Best Clothing & Accessories at Bin Stores in 2026
How to find designer clothing, shoes, and accessories at Goodwill Bins and liquidation stores for 90% off retail.
Key Takeaways
- Clothing offers the highest volume of finds at bin stores — patience and brand knowledge are key
- Designer brands (Nike, Lululemon, North Face) regularly show up at Goodwill Outlets
- Always check for stains, odors, and defects — these are the top reasons items were donated or returned
- Shoes are high-value finds but verify both shoes match in size and condition
- Items with original tags still attached are the holy grail — they were returned unworn
Why Clothing Is the Volume Play at Bin Stores
Clothing is by far the most abundant category at both Goodwill Outlet Bins and Amazon return stores. While electronics might have one bin, clothing often fills entire rows. This abundance is your advantage — more volume means more chances to find designer pieces buried among fast fashion.
The clothing return rate in e-commerce is staggering: 30-40% of online clothing purchases get returned, compared to about 10% for other categories. Most returns are due to fit issues, not defects — meaning the clothes are in perfect condition.
What to Look For
Tier 1: Designer & Athletic Brands
Athletic wear is the gold standard for both personal use and resale. Lululemon, Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour pieces appear regularly at Goodwill Outlets. The key is knowing what to look for:
- Lululemon — check the size dot in the pocket and the rip tag for style identification
- Nike — Dri-FIT tags and quality stitching distinguish authentic pieces
- North Face and Patagonia — outerwear in these brands can be worth $100+ even used
Denim is another strong category. Premium denim brands (Levi's 501s, AG, Citizens of Humanity) hold value extremely well and are easy to spot by cut and label quality.
Tier 2: Everyday Wardrobe Builders
Basics and workwear — button-downs, dress pants, blouses — are abundant and usually in great shape. Brands like J.Crew, Banana Republic, and Ann Taylor show up constantly.
Shoes can be incredible finds but require extra inspection. Always:
- Verify both shoes are the same size (check inside both)
- Test the sole flexibility and check for separation
- Inspect heels for uneven wear patterns
Tier 3: Vintage & Unique Finds
Vintage clothing requires the most knowledge but offers the highest potential returns. Band tees from the 80s-90s, vintage Levi's, and retro sportswear can be worth hundreds to the right buyer.
Download the Poshmark or Mercari app before shopping. You can scan barcodes or search brands to instantly check resale values while you're at the bins.
The Bin Store Clothing Strategy
Clothing shopping at bin stores is a completely different skill than regular thrifting:
- Speed matters — experienced resellers move fast through bins, so arrive early
- Feel the fabric first — quality materials (cotton, silk, wool) feel different than polyester blends
- Flip to the tag — check brand, size, and material composition quickly
- Bundle finds — at Goodwill Outlets that charge by weight, clothing is incredibly cheap per pound
- Wash everything — non-negotiable, even items with tags
What the Experts Agree On
After analyzing expert sources across multiple channels:
- Best personal value: Athletic wear and outerwear (daily use items at 90%+ off)
- Best resale value: Lululemon, vintage band tees, and premium denim
- Most overlooked: Accessories (belts, scarves, hats) — small items with big margins
- Key skill: Learning to identify fabrics and brands by touch saves enormous time
Sources We Reviewed
Bin Store Shopping Intelligence
Condition Notes
- •Most clothing is in excellent condition — returns are typically due to sizing or style, not defects
- •Always check for stains, missing buttons, and broken zippers before purchasing
- •Designer items do show up but require brand knowledge to spot among the volume
- •Shoes are common but check both shoes are the same size and in matching condition
Inspection Checklist
- Check every seam, zipper, and button before buying — small defects are why items were returned
- Smell the clothing — smoke, mildew, and pet odors are difficult to remove
- Hold fabric up to light to check for thin spots, holes, or pilling
- Check clothing labels for material composition — natural fibers (cotton, wool, silk) hold more resale value
- For shoes, check soles for wear, insoles for stains, and uppers for creasing
- Look for original tags still attached — indicates the item was never worn
Our Verdict
Clothing is the highest-volume category at bin stores and Goodwill Outlets. The savings are massive — $200 jeans for $2 — but it takes brand knowledge and patience to find the gems. Learn to spot quality fabrics and designer labels, and you'll consistently build an incredible wardrobe for pennies on the dollar.
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