How To Consign Clothes To Create a Whole New Wardrobe!

Do you have a closet full of gently used clothing that no longer sparks joy? Instead of letting them gather dust, consider reselling them and giving them a new lease of life. Here, we'll explore various methods to resell your clothing, both online and offline. We'll also delve into typical rates you can expect to receive from selling clothing and highlight some brands that fetch higher resale values.

Image via TheRealReal

Online Reselling Platforms

• Online Marketplaces: Websites like eBay, Poshmark, Depop, and Facebook Marketplace allow you to create listings and reach a wide audience. These platforms offer an active marketplace, ease of use, flexibility in selling prices, and the ability to interact with potential buyers directly.
• The cons? You’re completely in charge of customer service, the sale, and shipping, so make sure your schedule will allow for this!
• Online Consignment Shops: Platforms like thredUP, The RealReal, and Vestiaire Collective specialize in luxury or high-end designer clothing. They handle the entire selling process, from authentication to shipping, making it convenient for sellers.
  The cons? They take a (sometimes hefty) commission from each sale—but they also take the stress of selling off of you!
• Social Media: Instagram and Facebook groups dedicated to buying and selling pre-owned clothing can be effective ways to connect with interested buyers. Use accurate descriptions and relevant hashtags and engage with potential customers to increase visibility.
  The cons? From finding customers to collecting payment and sending the clothing is your responsibility.

Local Reselling Options

Consignment Stores: Visit local consignment stores that accept gently used clothing. They typically have specific guidelines regarding the brands, conditions, and styles they accept. While consignment stores may offer lower rates, they provide a convenient way to sell your consignment items locally. When you’re looking to do a little shopping, they’re also a great place to trade in clothing—usually for a higher value than your cashout.

Clothing Swaps: Our lead stylist, Sydney, recently organized a clothing swap event where people exchanged their pre-loved items, and it was a hit! This approach allows for a more personal and community-oriented approach to reselling clothes.

Garage Sales and Flea Markets

Participating in garage sales or renting a booth at a local flea market can be an excellent way to sell a large number of clothing items at once. Ensure you have a well-organized display, clearly marked prices, and a variety of clothing options to attract potential buyers.

Typical Rates for Selling Clothing

The resale value of clothing can vary based on factors such as brand, condition, demand, and rarity. While it's challenging to provide specific rates, sellers can typically expect to receive around 10-30% of the original retail price for gently used clothing. Designer or luxury brands in high demand tend to fetch higher resale values compared to fast fashion or mass-market brands.

Brands with High Resale Value:

Certain in-demand brands are known for their strong resale value due to their quality, popularity, and limited availability. Below is a brief list of brands:

• Luxury Fashion: Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Prada, Dior
• Designer Fashion: Isabel Marant, Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney
• Streetwear: Supreme, Off-White, A Bathing Ape, Adidas
• Sustainable Fashion: Everlane, Reformation, Patagonia

Why Resell Your Clothes?

Reselling your gently used clothing allows you to:

• Declutter
• Make some extra money
• Contribute to sustainable fashion practices.

By exploring online platforms, consignment stores, local options, and events, you can find the best fit for your selling needs. Keep in mind that rates for selling clothing can vary, and certain popular brands tend to fetch higher resale values. Embrace the opportunity to give your unwanted clothes a second life while benefiting yourself and the environment.

For our in-home clients, we offer expert advice and consignment assistance as part of our optional in-depth closet curation.

Ready to learn more and schedule this premium service with our style experts? Click here to get started!