Our Top 5 Vintage Comebacks

Utility/Workwear/Hunting Clothing
The revival of workwear and utility style clothes has exploded in the past few years. In Britain, the nostalgia of the 80’s and 90’s may have driven people to find new ways of expressing their heritage through their clothing and the trend is hugely popular. Workwear is exactly what it says it is, clothing that people wear to work. The massive demand for items like chore jackets and utility vests has saturated the vintage/second-hand market and it continues to reflect the mentality of working class, manual workers and labour. As well as this, the clothing is often very hard wearing and therefore is a practical choice amongst skaters! Firstly catering for work forces in America, brands like Dickies and Carhartt are now highly sought after on selling pages like DEPOP. Similarly, the rise in camouflage and hunting patterns has become apparent in both vintage and modern fashion. At BULK the rise in popularity of these kinds of garment have pushed us provide whole bales full of European workwear and utility style clothing from utility trousers to hunting shirts.

Vintage Jeans
First it was mom jeans, then came straight leg and looser fitting styles, jeans have and always will be a classic wardrobe staple. The 90’s jeans that pass through BULK remind us of that casual, effortless 90’s style that many high-street/ online stores have tried to replicate. At BULK, iconic brands like Levi’s, Lee, Wrangler and Calvin Klein come through on the daily! The things we look out for are Levi’s ‘Capital E’ tab which first appeared in in 1936 and ran until 1971, it’s a real treasure to find these. In the late 80’s and 90’s the Silver Tab was introduced and it’s since become synonymous with Levi’s baggy grunge denim. Levi’s 501’s are an iconic part of the brand, the original patent being granted in 1871. Since then it’s become their trademark design and has withstood the test of time. To find out whether your 501’s are true vintage, take a look at whether the denim is selvedge and remember to keep a look out for those big E’s.

Corduroy
Classic vintage cord

is an absolute essential in our opinion. The colours, the styles and the fits make it such a versatile wardrobe staple. Corduroy shirts worn oversized offer the perfect answer to a summer over coat, in winter it’s an extra cosy layer. It rose in popularity as cord jeans and dungarees became a firm favourite but we think it’s here to stay. Whether a pair of paisley patterned flares or a pastel jumbo cord shirt, corduroy adds texture and style to any outfit. At BULK we offer a huge range of pre-loved corduroy garments, from dungarees and skirts to 90’s shirts and trousers. 

Pro-sport & Starter Jackets
We’ve seen first-hand how pro sport has blown up in vintage reselling. From 90’s starter jackets to USA pro sport sweaters, these are definitely up there with the best-selling vintage in the game. Pro sport is hugely popular in our handpick area and is one of the most requested items in our video handpick. We get loads of collectable pieces coming through at BULK which guarantees reseller profits. Starter jackets are a must have and are essential for that statement 90’s look. We love an embroidered starter jacket, brilliantly adorned with USA pro sports team logos and spell outs like Chicago Bulls, Dolphins and Gators. Hoodies, sweaters and t-shirts are also a firm favourite, with graphic prints and sports memorabilia being big sellers.Whatever your pro-sports needs, BULK has a mix for you!

Dungarees
A classic 90’s statement, dungarees make putting an outfit together an absolute dream. Wheth

er you pair them with a graphic tee or patterned shirt, it’s so easy to look 90’s cool with minimal effort. Whether it’s striped cotton or denim Dickies, the versatility of dungarees is unmatched. We have a massive range of branded and unbranded dungarees at BULK. From Carhartt to Tommy Jeans, the selection in our handpick and in our sacks are great!

