, that stuff in the washer that you just did...yep those clothes!) And yet because I know this is normal, I still purchase items on eBay. I just wash with care, and in hot hot water with an antibacterial laundry soap :)

It's safer than eating spinach at the moment

I have to agree, with used clothes it doesn't matter if they are underwear or not you really don't know where they have been. doesn't stop me from buying used clothes - lingerie nah still won't go there ;) but other items are fine.

As for bleach and scalding hot water that's a no-no unless you're looking at deodorizing the clothing. After taking a chemistry class the teacher said this is a myth, to sanitise clothes with bleach you want to use cold water something about how the chemicals in bleach break down. Just a little tip ;)

Vinegar is likely better than bleach for sanitizing. :)

Sorry, I don't care how it sanitized, I don't think I would buy someone else's old lingerie or unmentionables. I just don't think I'd need them THAT bad!

I read this thead, and the whole time I'm thinking to myself...people actually sell used underwear?!? lol

There isn't much that I would buy used. I would buy electronics, games, toys, pictures, and things like that. But as far as buying used clothing, not even! Especially, not online where I can't see what ever it is that I'm buying until it actually arrives. But hey, that's just me!