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Sophie scores a stylish jacket on Depop and navigates the choice between vintage leather and vegan alternatives.
Secondhand Sisters helps you navigate the dos and don’ts of thrifting and upcycling. We’re two sisters — Char and Sophie — who share a love of fashion and the planet. Check out more here!
Platform: Depop
Item purchased: Perino Ponti Genuine Leather Jacket
Original price: Unknown
Depop price: $75.00CAD plus taxes shipping fees (total = $113.00)
The upside
- User friendly (similar to Poshmark)
- Buyers can send and receive offers
- Hundreds of items uploaded daily
Things to keep in mind
- Price advertised does not include price to ship
- Tracking number for shipping not always provided
- Sellers may be unresponsive
- Some items priced higher than what they’re worth
Score: 3.5/5 🛍️
Over the Christmas break, my siblings and I helped my mom declutter the house, going room by room to decide what to keep, donate, or toss. While sorting through my sister’s closet, I came across a hand-me-down leather jacket I gave her nearly a decade ago. Though it had a few scuffs and worn leather near the underarms, it was still in decent shape. I tried it on, but it was far too small. That moment got me thinking — it’s been a while since I’ve owned a well-made, versatile leather jacket, the kind that makes you look effortless when you throw it over jeans or a dress.
With this in mind, I began casually browsing online secondhand and vintage sites for leather jackets. In doing so, I came across both genuine and vegan leather options, which gave me pause — which one is more ethically sustainable? Vegan leather, a synthetic alternative, is resistant to water, UV rays, and stains, and avoids the use of animal skin. However, its petroleum-based plastic composition is not biodegradable and has a shorter lifespan. Genuine leather, while more durable and long-lasting, comes with its own drawbacks, like the environmentally harmful chemicals used in the tanning process. When shopping secondhand, I recommend looking for genuine 100% leather. The piece will last longer and may appreciate in value. I also feel more confident buying genuine leather secondhand as I know I'm getting a durable piece without directly supporting the leather industry or contributing to the demand for new leather production.
Having already explored Poshmark, eBay, Marketplace, and ThredUp, I decided to give Depop a try. Friends had recommended it, describing it as similar to other secondhand platforms where you can “like” an item and send or receive offers directly from the seller. After some browsing, I found a few pieces I liked, but the items were either outrageously priced or the descriptions lacked details about shipping and the products themselves. I messaged several sellers but only received two responses out of the five inquiries I sent. While I was disappointed by the lack of detailed information in the listings, I appreciated the ability to communicate directly with sellers through a private chat.
I feel more confident buying genuine leather secondhand as I know I'm getting a durable piece without directly supporting the leather industry or contributing to the demand for new leather production.
After some negotiating with a seller, I convinced her to lower the price of the jacket from $100 to $75, plus taxes and a $20 shipping fee. While it wasn’t exactly cheap, it was far more affordable than a brand-new genuine leather jacket — some retail for over $400. The seller was quick to ship the jacket and I received an email notification the next morning that it was on its way. From purchase to delivery, the entire process took just three days, and I was able to track the package throughout its transit.
The jacket truly stands out. It is a dark grey Perino Ponti with tassels on the arms and back. Perino Ponti, a now-discontinued Canadian brand known for its high-quality outerwear in the 1980s and ’90s, is celebrated as a rare vintage find. Their pieces are highly sought after on resale platforms. This jacket exemplifies the brand’s craftsmanship. Its thick, smooth leather speaks to the lasting quality of the company’s designs. Unlike the everyday styles I came across while browsing, this jacket offers a distinctive touch of individuality to my outfits.
Depop, despite its occasional drawbacks, allows shoppers to find items that are both affordable and unique. This Perino Ponti jacket, with its durability and vintage charm, is a testament to the benefits of shopping sustainably. I’m excited to give a second life to a well-crafted piece that might otherwise have been overlooked. In the end, this jacket isn’t just a new addition to my wardrobe; it’s a reminder that conscious shopping can be a win for your closet, your wallet, and the planet.
