DIY Clothing - The basics of buying DIY on eBay

There's no question that DIY clothing is an awesome way to create a unique and envy-inspiring wardrobe on any budget.  Deconstructed, reconstructed, painted, printed or patched - no matter what process you use you're limited only by the scope of your imagination.

And if you don't have time to create your own masterpiece look no further!  eBay has become a major player in connecting the DIY lover with killer clothing in just about any style - punk, metal, goth, urban, Jrock, you name it.  It's exciting to find a green monster fur hoodie, a girlie fitted band tee, a gothic wedding dress or a killer pair of deconstructed Levi's and to know that you could be the only one in the world to own it! 

These handmade and custom items can sell from a few dollars to a few hundred which has inspired more DIY hopefuls to start selling on eBay now than ever before.  There are some really amazing quality sellers to discover - and some not so great ones to avoid.  This guide is to help weed out the inexperienced and just plain bad so you can be confident that the item you buy will fit and last for years.  Many of these points are no-brainers but for those new to eBay or DIY it's helpful to know some basics: 

* First and foremost - read the item description carefully and completely before you bid!!  It sounds obvious but I can't count the number of times I've had guys bid on my slim-fit hoodies without realizing that they're sized for girls - oops.  Don't let your excitement usurp your common sense.  A good description will include concise information about the item including materials used, construction details, size, allergy information (if they smoke or have pets) and care instructions. 

* A trustworthy DIY seller will be concerned with making the best product possible. Look for items that are serged (sewn on a machine that loops 3-5 threads to create a stronger stitch and prevent fraying) and topstitched (a line of stitching that secures the seam and gives a finished look), a good indication that the product will hold together and look professional.  See that zippers and findings (D rings, eyelet tape, etc) are securely and properly stitched in.

Serged Seams                                         Topstitching

* Detailed measurements should be listed so you can best judge the fit.  Be wary of "One Size Fits All" or "fits a size Small to Large", a description which some sellers use to widen the number of potential buyers.  Does one size ever fit all?  Don't be afraid to ask the seller how their item will fit your frame as most don't accept returns.

* If the item is reconstructed from a band tee shirt see that it's made from licensed merchandise.  Bootleg tees are often cheaply made and of doubtful quality, not to mention illegal.  Stencils and transfers, too.  Support your favorite band, not bootleggers who profit from them.

Licensed tees generally have copyright info printed near the graphic (unless the shirts were printed independently by the band).

* Items that are painted or printed need to be properly heat set to insure that they will withstand wear.  There are several different types of fabric paint and ink which vary in quality.  Make sure your seller is experienced with printing so the awesome graphic on your tee won't wash off in a week.

* Read feedback from buyers and view the corresponding items.  Were the previous customers consistently enthusiastic about their purchases?  Are there repeat customers?  Negative or neutral comments?  Don't trust the numbers alone - a high feedback score could come from the seller's own purchases.

* The DIY sellers who stick around do it because they love it, not because it's easy or even very profitable.  Sure, some pieces go for tons of money if they're rare or highly desirable.  More often then not the profit margin is fairly small when you consider the cost of materials and labor.  Some of my items cost me nearly $20 in materials and eBay fees alone.  Once you find quality DIY remember to be kind when you bid.

It feels good to support independent artisans instead of mass-producing money machines.  And there's nothing like knowing you own something totally unique.  Use your head when you buy DIY and be happy with your purchase for years to come!