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On the hunt for a trendy racing jacket, Sophie opts for high-quality vintage over fast fashion options.
Secondhand Sisters helps you navigate the dos and donโts of thrifting and upcycling. Weโre two sisters โ Char and Sophie โ who share a love of fashion and the planet. Check out more here!
Platform: eBay
Item purchased: Dupont Jeff Gordon NASCAR Racing Jacket
Original price: $280.00CAD plus shipping fees
eBay price: $99.99CAD plus shipping fees
The upside
- User friendly
- Buyers can pay in full or place bids
- Money Back Guarantee policy offers buyer protection
- Tracking number for shipping provided
Things to keep in mind
- Message the seller prior to buying if you have any questions
- Sellers may be unresponsive
Score: 5/5 ๐๏ธ
A year ago, my sister Char bought a vintage racing jacket โ think NASCAR- or Formula 1- bomber, with a thick cotton shell, and neon and black embroidered brand logos. It was warm and sturdy, perfect for fall and spring. More importantly, Char looked effortlessly cool wearing it. I couldnโt help but covet the jacket. But, at the time, I lacked the confidence and the budget to buy one for myself.
As the Canadian winter rolled in, bringing snow squalls and bitter winds, the jacket Iโd been wearing since 2018 was falling apart at the seams. After my mom kindly gifted me a new one, I turned to Pinterest for inspiration on how to style my thick winter parka. Pinterest still remembered my saved posts from last year and continued to remind me of the days when I longed for a racing jacket of my own. Freshly inspired, I decided to find one for myself.
The problem came when I realized just how trendy these jackets had become. With their recent surge in popularity, fast fashion brands now produce cheaper knockoffs โ some more affordable, others not. The influx of these jackets made it harder to distinguish authentic pieces on platforms like Poshmark and Depop. Prices varied from $80โ500 and many listings lacked key details that are essential for verifying vintage authenticity, like tags, stitching, and care instructions.
While Iโm not strictly committed to buying only authentic vintage, I recognize that well-maintained pieces often offer better quality. A quick Reddit search revealed two brands that stand out for their reliability: JH Designs and Chase Authentics. After some browsing, I found a jacket that I loved, a Jeff Gordon NASCAR Dupont Racing Jacket in mint condition, listed for $99.99 on eBay. The bold Chase Authentics bomber was black with eye-catching red and yellow flames embroidered on the sleeves.
You can identify vintage Chase Authentics, a now-discontinued sportswear label renowned for its high-quality NASCAR apparel, by examining the collar tag. Look for a red “C” flanked by two checkered flags. Additionally, the brandโs logo should appear on the inner lining of the jacket. Although there were no photos of the lining that were uploaded by the seller to eBay, I was able to use a photo of the inside tag to ensure the piece was authentic.
I had never purchased anything using eBay before this, but the process was similar to other online secondhand stores, like Poshmark. Based on your search criteria, the site suggests items listed by different sellers for a range of prices, most at a reduced price from that of a brand new item (unless the piece is limited edition or discontinued, like many NASCAR jackets are). You have the option of placing a bid or buying outright. I opted to buy outright since the listing was priced significantly lower than any other jacket I had my eye on.
Most sellers of vintage racing jackets include information like the condition, driver, sport, product, and league, as well as a general item description and the type of fabric(s). Buyers are able to see where the item is located, shipping fees and duties (if any), an estimated delivery time frame, and the sellerโs return policy. Additionally, thereโs an โAbout this sellerโ section, which tells you the overall percentage of positive feedback from buyers, when they joined eBay, how many items they have sold, and a link to contact them.
The problem came when I realized just how trendy these jackets had become. With their recent surge in popularity, fast fashion brands now produce cheaper knockoffs.
My jacket arrived 15 days after I placed the order, which is in line with the typical shipping times from sites that connect buyers with individual sellers. I was able to track its journey throughout, which was especially useful given the ongoing Canada Post strike. When it arrived, the jacket looked almost brand new! Aside from some barely visible scuffs on the wrists, it was in excellent condition. Itโs definitely not cut out for sub-zero temperatures, but for autumn, spring, and mild winter days, itโs perfect.
Would I order from eBay again? Probably. The process was user friendly and the company offers a money back guarantee, ensuring that you get the exact item you paid for or youโre reimbursed in full โ original shipping fees included โ upon return of the item. This is reassuring when buying from an unknown seller.
At the end of the day, I didnโt just score a great deal on a jacket. I made a conscious choice to invest in something preloved, rather than adding to the waste of fast fashion. Itโs not just about looking cool; itโs about feeling good in what I wear, and that Iโve chosen something thatโs both authentic and sustainable.
