For many of you who may have wondered what was up with the 1SZ label found on many of the garments at the most recent Helmut Lang and Theory sample sale – I’m here to provide some clarity. Although, the mystery has long been solved, there are still a lot people who are baffled by this peculiar and elusive 1SZ label.
The main reason why the ‘1SZ’ label is labeled on top on the original label is to prevent shoppers from returning an item that was bought at sample sale to a retail store and getting store credit for an item that was never purchased at retail. The ‘1SZ’ label also prevents either old stock and/or slightly damaged merchandise from returning to their brick and mortar establishments and warehouses. This also serves as a safety net for companies not only financially, but keeps the company’s reputation in good standing. After all, no customer would be thrilled to learn that an item that they bought at full price was returned from a sample sale.
Now let’s discuss the price on the ‘1SZ’ labels. Sometimes the original retail price of the garment is more expensive than what is shown on the ‘1SZ’ label, but sometimes the original price it’s less, so do not assume that the price on the ‘1SZ’ label is correct. Most of the time it does not even come close to reflecting the true retail price of the garment (refer to pictures of Bini Blouse below).
Some of the ‘1SZ’ labels can be peeled back revealing the original label and price, but don’t do this at the sale.
If the ‘1SZ’ label is not covering up an original label, then when you get home; just search the item online and that will lead you to the a shopping site of where the item is. Shopping sites such as Revolve Clothing, Lyst, Shopbop, or Nordstrom will have the following information: pictures of the item on a model, original price, the name and style of the garment, and the description. I wouldn’t recommend Polyvore because it doesn’t always show the original price of the item, but just the sale price.
Or during the sample sale just search for the item on your phone! If the style number on the ‘1SZ’ doesn’t yield any results then that should be a clue it’s not the original label. Then search the item by description, e.g., Helmut Lang black denim leggings. That will lead you to a shopping site that has it.
It also helps if you familiarize yourself with the brand and its merchandise. If you know that a Helmut Lang Voltage Tee costs $125 retail, but you see it with a ‘1SZ’ label with a price of $175, you will automatically know that the price is incorrect. Knowing the brand and familiarizing yourself with its merchandise will serve you well when you shop at sample sales.
Also be careful about shopping for discounted Helmut Lang and Theory clothing on eBay. After a recent sample sale you might notice a surge in new Helmut Lang and Theory merchandise (same merchandise, but have different sellers). This is because some people who shop at the sample sale are not shopping for themselves. They are shopping to resale on eBay, so if you notice in the pictures the label is not an original label, but has a ‘1SZ’ label, then proceed with caution. The item was most likely bought from a sample sale and the eBay seller is trying to pass it off as item that was originally sold at a retail store. This does not mean that the quality of the garment is inferior, but why pay for $105 for a Theory tank top on eBay that really only costs $55 retail?
A note to eBay shoppers: Make sure you search the item on Google to find out the original price before buying it if you suspect the item is not worth the selling price.
Well there you have it – an in-depth explanation on the elusive 1ZS label! Remember to do your research and familiarize yourself with the brand and it’s merchandise this way you don’t feel like you were duped.
Feel free to leave a comment or share your own personal experience with the 1SZ label, until then happy shopping!
