Let’s be real. Your closet is probably screaming for help. Most of us have that one chair—you know the one—buried under a mountain of "I’ll wear this eventually" jeans and sweaters that haven't seen the light of day since 2022. But figuring out where to sell second hand clothes isn't just about clearing space; it’s basically a part-time job if you do it wrong.
You’ve probably seen the TikToks. People claiming they made five grand selling old T-shirts. That’s usually bait. Most people just want to make enough for a nice dinner or a new pair of boots without getting scammed or spending six hours at the post office. Honestly, the "best" place to sell depends entirely on whether you have high-end designer gear, fast fashion from Zara, or vintage treasures you found in your aunt’s attic.
✨ Don't miss: The Emil Bach House: Why This Compact Frank Lloyd Wright Gem Still Matters
The Big Players: Poshmark vs. Depop vs. eBay
If you want the most eyes on your stuff, you go to the giants.
Poshmark is the heavy hitter in North America. It’s social. You have to "share" your closet to stay relevant in the algorithm, which is kind of a chore, but it works. They take a flat 20% cut for sales over $15. That sounds steep until you realize they handle the shipping labels and the buyer pays for the postage. It’s convenient. You just print, tape, and drop it at the mailbox.
Then there’s Depop. If you’re selling baggy jeans, "Y2K" aesthetics, or anything that looks like it belongs in a cool music video, go here. The audience is younger. They care about the vibe and the photography. If your photo is a blurry mess on a carpet, it won't sell. But a cool mirror selfie in good lighting? Gone in an hour. Depop charges a 10% selling fee, but keep in mind they recently shifted their fee structure in certain regions (like the UK) to charge buyers instead, though the US still largely follows the traditional seller-fee model.
And we can't ignore eBay. It’s the old reliable. It’s huge. It’s where people go when they are looking for something incredibly specific, like a "1994 Patagonia Synchilla Fleece in Emerald Green." You aren't selling a "vibe" here; you’re selling a specific item to a collector or someone who knows exactly what they want.
Why Peer-to-Peer Selling is a Grind
It’s a lot of work. You have to measure the inseam. You have to describe the "faint piling on the left sleeve." You have to deal with people lowballing you, offering $5 for a $50 jacket. If you don't have the patience for customer service, peer-to-peer apps might make you want to scream.
The "Lazygirl" Method: Consignment and Buy-Out Sites
Maybe you don't want to talk to strangers. Totally fair.
ThredUp is the biggest online thrift store. They send you a "Clean Out Bag." You fill it. You mail it back. They do everything else—the photos, the descriptions, the shipping to the buyer. The catch? The payouts can be tiny. Like, "I sent a box of Gap and J.Crew and got $4.12" tiny. It’s best for people who just want the clothes out of their house and consider any money a bonus.
The RealReal is a different beast. This is for the luxury stuff. Gucci, Prada, Chanel, or even "contemporary" brands like Ganni and Staud. They authenticate everything. You get a percentage of the sale price, which fluctuates based on how much you sell annually. It’s high-effort for them, low-effort for you, but they are very picky about condition. If there’s a snag in the silk, they’ll send it right back.
Local Buy-Sell-Trade Shops
Don't forget the physical world. Buffalo Exchange, Crossroads Trading, and Beacon’s Closet (if you’re in New York) are staples. You walk in with a bag, they look through it while you browse, and they offer you cash or store credit on the spot.
- Cash: Usually 25-30% of what they’ll sell it for.
- Trade: Usually 50%.
It’s instant gratification. But beware: buyers at these shops are notoriously moody. One day they want "90s minimalism," the next day they only want "maximalist prints." Don't take it personally if they pass on your favorite dress. They’re buying for their specific inventory needs, not judging your taste.
Knowing What’s Actually Worth Selling
Not all clothes are created equal. This is the hardest truth to swallow when looking for where to sell second hand clothes.
Brand matters, but demand matters more. Right now, "quiet luxury" is big. Brands like The Row or Cuyana hold value. On the flip side, ultra-fast fashion from sites like Shein or Temu is almost impossible to resell for a profit. The shipping often costs more than the garment is worth. Most resale experts suggest donating these items to textile recycling instead of trying to flip them for $2.
💡 You might also like: Coca Cola Gummy Bears: Why We Can't Stop Eating Them
Seasonal timing is also key. Don't try to sell a heavy wool coat in July. The apps won't show it to anyone because nobody is searching for it. List your summer linens in March and your parkas in September.
The Logistics Most People Forget
Shipping is where profit goes to die. If you’re selling on a platform that doesn't provide a flat-rate label, you need a kitchen scale. Guessing the weight of a package is a dangerous game. If you're off by two ounces, the post office might charge the buyer "postage due," and they will leave you a one-star review faster than you can say "oops."
Packaging also counts. You don't need fancy tissue paper and stickers, but the clothes should be clean. Honestly, just run a lint roller over it. It takes ten seconds and prevents a "this arrived covered in cat hair" complaint.
The Photography Secret
You don't need a DSLR. Your phone is fine. But use natural light. Go near a window. Avoid the yellow overhead lights in your bedroom that make everything look like it’s been sitting in a smoker's lounge for a decade.
Where to Sell Second Hand Clothes: A Quick Decision Matrix
If you're still undecided, ask yourself these three questions:
- Is it a designer bag or shoes? Go with The RealReal or Vestiaire Collective. They have the trust of high-end buyers.
- Is it a trendy piece for a 20-year-old? Use Depop. Use lots of emojis and tag it with "core" aesthetics (like #gorpcore or #coquette).
- Is it a massive pile of mid-range brands (Madewell, Zara, Aritzia)? Take it to Crossroads Trading for a quick buyout or list the best pieces on Poshmark.
Moving Beyond the Sale
Resale is a cycle. Once you start selling, you realize how much money you've wasted on "fast" trends. It actually changes how you shop. You start looking at labels in the store and thinking, "Could I get $20 for this in two years?" If the answer is no, maybe you don't need it.
🔗 Read more: Ermine Frosting Explained (Simply): The "Boiled Flour" Secret to Better Cakes
Selling second hand is a mix of environmentalism and side-hustle culture. It keeps polyester out of landfills and puts a little cash back in your pocket. Just remember that your time has value too. If it takes you three hours to photograph and list a shirt that sells for $8, you’re working for less than minimum wage. Be strategic.
Practical Next Steps
- Audit your closet today. If you haven't touched it in 12 months, it goes in the "sell" pile.
- Wash and de-pill everything. A $10 fabric shaver can turn a "used" sweater into "like new" condition, doubling your price.
- Pick one platform. Don't try to learn Poshmark, eBay, and Depop all at once. Start where you feel most comfortable.
- Take photos in bulk. Spend one Saturday morning taking photos of 20 items while the sun is out. It’s way more efficient than doing one at a time.
- Set a "deadline." If an item hasn't sold on an app in 60 days, take it to a local buy-sell-trade shop and take whatever they offer. Clear the clutter and move on.