At BULK a lot of why we do what we do is to help reduce the insane amounts of clothing that gets sent to landfill. Around 350,000 tonnes of used clothing ends up in landfill every year in the UK alone - imagine what the number is worldwide! According to keepbritaintidy.org, around 10,000 items of clothing are being sent to landfill EVERY 5 MINUTES, per year. We love fashion and clothing, but we don’t want to keep contributing to the masses of waste product the industry creates. Buying and selling second hand gives people the chance to find something they’re into without having to rely on fast fashion to supply it. As well as the environmental chaos fast fashion is wreaking on our planet, the social issues that come with it are equally as disturbing. Capitalism and the worlds obsession with profits have led to a massive rise in outsourcing in clothing production. People across the world are paid wages that are barley liveable and supply brands that make huge profits every year. What we now call sweatshops resemble workhouses from the Victorian era but the demand for cheap yet fashion forward shopping makes it easy to turn a blind eye. 

Fast fashion has always existed in modern life but as consumerism has evolved so has the demand for fleeting fashion trends. It seems like a pretty new concept but fast fashion is a term that came about as a way describe the long evolution of the fashion and retail industry. Its basic meaning is pretty self-explanatory, the lifespan of a garment goes through its design phase and onto the market extremely quickly so that a brand can keep up with the everchanging forecasts. The term was coined in response to 90’s high-street brands like ZARA having a speedy turnover when it came to making cheap ready to wear clothing that reflected high end trends. In many ways it made fashion more accessible but it came with a detrimental social impact. To get to the bottom of fast fashion we have to dig pretty far back in history.

HOW IT STARTED...

Before the 1800’s, fashion was quite literally, slow - It took a long time to make a piece of clothing by hand. During the Industrial Revolution in the late 17-1800’s, the textile industry gained momentum as machines began to churn out more material at a much faster rate in comparison to manual weaving (by hand). This industry became the single most important source of income in Britain during the Victorian era. The introduction of textile machinery led to the ability to make clothing quickly whilst also ensuring factory owners could keep their outgoings in check. By relying on less employees and paying them as little as possible all whilst creating more stock than ever, factory owners saw results in the form of big profits. The invention of the sewing machine in 1846 meant that the price of clothing fell which made it more accessible. It’s also worth mentioning at this point that many low-income families made their own garments because wages were extremely low, especially for women and children. Despite this, advancement in technology and the development of new, cheaper fabrics aided the push towards cheaper factory-made clothing. This was the beginning of clothing manufacturing on an industrial scale and from here demand would only rise. Britain’s ability to dominate the textile industry came from a place of control and so when countries like India gained their independence from the British Empire, the exportation of materials such as cotton depleted and the industry began to suffer as countries relied less heavily on Britain’s input. By the 1950’s Britain’s textile prices couldn’t compete on an international level and the number of imports overtook export amounts.

The iconic shift into 60’s fashion meant high streets and clothing brands were constantly changing and adapting. Social changes were hugely reflected in fashion and a new market for the younger generation opened up. In the 1950’s the fashion industry was dominated by the high-end fashion houses of Paris but a demand for a fresh place to shop that would turn its back on the prudish 1950’s attire was brewing.  Designers like Mary Quant led this movement in the UK with high street stores opening to cater towards the swift changes of the swinging 60’s. The high-street offered a place for people to shop outside of the conforming department stores and a place to be involved in fashion without being part of the fashionable elite. The popularity of man-made fabrics meant clothing could be made cheaply and so begins the chain of supply and demand. Whilst UK based textiles factories did exist and continue to function throughout the 1960’s, the sudden need for cheaply made clothing to keep up with sales pushed brands to seek cheaper textile suppliers. As more and more international textiles mills began operating, more brands looked to them to supply their businesses and lessen their expense.

HOW IT'S GOING...

The 21st century brought a real change to what we now call ‘fast fashion’. The early 2000’s saw the successes of high-street brands like Topshop and H&M and the introduction of online shopping accelerated sales even further. Fast fashion brands grow more profitable by the day because everyone wants to keep on top of trends whilst spending as little as possible. Outsourcing from factories that rely on cheap labour to function allows companies to sell ready to wear clothes for next to nothing. It might be good for our wallets but its impact is devastating on the environment and people’s lives. The 2013 Rana Plaza collapse that occurred in Bangladesh is a modern-day example of when profit is valued more than people where 1,134 people lost their lives after being forced to work in an unsafe building. The event shocked people around the world and had people questioning where their clothes might have come from. Today we can buy a brand-new outfit for £10 or less, wear it once then throw out, that’s why we feel it’s so important to understand the positive impact reselling and buying second hand has. The popularity of reselling pre-loved clothes gained huge momentum in the last few years which is a really positive thing, DEPOP being a prime example.

