preworn

Preworn, sometimes written pre-worn or referred to as preowned in some contexts, is an adjective used to describe items that have already been worn previously or have been intentionally treated to resemble wear. In fashion and retail, the term is most commonly applied to clothing, particularly denim, though it can be used for other goods such as footwear or outerwear.

In the context of clothing, preworn refers to garments that are designed to look aged and used. Brands perform finishing techniques—such as washing, enzyme treatment, stone washing, and light abrasion—to create distressing, fading, whiskering, and frayed edges. Some historical methods, including sandblasting, have raised health concerns and are now cautioned or avoided in favor of safer alternatives. These techniques aim to achieve a lived-in aesthetic without actual wear from customers, and some products may be labeled as preworn to emphasize style rather than implying prior ownership.

Preworn can also describe items that are genuinely secondhand, i.e., previously worn by someone else. In the secondhand market, “preworn” is often synonymous with “used” or “preowned.” The distinction between artificially preworn fashion and genuinely used items is important for consumers seeking authenticity, pricing, and environmental considerations.

See also: used clothing, distressed denim, vintage fashion, secondhand market.