How we rate the condition of pre-loved items we sell

Let's decode the mystery of condition ratings because knowing is half the battle, right? Every designer fashion consignment store does it slightly differently – there isn’t a common guideline for pre-loved items to follow, which leaves us to create a grading that makes sense to us. As we have come to realize this doesn’t necessarily make sense to everyone and that is why we decided to share this blog.

Here at Reems Closet, we take pride in meticulously assessing each piece, examining every stitch, button, and seam on clothing through to hardware and fixtures on handbags to assess and allocate a fair grading.

From "as new" to "lovingly used" our condition rating system is to help you make informed choices knowing that we are being as transparent as possible about the condition as that may affect your decision when purchasing. Even though minor signs of wear would be expected, nobody likes surprises when buying a pre-loved item. No guesswork here, fashionistas!

From being so transparent, we have built a loyal base of customers who welcome a trustworthy business in which to buy, sell or trade their pre-loved fashion pieces.

Reems Closet has five condition ratings:

1. As New – With original brand tags or recent receipt and undeniably never used. We don’t use this rating very often, but when we do, it’s because we are 100% certain.
2. Excellent – Without original brand tags, but has no signs of wear. This rating is used a lot more because it covers a wide range of seasons as many items could stay in a closet for some time but may never have been worn. You know those purchases that we all make and somehow don’t find the right time to wear.
3. Very Good – Minimal signs of wear. This item was used, maybe once or twice, but very gently. For example, someone bought a Dior dress for a special event and won’t wear it again, so they decide to sell it.
4. Good – Visible signs of wear. It’s still in great condition for a used item, but maybe worn more than once or twice. 
5. Lovingly Used – Obvious signs of wear. This item was loved by the previous owner. We all have those items in our wardrobe – that “it” item we love to wear. So the signs of wear are more, but it’s still a usable piece just looking for a new owner to love again.

Items that have irreparable damage or look too worn are not offered for sale at Reems Closet.

Whether you're eyeing a pristine Hermes Birkin or lovingly used Louis Vuitton handbag, each piece is assigned various attributes in the product listing. These include color, size, material, inclusions, condition rating and flaws. Flaws are visible faults such as color transfer, scuff marks, stains, rips, tarnished hardware, etc.

It’s important to note that flaws are different from the condition or wear of a pre-loved item. An unworn patent leather item can still have a flaw such as color transfer if stored directly next to or touching another item of a different color. Insider tip: patent leather is notorious for color transfer – always store carefully. 

And inclusions are the little extras that come with the item such as dust covers, clouchettes, care cards, guarantee cards, receipts, spare laces, padlocks & keys, shoulder straps, etc. Note, all inclusions are also visible in the last photo of each item on our website.

Did you know that our Jumeirah Plaza store only stocks branded items and items graded from “as new” to “good” – these can be purchased in-store & online via shop JUST IN collection. Whereas, “lovingly used” and high street items are exclusively displayed at our La Brocante pop-up store, open alternate weekends, and can be purchased online via shop THE DEALS collection.

Insider tip – the Jumeirah Plaza store receives new items on a daily basis viewable in our sneak peek reels posted as we open the store & go up online at 8pm, so we recommend browsing reemscloset.com daily. 

If you have any questions or requests, call or WhatsApp the Jumeirah Plaza store on +97143434412. We personally encourage all customers to visit the store as seeing and touching pre-loved items is always recommended! 

So, next time you embark on a treasure hunt for pre-loved fashion, let our condition rating be your trusted companion.