Step 1: sort what is worth listing
Not every piece is worth photographing, measuring and shipping. Sort your clothes into three piles:
- List online: recognizable or quality brands, natural fabrics such as wool, cashmere, silk, linen and leather, outerwear, denim, shoes in good shape, vintage pieces and anything new with tags.
- Sell locally or in a bundle: everyday basics in good condition, kids' clothing and lots of similar items. See how to bundle items.
- Donate or recycle: pieces with stains, holes, heavy pilling, odors or stretched fabric.
For older pieces, our guides to vintage clothing and vintage Levi's explain what to look for.
Step 2: prepare each piece
- Check every seam, cuff, collar and hem under good light.
- Wash or air out the piece following its care label. Our cleaning guide covers what to avoid.
- Remove lint and pills gently, and steam or press out creases.
- Note any flaws you cannot fix. You will photograph and describe them.
Step 3: measure, every time
Sizes vary widely between brands and eras, so buyers rely on measurements. Lay the piece flat and measure:
- Tops and jackets: pit to pit across the chest, shoulder width, sleeve length and body length from the collar.
- Pants and jeans: waist straight across, rise, inseam, thigh and leg opening.
- Dresses and skirts: bust, waist, hip where relevant, and total length.
- Shoes: the size on the label, plus the insole length if you can measure it.
Say whether the measurements are flat or doubled, so buyers can compare with their own clothes.
Step 4: photograph clearly
- Use daylight and a plain background, or a hanger against a clean wall.
- Show the front, back and any details such as buttons or hardware.
- Photograph the brand label, size tag and fabric content tag so they are readable.
- Show every flaw close up.
- Keep color accurate. Avoid filters and strong warm lighting.
Our guide to photographing items for resale has more detail.
Step 5: write a title and description buyers search
Buyers search by brand, item type, size, color and material. A clear title includes those first, in a natural order, for example brand, item type, key detail, color, size. Skip words like "nice" or "wow" that nobody searches for. The free listing title builder helps you fit it all within the character limit.
In the description, repeat the key facts, add measurements, fabric content and condition, and list any flaws plainly. Mention how the piece fits if you know.
Step 6: choose where to list
- Poshmark, Depop and Mercari: fashion-focused audiences, with social features on some apps.
- eBay: a broad audience searching by brand and size, useful for specialist and vintage pieces.
- Etsy: vintage clothing that meets its age rules.
- Facebook Marketplace: local pickup for bundles and bulkier items like coats.
Read each platform's fees and shipping options before you set a price.
Step 7: price, ship and keep track
Compare your piece with recent sales of the same brand and style in similar condition, then subtract fees and shipping. The free resale profit calculator shows what you would keep. Fold clothes neatly, protect them in a plastic bag inside the mailer, and ship on time. Our guide to shipping items cheaply helps keep costs down.
Questions, offers and returns
Clothing buyers often ask about fit, fabric feel and exact color. Answer quickly and honestly; a fast, clear reply often turns a question into a sale. Decide in advance how you will handle offers, and know your platform's return policy. Most returns in clothing come from fit and from flaws that were not mentioned, so complete measurements and close-up photos of every flaw are your best protection. Keep a note of the item's condition when you ship, and photograph valuable pieces before packing.
Where WorthAI fits
WorthAI identifies a garment's likely brand and style from a photo and shows an estimated worth with a range, a suggested asking price and buyer demand, along with the listings behind the estimate. Add a photo of the label if asked. When you are ready to sell, WorthAI can turn your photos into an editable eBay listing draft that you review before publishing.
Frequently asked questions
What clothes sell best online?
Pieces from recognizable or quality brands, natural fabrics, outerwear, denim, shoes in good shape, vintage pieces and items new with tags tend to draw the most interest. Condition matters as much as the brand.
Do I need to wash clothes before selling them?
Yes, or at least make sure they are clean and odor free. Follow the care label, and avoid harsh treatments on vintage or delicate pieces.
Why should I list measurements instead of just the size?
Sizes vary between brands and eras. Measurements let buyers compare with clothes they own, which leads to fewer questions and fewer returns.
Where should I sell clothes online?
It depends on the piece. Fashion apps such as Poshmark, Depop and Mercari suit everyday and trend pieces, eBay suits brand and size searches, Etsy suits qualifying vintage, and local marketplaces suit bundles and bulky coats. Compare fees and shipping first.