AITA for refusing to sell the expensive clothes my friend gave me?

A Reddit user shares a disagreement with their husband, who wants to sell designer clothes gifted by a wealthy friend to fund a new couch.

While the user cherishes the rare opportunity to own such high-end items, their husband argues the money could better serve the family. Now, the user is torn between holding onto the gift and prioritizing family needs. Read the full story below!

‘ AITA for refusing to sell the expensive clothes my friend gave me? ‘

My husband (m30) wants me to sell designer clothes my well off friend gave me. The clothes total in 3k with two of the articles if clothing costing 1k and 1.5k. The price tags were left on the articles of clothing. It’s an extremely fancy brand I’ve only ever see on tv (Armani).

I could never afford these articles of clothing and I was really excited to style it. I got special bags for them to stay in. I would (could) never purchase these. My husband things I should sell them and that they’d help us afford a new couch.

The idea of a few pieces of fabric being worth a couch is insane to me and I get why he wants to sell it but I don’t want to. He’s upset and saying I’m putting this fabric before our families comfort. I think I’d offend my friend if I returned them and I also don’t want to.
Am I the a**hole for refusing to return expensive clothes?

Here’s the input from the Reddit crowd:

soscalene −  NTA. They’re yours, not his. If he got gifted something expensive that he really loved would he be willing to sell it?
Regardless, a price tag is one thing but you might only get a fraction of what they’re “worth” if you’re able to successfully sell them in the first place.

Online reselling websites and brick and mortar consignments both will take substantial fees, but clothing in general doesn’t keep its value unless it’s a specific item that someone has been searching for in particular, but you can’t predict that.

For example, I recently purchased a cardigan from someone online for $40 even though it still had the original tags on it that priced it at $400. It’s an item that’s in season and from a well known brand.

You must also keep in mind that for a lot of these brands the price tag also factors in the experience of buying the item from a boutique and the prestige of it. People are willing to pay more when they get the whole personal shopper with champagne experience. Also, many would find it very offensive if you choose to sell a gift.

BulldogFever96 −  They belong to you. Obviously your friend wanted you to have them because she holds you in esteem. Your friend would be very offended to find out that you sold them. You should treasure those and wear them to your delight.

Prize-Bumblebee-2192 −  NTA. The clothes are a *gift you were given*. They were not gifted to *him*. How would he feel if you told him to sell one of *his* possessions to finance the couch?? He doesn’t get to decide what you do with your things.

Weary-Chipmunk-5668 −  when i was a kid my mom’s good friend, who was quite well off, had a daughter a little older than me who would outgrow her fancy duds and passed them on to me. it was so fabulous wearing these expensive things that made me feel extra super in.

we weren’t poor, but not in the position to spend like crazy. i still remember several items i especially liked and i’m 75 now. don’t let your husband ruin the joy of wearing something especially lovely can give you. you can’t sell them for enough to make it worth more than the pleasure they bring you

dryadduinath −  NTA. They were a gift. To you. Not your husband, not your family, a *gift for you*. 

Expensive_Visual_594 −  I’m on Team you. It was a gift from your friend Not his friend. Your husband is not happy for you?? No bueno. And if you sell the clothes it will be the last gift your friend gives you. 

Worried-Midnight-750 −  Nta. Go ahead and cut the tags now just to be safe.

FunBodybuilder4620 −  NTA. They are your presents. And most likely you would get only a fraction of what your friend paid for them, maybe 50%. Even though they are new with tags, they are still secondhand and unless they are limited edition, aren’t super collectible.

cumdumpsterrrrrrrrrr −  there are couches you can get for free or like $20 on craigslist – if he wants something fancier then it’s the same dilemma as you having fancy clothes.

nta – keep your nice things. it’s very special to receive something so nice that you would never get on your own. a couch is definitely not worth that. not to mention it’s yours and he is acting positive and guilting you by saying it’s “for the family” when you’re a part of the family too and should have nice things as well.

lemonlimeandginger −  How would your friend feel if they knew you sold her clothes? I know I wouldn’t be happy if someone sold something I gave them. Don’t do it.

Is the user justified in keeping the gifted clothes as a rare treat for themselves, or does prioritizing the family’s shared comfort take precedence? How would you navigate the balance between personal gifts and household needs? Share your opinions below!