TU

TU is Sainsbury's own clothing label, sold in stores alongside the weekly shop, which makes it one of the easier UK brands to find secondhand in good nick. The preloved TU rail at ReTreasure typically holds casual dresses, floral and striped blouses, everyday trousers and jeans, and a little knitwear. Sizes usually run from 12 to 22, and most pieces come through in very good condition.

10 products

Buying preloved TU

What turns up on the rail

TU covers the everyday end of dressing, so that is what we see most of. Expect summer and holiday dresses in floral prints, long sleeve blouses and shirts in stripes and paisley, plus trousers and jeans cut for daily wear rather than occasions. Knitwear appears in smaller numbers, usually simple jumpers and cardigans.

  • Sizes typically span UK 12 to 22, with the mid sizes turning up most often.
  • Prints lean floral, striped and paisley; plain colours come through too.
  • Condition is mostly very good, with the odd new with tags piece and some honestly graded good.

Because TU is sold in supermarkets rather than fashion stores, a lot of it was bought as practical clothing and worn gently, which is why the very good grade dominates.

Sizing and fit notes

TU generally follows standard UK sizing, so a 14 tends to behave like a 14. That said, own-label supermarket ranges are not always consistent across seasons or between different lines, and older pieces can be cut more generously than newer ones. Jersey dresses and blouses often have a relaxed, easy fit; trousers and jeans vary more, so leg length and rise are worth checking rather than assuming.

We do not guess. Every listing carries the size on the label, and we measure the actual garment flat. If a measurement you need is not shown, ask before you buy and we will take it. That includes chest, waist, hip, inside leg and length. If a piece has stretch, we will tell you.

Why buy TU secondhand

TU was made to be affordable, so buying it preloved is less about savings alone and more about keeping decent everyday clothes in use. These are the pieces that get worn on repeat: the summer dress for a warm week, the striped shirt for work, the jeans for everything else. They are worth a second life rather than a bin bag.

Secondhand also lets you try shapes without much risk. If you are unsure whether a paisley blouse or a floral midi suits you, a preloved one is a low-stakes way to find out. Everything is checked, graded honestly and photographed as it is, so what you see is the actual garment. Browse the full womenswear collection if you want to see what else is in alongside it.

Common questions

Is TU the same as Sainsbury's clothing?

Yes, TU is the own clothing label sold by Sainsbury's in the UK. Because it is stocked in larger supermarkets rather than standalone shops, sizing and stock varied by store, which is one reason secondhand TU is often the only way to find a discontinued print now.

What condition are the TU pieces?

Most TU items we take in are graded very good, with occasional new with tags and some good. Very good means light wear with no notable flaws; good means visible signs of wear that we photograph and describe. Every grade is written on the listing, so you know before you buy.

Does TU come up small?

On the whole TU follows standard UK sizing, so it does not have a reputation for running small. The bigger variable is cut between ranges and seasons, especially in trousers. Check the flat measurements on the listing or ask us and we will send them over.

Should I buy TU preloved if I want something to last for years?

Honestly, TU is high street value clothing, not heavyweight tailoring, so some fabrics will show wear sooner than a premium brand would. Fine-knit jumpers and lightweight summer dresses are the ones most likely to bobble or thin over time. We say so in the description when we can see it, and we would rather you knew than were disappointed.

There is nothing in my size right now. What next?

Our TU rail is small and changes constantly, since each item is one of a kind and does not come back once sold. New pieces go up most days across all brands, so it is worth checking again in a few days or keeping an eye on the wider womenswear collection. You can also tell us the size and type of item you are after and we will flag it if something suitable arrives.