Should I Buy used Clothes?

[Anonymous]

Will washing and drying them get the germs out of them?
I went to a thrift store and they had lots of jeans and other gently worn items but I've read a few threads on DCUM about how gross it is to wear other peoples clothes. Should I worry?

[Anonymous]

It's not gross at all to wear them after you wash them.

[Anonymous]

I would say 80% of my kids' clothing and about 20% of mine are used clothing. Not a problem.

[Anonymous]

What exactly are you worried about? You're not going to get cooties from used clothing. I'd just be watchful of moths/moth holes in sweaters made of wool or cashmere.

[Anonymous]

Do you throw your current clothes away after wearing them once? Do you only buy clothes in sealed packages that you can guarantee no one tried on? Why is it any different to buy used clothes that have been laundered?

[Anonymous]

Germs?

[Anonymous]

Germs? Really? They are fine. Are you Native American? Long gone are the days of small pox infected blankets.

[Anonymous]

I often buy used stuff at consignment sales - wash it and it's fine. There are a few people who are grossed out by the idea, but they're probably also the same people who wash their hands 30 times a day and get freaked out by standing too near strangers on Metro.

[Anonymous]

Body lice and scabies could theoretically be issues, but

a) washing in hot water/ high heat drying should kill bugs

and

b) Body lice are uncommon 'round here. Scabies is probably a bit more prevalent among young kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Germs? Really? They are fine. Are you Native American? Long gone are the days of small pox infected blankets.

Historian here. Very impressed by your reference.

[Anonymous]

I cannot believe a grown woman needs approval to buy/wear used clothes. Sad.

[Anonymous]

Bed bugs are a valid concern in used clothing. When I buy at consignment stores, I put the clothes into plastic bags which I tie shut and then I immediately take them home and put the clothes into the wash on hot or take them to the dry cleaner (which every is appropriate). I have not had a problem yet.

[Anonymous]

Ha. I'd say 40% of my wardrobe was bought used. I love consignment sales!
The thought of it being gross never even crossed my mind. I have a tiny budget and consignment/thrift stores are pretty much the only way I can afford anything decent.