Buying second-hand clothes

Source A: an original contemporary non-fiction-style account.

“I bought my winter coat from a second-hand shop near the station. It cost eighteen pounds, had a missing button and fitted better than three new coats I had tried that morning. The volunteer found a spare button in a tin behind the counter. At home, I sewed it on badly and then unpicked it before trying again. The repair took longer than the purchase. I wore the coat throughout the winter.

The shop made me look at clothes differently. Without a row of identical sizes, I had to examine the actual object: the lining, the cuffs, the places where use had left its signature. A worn sleeve could mean character or imminent failure; I had to decide which. Buying used is not automatically virtuous, and a bargain still wastes money if it stays in the wardrobe. Nor should people who need particular sizes or accessible shopping be scolded for choosing new. But the coat taught me to separate the pleasure of finding something useful from the brief excitement of finding something untouched.”

Source B: an original nineteenth-century-style letter or account, written for practice; this is not an archival document.

“A correspondent has asked whether a gentleman may wear a coat which has belonged to another without surrendering his respectability. I should like first to know whether it keeps him warm. There is a curious generosity towards the age of houses and a corresponding suspicion of the age of garments. A dwelling gains dignity from previous occupants; a sound overcoat is expected to apologise for them.

The trade in used clothing is not free from deception. A weak seam may be disguised, and cheapness is no economy when an article fails before the month is out. Inspection and honest dealing are therefore necessary. But I cannot admire the man who pays dearly for novelty while neglecting fit and service. A replaced button does not diminish a person's character. Indeed, the ability to make such a repair might recommend him more than the possession of six coats which he cannot maintain. Let us reserve moral judgement for how people treat one another, rather than who first wore the cloth.”

Refer to both sources. Infer the differences in the practical considerations when choosing used clothing. Write a summary supported by details from both sources.