Let's be real for a second. Your closet is probably a graveyard for denim that doesn't fit and trousers you bought for a "vibe" that lasted exactly one weekend. We've all been there. You look at that pile of fabric and see a down payment on a better wardrobe, but the actual process of trying to sell used pants online feels like a part-time job you never applied for. It’s annoying. You take photos, write descriptions, and then someone messages you asking for the "crotch-to-hem measurement" only to disappear into the digital void forever.
It happens.
But here’s the thing: people are actually making decent money doing this. According to a 2023 ThredUp Resale Report, the secondhand market is expected to reach $350 billion by 2027. Pants are a massive chunk of that. Why? Because quality denim lasts forever and sizing is so inconsistent in retail stores that people are hunting for specific vintage cuts they know actually fit. If you have a pair of Levi’s 501s from the 90s or some Lululemon joggers that have only been worn twice, you’re sitting on cash.
Why Selling Pants is Harder (And Better) Than Selling Shirts
Selling a t-shirt is easy. It’s a boxy piece of cotton. Pants are a structural nightmare. You have the rise, the inseam, the waist stretch, and the dreaded "thigh rub" wear-and-tear. If you don't describe these things accurately, you’re asking for a return or a one-star review.
The complexity is actually your friend. Most lazy sellers just post one blurry photo of their jeans on a carpet and write "blue pants, size 32." When you provide the details that picky buyers crave, you stand out instantly. Honestly, it’s about building trust before the transaction even happens. Buyers are terrified of getting "catfished" by vanity sizing. A "Size 6" in Zara is a "Size 2" in Gap and a "Size 10" in some vintage European brand.
The Golden Rule of Measurements
Stop relying on the tag. Seriously. Take a measuring tape and find these four numbers:
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- Waist Laid Flat: Measure across the back waistband and double it.
- Inseam: From the crotch seam down to the ankle.
- Rise: From the crotch seam up to the top of the waistband. This tells a buyer if they’re high-waisted or "Britney Spears in 2002" low-rise.
- Leg Opening: How wide is the flare?
If you put these in the description, you cut out 80% of the "is this true to size?" messages that clog your inbox.
Picking the Right Platform for the Right Pants
Not all apps are created equal. If you try to sell used pants online using the wrong platform, you're just screaming into a void.
Poshmark is the heavy hitter for mid-range brands. If you have J.Crew, Madewell, or Anthropologie, go here. The social aspect is a bit much—you have to "share" your closet to stay relevant—but the shipping process is foolproof. They send you a prepaid label, you slap it on a box, and you're done. Just keep in mind they take a flat $2.95 commission for items under $15 and 20% for anything over that.
Depop is where the "cool kids" live. If your pants are "vintage," "aesthetic," or "streetwear," this is your home. Think baggy Carhartt work pants, Dickies, or 70s flares. The photography here matters more than anywhere else. If you can style the pants in a cool outfit, they'll sell for double what they would on eBay.
eBay is still the king for specific, technical, or high-end items. If you’re selling raw denim like Momotaro or Iron Heart, or maybe vintage military surplus, eBay collectors will find you. Their search algorithm is more robust than the newer apps.
Mercari is great for the "I just want this gone" pile. It’s less about the "vibe" and more about the bargain. It’s a bit more "garage sale" energy, which is perfect for kid's clothes or basic office slacks.
The Photography Hack No One Tells You
Lighting is everything, but you don't need a studio. Natural light near a window is your best friend. But here is the real pro tip: The "Fill" Shot. Take a photo of the pants hanging up or laid flat. Then, take a close-up of the zipper, the button, and specifically the inner tag with the material composition. People want to know if they're buying 100% cotton or 2% elastane. That stretch factor is a dealbreaker for many.
Also, show the flaws. If there is a tiny coffee stain on the left calf, zoom in on it. Point at it with your finger in the photo. It feels counterintuitive, but being "brutally honest" actually makes people more likely to buy because they feel they can trust your entire description.
How to Price for Profit
Pricing is a psychological game. If you bought a pair of pants for $100 and they're in great shape, you might think $50 is fair. But on most apps, people are going to offer you $35.
Price your items about 15-20% higher than what you actually want to get. This gives you "negotiation room." People love the feeling of winning a deal. If you list at $50 and accept an offer for $42, the buyer feels like a genius and you get the price you actually wanted.
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Check "Sold Comps." On eBay and Poshmark, you can filter your search to see what specific items actually sold for, not just what people are asking. Asking prices are fantasies; sold prices are reality.
Shipping Without Losing Your Mind
Don't buy expensive shipping supplies. Reuse your Amazon boxes. Save the poly-mailers from your own online shopping.
When you sell used pants online, weight matters. Jeans are heavy. They usually weigh between 1.5 to 2.5 pounds. This means they won't qualify for "First Class" shipping in the US (which caps at 1 pound). You'll likely be using Priority Mail or a flat-rate envelope. If the platform doesn't provide the label, check out services like Pirate Ship. They offer commercial rates that are way cheaper than what you'll pay at the post office counter.
Pro-tip: Fold the pants neatly and put them in a clear plastic bag (like a grocery bag or a bread bag if you're desperate) before putting them in the shipping box. It protects them if the box gets wet in the rain on someone's porch.
Avoiding the "Is This Still Available?" Trap
You will get "lowballers." It's part of the game. Someone will offer you $5 for a pair of $60 pants. Don't get offended. Just decline or counter-offer with your "lowest." You don't owe anyone an explanation for your pricing.
Keep your descriptions keyword-rich but human. Instead of "Blue Jeans," try "High-Rise Straight Leg Denim - Light Wash - Size 28." Think about what words a person would type into a search bar. They aren't searching for "cute pants." They're searching for "Black wide leg trousers size 12."
Real World Action Steps
Ready to clear that closet? Don't try to list 50 pairs at once. You'll burn out.
- Pick 5 pairs. Start with the ones in the best condition.
- Clean them. Give them a fresh wash, but skip the heavy-scented fabric softeners. Some buyers have allergies and will complain if the pants smell like a "Spring Meadow" explosion.
- Steam or Iron. Wrinkles make clothes look cheap and neglected. A 2-minute steam job can add $10 to your sale price.
- Batch your photos. Take all the photos at once during the day when the sun is out.
- List on Sunday night. This is statistically when the most people are doom-scrolling on their phones looking for a dopamine hit via shopping.
Selling clothes is a skill. The first few times will be slow, but once you get the hang of the "measure-photo-post" rhythm, it becomes a steady stream of extra cash. Plus, it keeps textiles out of landfills, which is a nice little bonus for the planet.
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Focus on the details, be honest about the wear, and keep your shipping fast. You'll have a "Top Seller" badge before you know it.