Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Finding the Diamond in the Rough: High-End, Findable Brands Worth Sourcing

 



If you’ve been in the reselling game for any amount of time, you know that not all brands are created equal. Luxury labels like Gucci and Chanel may sound glamorous, but they’re rarely sitting on a thrift store rack. The real goldmine? High-end, findable brands—those premium labels you can actually source secondhand that hold serious resale value.

In this article, we're breaking down which brands are worth your attention, why they’re top-tier for resellers, and how they stack up against lower-tier or fast fashion brands.


💡 What Makes a Brand High-End & Findable?

  • Consistent resale value (even pre-loved)

  • Quality construction and fabrics

  • Loyal buyer base

  • Actually findable at thrift stores, estate sales, or online sourcing platforms


🔥 Top Findable High-End Brands

1. Eileen Fisher

Why it’s a winner: Sustainable, timeless, and inclusive sizing.
What to look for: Linen, silk, and plus-size styles.
Resale price: $30–$100+

2. MM.LaFleur

Why it’s a winner: Power dressing for women, often retails for $200+.
What to look for: WonderTex dresses, washable blazers.
Resale price: $50–$150

3. Rag & Bone

Why it’s a winner: Premium street-meets-luxury vibe.
What to look for: Denim, leather goods, structured coats.
Resale price: $40–$120

4. The Kooples

Why it’s a winner: French contemporary fashion with an edgy aesthetic.
What to look for: Moto jackets, printed dresses, wool coats.
Resale price: $50–$200

5. Cuyana

Why it’s a winner: Focus on quality over quantity with ethical production.
What to look for: Leather totes, minimalist silk styles.
Resale price: $75–$200

6. AllSaints

Why it’s a winner: Known for buttery soft leather and distressed cool-girl fashion.
What to look for: Biker jackets, boots, knitwear.
Resale price: $40–$250

7. Aritzia (Babaton, Wilfred, TNA)

Why it’s a winner: Cult following among Gen Z & Millennials.
What to look for: Puffer coats, bodysuits, tailored pants.
Resale price: $30–$120

8. Theory

Why it’s a winner: Minimalist office-ready pieces with high-quality tailoring.
What to look for: Blazers, trousers, silk shells, and cashmere knits.
Resale price: $40–$150

9. Vince

Why it’s a winner: Quiet luxury, soft fabrics, and neutral color palettes.
What to look for: Cashmere sweaters, silk shirts, wool coats.
Resale price: $50–$200

10. Lululemon

Why it’s a winner: Iconic activewear with a huge secondhand demand.
What to look for: Align leggings, Define jackets, newer styles.
Resale price: $30–$120


Why Not Just Sell Mall Brands?

Mall brands—otherwise known as fast fashion—may be easy flips, but they usually:
  • Don’t hold long-term value

  • Saturate the market quickly

  • Have lower profit margins

  • Require frequent price drops to sell

  • Attract buyers looking for deep discounts

By focusing on higher-end, findable brands, you sell smarter—not harder. Higher average sales mean fewer listings, less shipping, and better margins.


✅ Quick Tips for Sourcing

  • Prioritize natural fabrics: wool, linen, silk.

  • Look for unique pieces or limited collections.

  • Plus sizes and career wear sell faster.

  • Use sold comps before pricing.


🛍 Final Thoughts

There are tons of resellable brands out there, but these are the ones that have consistently worked well for me. They balance accessibility with resale value, making them ideal if you're trying to grow a profitable, sustainable reselling business. Whether you're shopping local thrift stores, estate sales, or online sourcing platforms, keeping an eye out for these high-end, findable brands can seriously level up your sales.

When sourcing inventory, it’s important to look at what’s local to you—what your area tends to buy and what brands are regionally available. For example, I’m from the Midwest, where we like to stay warm. Because of that, I often see cold-weather gear and rugged workwear brands in high demand. We also have access to more locally-based companies like Lands’ End, Duluth Trading Company, and Thorogood Boots, which are all headquartered in or near Wisconsin. Other Midwest brands with strong local appeal include Stormy Kromer (known for their iconic wool caps), Carhartt (a Detroit-based favorite for durable workwear), and even children's brands like OshKosh B'Gosh. While I don’t source from all of these, being aware of what local warehouses produce or what brands regularly show up in your bins can give you a sourcing edge. For instance, we see a lot of Lands’ End at our local bins. I don’t grab everything, but I’ll selectively pick high-quality pieces like cashmere sweaters or premium outerwear. Knowing your local market and sourcing accordingly helps you curate inventory that aligns with what your buyers are actually looking for.

👉 If you're just getting started or want to refine your sourcing strategy, save this list and build your inventory around brands that move fast and sell for more.

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