WHERE WE COME IN!

As a second hand and vintage wholesaler, at BULK we honestly believe that pre-loved clothing is the way forward. The incessant need for new clothing is having serious negative effects on us all, desperate to keep up with the changes in fashion and do it on the cheap. Social media plays a huge role in this, with influencers offering discounts on already heavily discounted clothing that we might wear once then discard when something more on trend comes along. Companies like ‘Primark’ and ‘Shein’ offer ridiculously low prices on all things from household to beauty products which in many ways make shopping accessible, but it’s also led us to take our clothes for granted and see them not as an investment but an easily disposable product.  The reality is that fashion always comes full circle and high street brands take inspiration from vintage styles, that’s why we’re so passionate about the stuff we sell. Buying second-hand clothing is such an easy way to reduce our carbon footprint, it can help us start appreciating our own individual styles and sticks it to the fast fashion fat cats churning out hundreds of millions of tons of waste each year AND it’s boosting local economies by helping to create fab indie businesses.

In a perfect world everyone would be walking around in clothes saved from landfill but for now BULK is happy to supply all of the heat to resellers across the world who are doing their bit!

Handpicking vintage is one of the most popular ways sellers find their stock, it's a sure way to find exactly what you need for your stores customer base and make the most profits. Not only does it cut the cost of travelling to us but video handpicking also gives you the freedom to choose stock without even having to leave home. Being Europes largest vintage handpick warehouse BULK's handpick area takes most hand-pickers at least a day to get through, offering the best and freshest vintage possible.

Since Covid-19 we temporarily stopped in person handpicking and have adapted to contactless video handpicking. With thousands of the freshest garments to choose from, our handpick area is second to none. A constant flow of new stock from around the world means it is consistently replenished allowing us to provide everyone with the gold they know to expect at BULK. Video handpicking is pretty self explanatory but since the massive boom in demand during the pandemic we thought we'd delve a bit deeper for those wanting more information.

 WHAT TO EXPECT

Like in a regular handpick at BULK, a video handpicking appointment gives you the chance to be really specific about what you're looking for within the comfort of your own home. You can book one of these appointments on our website by searching 'Video Handpick' and by paying a deposit (which is deducted from your final bill) you'll have secured your spot. We offer morning (9.30AM- 12.30PM UK time) and afternoon (1.30PM- 4.30PM UK time) to try to accommodate everyones schedule. On the day of your virtual handpick one of our handpick specialist consultants will contact you to introduce themselves and get a feel for what kind of stock you're after. When it comes to letting us know what you want, the more specific the better. From branded spellouts, pro sports gold and varsity jackets to Burberry shirts, branded tees and Ralph Lauren Chinos, you name it and one of our handpick specialists will aim to find it. Because at BULK our passion is pre-loved clothing, you can put your trust in our experienced and knowledgable staff to dig out as the freshest stock. Being specific before your video handpick gives us the best opportunity to do this. 

When the time comes for your video handpick appointment, BULK will get in touch via WhatsApp video- this is how we conduct our contactless handpicking. You can expect a super chill experience as your personal specialist will have done the physical handpicking on your behalf, aiming to fulfil your wish list as much as possible. Your appointment is completely personalised to you and so if your consultant see something they think you might like based on your specific requests they will include that in the selection. We want you to get as much out of your 3 hour appointment as possible and so everything will be set up prior to your session. 

In the video handpick, clothing will be laid out in front of you and shown with complete transparency. We'll make sure that both the front and back of an item is shown and any cool details on a garment are clearly displayed. You'll obviously be able to comunicate with your consultant throughout the whole appointment who will be happy to answer any questions or requests you might have. When it comes to choosing your stock simply let your consultant know whether it's a yes or a no! We want to convey the personalisation of an in-person handpick session as much as possible here and so working hard to get you the best stock is our main priority.

