How To Consign Clothes To Create a Whole New Wardrobe!

Image via Marie Zydek

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

Image via TheRealReal

Online Reselling Platforms

1. 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 con? However, if you prefer a less hands-on approach, you can choose to consign clothes instead, letting consignment stores or online platforms handle the customer service, sales, and shipping for you. The cons of online marketplaces? You’re completely in charge of customer service, the sale, and shipping, so make sure your schedule will allow for this!
2. 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!
   
3. 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

1. Consignment Stores: Visit local consignment stores that accept gently used clothing. They typically have specific guidelines regarding the brands, conditions, and styles they accept. If you’re looking to consign clothes, these stores provide a convenient way to sell your items locally while handling much of the work for you. While consignment stores may offer lower rates, they’re also a great place to trade in clothing—usually for a higher value than your cashout—when you’re looking to do a little shopping.
2. 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. When you decide to consign clothes, it’s important to research the best platforms or consignment stores to ensure you get the most value for your items. Sellers can typically expect to receive around 10-30% of the original retail price for gently used pieces. Designer or luxury brands in high demand often fetch significantly higher resale values compared to fast fashion or mass-market brands. Consigning clothes not only helps you earn extra cash but also promotes sustainable fashion by extending the life of your wardrobe items.

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.

Consign Clothes: Embrace the Opportunity

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. Click here learn more and schedule this premium service with our style experts.