Unworn and unused garment that has been washed ? Used? or New ?

[2011rachel07]

According to dictionary definitions, 'brand new' is absolutely new whereas 'new' is unworn and unused. 

What about an item that has been washed that is unworn and unused? New? Brand New ? or used ? could it be new if described as washed in the listing ? what if there was no used option ? is it not misleading to describe it as new (ie unused and unworn) so long as tthe fact it has been washed is included on the listing ?

If ebay intended 'new' to mean 'brand new' why haven't they adopted the wording of 'brand new' instead of 'new' on listings? This suggests that ebay does not intend new to mean 'brand new' and maintains the distinction used in everyday common language. But why would ebay not explicitly use the term 'brand new'  if 'new' means 'brand new' ????

Confused 😞

[shypansy]

Opinion only, but New to me means just that, as it would be if taken off the store rack or shelf, whether worn or just washed, to me it is not new.  and I would probably state if it were the fact that item has not as yet been worn but has been laundered and condition is as new.

It could be considered picky, and one would not know unless obvious if it had been tried on or even worn for a short time and returned to the store, but you would usually be able to tell if a garment had been laundered, and that being the case I would suspect it had also been worn.

[digital*ghost]

If ebay intended 'new' to mean 'brand new' why haven't they adopted the wording of 'brand new' instead of 'new' on listings? This suggests that ebay does not intend new to mean 'brand new' and maintains the distinction used in everyday common language. But why would ebay not explicitly use the term 'brand new'  if 'new' means 'brand new' ????

They do, it's just that the word "brand" is omitted from the item specifics on the listing page. eBay's definition of New With Tags:

A brand-new, unused, and unworn item in the original packaging (such as the original box or bag) and/or with the original tags attached.

And for New without Tags:

A brand-new, unused, and unworn item that is not in original retail packaging or may be missing original retail packaging materials (such as the original box or bag). The original tags may not be attached.

For most people, washed tends to = used, washing is using an item of clothing really - in that even though it's only one wash, it may cause colour fade (even if not immediately noticeable)  and other things that means the next owner gets it in less than 'new' condition. Plus, it just keeps things simpler, and even if it was never worn, if it needed washing before being sold, I wouldn't be comfortable describing it as new - unworn and as new, maybe. 

[putney32]

agree with d*ghost, and be aware that if a category does not have a USED option then it is against ebay rules to sell that kind of garment USED.

this is particularly so in swimwear, dancewear and underwear.

[motherbear2003]

I purchased some fabric once upon a time and the seller described it as new; when it arrived it had been washed (not ironed), and imo it was not new fabric:-)  I still used the fabric and stated very clearly in my listing that the fabric had been laundered.

[judyfidella]

If I buy cotton fabric for any purpose whatever I always wash it, dry it and iron it before I cut it- whether it be for quilting, clothing or curtains.

So to me, I would regard fabric that had been washed as still "new", with the added benefit from my viewpoint as being immediately fit for use.

But when it comes to clothing, I don't regard washed as new.

[jameshouseofstyle]

Hi everyone,

Couple of years back, a lady from a well known dept. store  (she was a client) told us that all tried on clothing from the fitting rooms that has been damaged, seams, zips, buttons missing etc.. as well as soiled from make up, sweat, sometimes even blood or food gets cleaned and repaired, tags are re hung and it goes back on the rack.

We were talking that day about what happens to all the clothing at the end of each day that has been tried on - do they get "disposed of" - and we know.

They don't, just fix them up and back on the racks with them.

[judyfidella]

There's a lot of difference between professionally cleaned and washed though, isn't there?

Realistically I suppose it depends on the recipient's opinion- if it looks smells and feels new, it probably is, but washing a garment removes the dressing from the fabric and does make a difference, which is precisely why quilters wash before cutting their cloth.

[beautbots01]

"agree with d*ghost, and be aware that if a category does not have a USED option then it is against ebay rules to sell that kind of garment USED.

this is particularly so in swimwear, dancewear and underwear"

Some items listed as Brand New, but in the description clearly state Used.  

140914405154, 221187459207, 271152243850

Very common in this category.

[lane-ends]

Then there is the difference between laundered and a handling mark cleaned off with a damp cloth.

TBH a lot of the BNWT clothing stock on Ebay are seconds, often with minor flaws and handling marks fixed up. Best view most of it as as like new.