Handpicking is a great option for those who have very specific ideas of what they want their stock to be. We have a minimum £500 spend but we find that lots of customers manage to spend much more when they see what we have to offer. Once you've decided on what you'll be keeping our accounts team will send over a final bill and once paid your purchases will be sent on their way to you! If you live in the UK we deliver your stock for free taking even more hassle out of the process. 

SEE YOU SOON!
Whether you're just starting out or a big name in the game we think video handpicking is a fantastic option for you. We have thousands of second hand pieces coming through our warehouses every day and cater to all kinds of pre-loved clothing sellers. It's perfect for those of you who are unable to travel at this time and makes running your business that bit easier in these hard times. We can't wait to have our bustling handpick area fully re-open but in the meantime, book your video handpick today, you won't be disappointed!

At BULK we think connections are key. Sourcing the best vintage from around the world is an essential part of what we do and we think the history behind second hand clothing is just as exciting as uncovering a unique vintage gem. Getting to see how things work in factories and warehouses abroad whilst meeting those in the industry gives us priceless insight into the background of vintage clothing. Because we can't get around much at the moment, we thought it'd be be fun to get you prepped for when we can and give you a heads up on where's hot for all things second hand.

On our most recent visit to Naples we saw and heard first hand how the thriving thrift industry began and why Italy has become one of the most impressive places to source pre-loved garments in the game. 

Why is Naples great for thrifting?

During our visit we heard about how what is now considered 'vintage' found it's way onto the streets of Naples in particular. In an effort to rebuild much of Europe after WW2, the USA sent financial aid and relief in the form of used clothing. As bales of clothing landed in Napoli, civilians snapped up as much as they could, with many items being sold on to the black market. Vendors then sold the contents of the bales and gained a reputation for sorting and selling used clothing at markets (which could be considered a small thrift stall!). This played a vital role in the up-cycling movement and in turn thrifting which is still a massive part of the used clothing industry today. We love knowing that the clothing that comes through our warehouses at BULK has journeyed across the world and nothing beats rummaging through a pile of vintage stuff, finding something you'd never be able to find on the high street. You're guaranteed to find some amazing vintage pieces over in Naples regardless of your style. From authentic branded clothing to genuine 20th century vintage there really is something for everyone. 

What makes thrifting great wherever you are?

Both market stall and in-store thrifting not only gives used clothing a second chance, it also gives you the chance to find something you won't find easily anywhere else. Thrifting culture is one we are really passionate about at BULK and we love that we can find something with links to a place we've visited whilst contributing to less waste. Amongst all the love we have for vintage clothing, it's important that our customers know why we're so passionate about it. 

Fast fashion is an absolute environmental nightmare and creates huge negative socio-economic issues. High street clothing is often cheaply made by people across the world, meaning those who make it are usually paid abysmally. Clothes are then shipped thousands of miles and sold for very little to keep up with the fast pace of the fashion industry and are discarded by consumers without a thought as to where the clothes will end up. Buying second hand is a great way to help combat this problem whilst getting your mitts on some really cool stuff. Up-cycling and repurposing is a really big part of our ethos, it's something we demonstrate in our sister company Rockerfella where we transform grade B high end vintage destined for landfill into new one of a kind products. 

What can I expect to find in Naples?

That's simple, the history speaks for itself! The sheer variety of clothing from around the world makes it a great place for unearthing unique vintage finds. There is great mix of European and American vintage in circulation throughout Naples and Italy's thriving fashion industry post war era means high end Italian fashion frequents the pre-loved clothing industry there. Whether you spend a day at Poggioreale Market or find one of the many vintage clothing stores there, it's hard not to become overwhelmed (in a good way!) by the sheer amount going on.

