used clothes

USAGE SUMMARY

"used clothes" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to clothing that has been previously owned by another person. Example: I often shop at thrift stores to find great deals on used clothes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The clothing is actually our used clothes that we take to the Salvation Army and Goodwill.

Cornell University

Monica Lewinsky auction: Would you buy her used clothes?

The Washington Post

Oscar-nominated costumes that used clothes as carapace.

The Guardian - Music

Exporting used clothes for distribution in refugee camps was profitable.

The New York Times - Health

"We don't call them used clothes," she says.

The New York Times - Magazine

For the workshop we are seeking donations of used clothes in any condition.

University of California, Berkeley

Do you just have a bunch of (gently used) clothes you want to get rid of?

Cornell University

They take children's used clothes and post pictures of the items online for resale.

The Washington Post

They used clothes as a way of defining themselves on the international stage.

The Washington Post

The pilots drive taxis and sweep the forecourt and sell used clothes.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The annual Boutique Benefit is seeking donations of gently-used clothes and accessories for the seventh annual sale May 18.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sustainability, consider using "recycled clothing" or "upcycled apparel" instead of just "used clothes" to emphasize the positive environmental impact.

Common error

Avoid assuming all "used clothes" are of low quality or in poor condition. Specify the condition (e.g., "gently used") if relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "used clothes" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It serves to identify and categorize clothing items that have been previously owned. As shown in Ludwig, it's a valid and easily understood term.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

20%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "used clothes" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase that refers to clothing that has been previously owned. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. It's used across a variety of contexts, especially in News & Media and Academia. When writing about "used clothes", consider specifying their condition or using alternative phrases like "secondhand clothing" or "recycled clothing" to provide more nuance. Be mindful of potential assumptions about quality and remember to tailor your language to the specific context and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secondhand clothing

Focuses on the fact that the clothing is not new and has been previously owned.

pre-owned apparel

Emphasizes ownership history with a slightly more formal tone.

secondhand attire

Similar to "secondhand clothing" but using a more formal term.

vintage garments

Highlights the age and potentially the style of the clothing.

thrift store finds

Refers to clothing acquired from thrift stores, implying low cost and unique items.

recycled clothing

Emphasizes the sustainability aspect of reusing clothes.

upcycled apparel

Focuses on clothing that has been repurposed or redesigned.

previously worn attire

A more descriptive and formal way to refer to used clothes.

gently used clothing

Suggests the clothes are in good condition despite being used.

consignment shop items

Indicates the clothing is sold through a consignment shop.

FAQs

What's another way to say "used clothes"?

You can use alternatives like "secondhand clothing", "pre-owned apparel", or "recycled clothing" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "used clothes"?

Yes, "used clothes" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in various contexts.

Where can I donate "used clothes"?

Common places to donate "used clothes" include charities like Goodwill and the Salvation Army.

What's the difference between "used clothes" and "vintage garments"?

"Used clothes" is a general term for clothing that has been previously owned. "Vintage garments" typically refer to older clothing styles that are considered desirable or collectible.