WHEN DESIGNER Maddie West first approached us about carrying her reworked vintage line Sloppy Seconds NYC, we loved what she was doing and requested a box of garments to try out in the shops. As soon as we opened that first box and got our hands on the army liner jackets and vests she sent — buying some ourselves before even listing them — we had a feeling they’d be a huge hit. In fact, her jackets quickly became one of the bestselling items we carry, typically selling almost as quickly as they arrive, and her button-down shirt styles are also wildly popular. Like most of what we sell, no two pieces from Sloppy are ever exactly alike — as they’re crafted from vintage pieces — but the repeating styles mean if there’s something you like that sold before you saw it, get in touch and we’ll see what we can do!
Meanwhile, enjoy this great interview with Maddie about the origins and future of her brand—
How and when did you decide to start Sloppy Seconds, and how do you define the focus of it?
Sloppy Seconds began as a vintage resale side hustle out of my apartment bedroom during graduate school. While studying environmental public health, I became increasingly aware of the profound environmental and ethical impacts of the clothing industry — and felt compelled to engage with fashion in a more sustainable way.
At first, I sold vintage pieces, occasionally adding a few reworked garments I had altered myself. Those pieces quickly drew the most attention, and I realized that reworking clothing aligned perfectly with both my hobby of sewing and my values around circular fashion.
What started as a side project naturally evolved into a brand centered on giving existing garments new life.
Today, Sloppy Seconds is an upcycled clothing brand based in NYC that reimagines discarded garments into timeless, one-of-a-kind pieces. We merge elements of classic menswear with feminine detailing to create refined wardrobe staples with a distinct point of view. Every item is thoughtfully sourced secondhand and reworked locally in New York City — breathing new life into what already exists.
How did you pick the name?
It’s a bit cliché, but the name actually came to me in the middle of the night. I woke up, thought it would be funny, and quickly typed it into my notes app before falling back asleep. The rest is history.
Do you make everything yourself, or do you outsource or have help with any part of it?
Everything is designed by me, and sewn by a small team of sewers locally in NYC. I share a studio with my seamstress who makes most of the pieces, so I remain very involved in the process from start to finish.
What is your approach to sourcing the garments and textiles you work with? What led you to want to use vintage materials in your work?
The garments I use today actually came about by accident. During the pandemic, out of boredom, I dug through my dad’s Goodwill pile and pulled out a few of his old men’s dress shirts. I chopped one up, added darts, and ended up with a shirt I wore all the time. That piece became the first prototype of the Kevin Top — named after my dad — which remains one of my bestsellers today.
Our jackets have a similar origin story. I came across vintage military liners while vintage shopping and was drawn to their form and utility, though they lacked style. After a bit of experimentation, those reworked liners evolved into one of the brand’s core pieces.
Have you and your brand always been in NYC?
I went to college in Boston and moved to New York for grad school at NYU — and I’ve been here ever since! I started the brand that first year in the city, and it’s still proudly based in NYC today.
What’s the hardest thing about what you’re trying to do?
The hardest part has been figuring out how to grow while staying true to what the brand stands for. Since everything I make is reworked or upcycled, there’s a built-in limit to how much I can produce. It’s forced me to get creative — finding ways to expand without compromising the values that started it all.
“The hardest part has been figuring out how to grow while staying true to what the brand stands for.”
What brings you the most excitement or sense of achievement?
I get the biggest sense of fulfillment from meeting people who really connect with what I’m doing — who understand the purpose behind it and love it for that reason. It’s especially meaningful when those people are ones I look up to or find inspiration in.
What do you wish more people knew about your brand?
I wish more people understood the level of detail that goes into not only my pieces, but clothing in general. Every single stitch, seam and button was placed there intentionally by someone. Clothing doesn’t just appear on a rack — it’s the result of time, skill and care.
What’s something you’ve learned about yourself and/or the business along the way, and where do you see Sloppy Seconds going — what's next for you and the brand?
I’ve learned to embrace the uncertainty that comes with building something from the ground up. Growth happens through trial and error, and I’ve learned to trust that process. I’m so proud of what my team and I have created so far, and as we continue to grow behind the scenes, we’re looking forward to sharing that evolution through new products, experiences and events to come!
Thank you so much, Maddie!
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