Markets in Naples are a daily occurrence so there are loads to choose from. Whether it's a car boot market like Portobello Road or a traditional indoor/outdoor market like Fuorigrotta, you'll need at least a day to look around each one. One of our favourites was Resina Market which is an absolute goldmine full of personality. The whole vibe of the place; from the architecture to the local vendors, screams vintage and we saw some really cool and crazy pieces there.

Personally, nothing compares to raking through an overfilled clothing rail at a bustling market, but the chaos of that isn't for everyone. If you're looking for that high end thrifting hit, Silva Ustato D'autore might be more up your street. They focus mostly on designer womenswear and accesories like Fendi and Gucci bags. High end vintage stores tend to be more curated which can take the fun out of thrifting, however we'd still recommend popping in to have a look even if you're not looking to splurge on designer items. If high end isn't really your thing, POP 21 sells the kind of Depop gold you might be after. It's a really cool boutique and claims to be the 'biggest and craziest' vintage store in Naples. Impressive, right? Another cool suggestion is the super sleek Retrophilia which offers a curated shopping style that still has all the character you'd expect from a second hand store - think Urban Outfitters but with more personality. Like in the UK where you can come across some really nice pieces in a charity shop, don't be scared to get stuck in over in Italy. As mentioned before, Naples has a long thrifting history and you never know what you might find. It's a must visit hotspot for thrifters and money makers alike, get yourselves there and experience it for yourselves.

So, your sack or bale arrives and you're unsure about how to market what's in it to your customers. When authentic vintage clothing has travelled across the world it can look a bit worse for wear. It could have been in transit or storage for years and unfortunately that can make items creased and dusty. The sheer amount of vintage clothing that comes through our doors means we can't prepare garments ready for sale, so it's up to you give them some love, care and attention. A massive part of selling pre-loved garments is to make sure you prep them properly. It goes without saying that a customer will be willing to pay more for a well presented garment, meaning more money in your pocket.

KEEP IT FRESH
You don't need us to tell you that vintage clothing sells best when it's fresh. It's always best to clean and steam your vintage finds; firstly to get rid of any marks or dust and secondly to make sure 'that' vintage smell doesn't linger. It will always work in your favour to provide your customers with freshly laundered clothing.

IRONING THINGS OUT
After laundering your vintage garms there's a chance you'll have to tackle those pesky creases. We totally understand that ironing is a chore we'd all rather avoid but trust us when we tell you how satisfying it is to transform the look of a sweater simply by ironing it. It's totally worth spending some time fixing up your stock so it speaks for itself when you come to photograph it. We find that steaming or ironing is essential and can easily add value and make you more profit. If someone sees an item that is shown as instantly wearable your shop immediately becomes more marketable and professional. 

PICTURE PERFECT
One of the most important aspects of selling is presentation and marketability. You've already jumped through one hoop by making a garment look it's best, now to make sure that translates through your photographs. Following a few simple steps can give you consistency which is vital to building your brand image.

To create a consistant theme throughout your shop we recommend a solid white background. This makes it super easy to lay out clothing and makes a perfectly clean backdrop for your photographs. We'd recommend using a Foamex board which you should be able to pick up from your local sign fitting company cut to size for next to nothing. We get great results from using an iPhone camera which also makes it really easy using the 'square' size setting to create images that are Instagram or Depop ready. A 'vivid' filter gives your photos a great finish and keeps them looking vibrant without taking away from those details you want to show off. Using these techniques on every post keeps things consistent and gives your business that put together vibe.

You've gone to the effort of making sure your stock is looking fire so it's worth taking the time to get some photos that do it justice. The white board helps massively with this but being meticulous with the positioning of the items and the camera angles gives it that edge. Avoid creating shadows by holding the camera high and highlight any details that will draw attention. If something is branded make sure the customer can see it, if there is a statement detail make sure it's in eye shot. 

Lots of sellers use models to show off items which is a great way to show how things look being worn. Do consider though, that this could limit your market audience. If your feed is filled with clothes being worn by male models, you could inadvertently deter female customers. This is another reason why a neutral background is a great way to display your stock as it can widen your customer base and help make you more sales. 

GET SELLING GUYS!!