Selling Used Clothes Online and In-Person For Cash

Selling used clothes for cash is a great way to make extra money, declutter your closet, and support sustainable fashion. With the resale market booming, millions of shoppers seek affordable pre-owned fashion. However, maximizing sales requires more than just posting items online—you need the right platforms, competitive pricing, and effective marketing.

This guide covers the essentials of selling used clothes online and in-person, from choosing platforms to optimizing listings and growing your business. Whether you're only selling a few items or starting an entire resale venture, these strategies will help you succeed in the secondhand fashion market.

Key Takeaways

• Not all clothes sell best in the same place — match the clothing type to the right platform or store. For example, everyday wear goes to Plato’s Closet, while formal dresses do better at local boutiques or resale platforms like Stillwhite.
• In-person resale stores like Buffalo Exchange and Once Upon a Child are great for quick cash and require no shipping or listing effort.
• Online platforms vary in convenience and fees. Use Poshmark or Vinted for casual fashion, eBay for niche or high-value items, and The RealReal for luxury labels.
• Presentation matters — clean, wrinkle-free clothes and clear photos (if listing online) make a big difference in how quickly your items sell.

How To Get Started Selling Used Clothes for Beginners

If you're new to selling used clothes, follow these key steps to get started:

1. Sort Through Your Wardrobe

Begin by identifying items you no longer wear but are still in good condition. Look for trendy, name-brand, or high-quality pieces that buyers will be interested in. Avoid selling items with excessive wear, stains, or damage unless they are vintage or collectible.

2. Choose the Right Selling Platform

Different platforms cater to different audiences. See our breakdown below for the best place to sell given your preferences.

3. Prepare Your Clothes for Sale

Presentation matters. Wash, iron, and remove any lint or stains from your clothing. If needed, repair small tears or replace missing buttons. Buyers are more likely to purchase items that look well-maintained.

4. Take High-Quality Photos

Good lighting and clear images are crucial for attracting buyers. Photograph items on a clean, neutral background, showing multiple angles, close-up details, and any labels or tags.

5. Write an Effective Listing

Your listing should include:

• A clear and concise title (e.g., "Zara Black Midi Dress, Size M")
• Detailed description, including fabric type, fit, and condition
• Measurements, if applicable
• Keywords and brand names to improve searchability

6. Set a Competitive Price

Research similar listings on your chosen platform to determine a fair price. Factor in brand, condition, and demand. Consider offering discounts for bulk purchases or first-time buyers.

7. Ship & Deliver Efficiently

Once you make a sale, ship the item promptly. Use proper packaging to protect the garment and include a thank-you note to encourage positive reviews.

By following these steps, you’ll set yourself up for success and be ready to scale your business as you gain more experience. Now, let’s explore how to expand and grow your resale venture!

The Best Online Stores for Selling Used Clothes

If you're looking to sell your used clothes online, choosing the right platform is key. Here are some of the best online marketplaces for reselling clothing:

• Poshmark – Best for brand-name and trendy fashion. The app allows for social selling, where users can share listings to increase visibility. Sellers pay a commission: $2.95 for items under $15 and 20% for higher-priced items.

• Depop – Popular among younger buyers and for selling vintage, streetwear, and unique fashion pieces. Depop takes a 10% commission on sales.

• eBay – A well-established marketplace ideal for all types of clothing, including high-end fashion and vintage. Fees vary but typically range from 10-15%.

• Vinted – Offers a seller-friendly model with no selling fees, making it an excellent choice for maximizing profits.

• The RealReal – Specializes in luxury designer items. The platform authenticates items and takes a commission of 20-50% depending on the item’s value.

• ThredUp – A consignment store where sellers send in clothing, and the platform lists and sells items for them. Sellers receive a commission based on item value, with lower-value pieces earning a smaller percentage.

• Facebook Marketplace & Craigslist – Best for local sales, with no selling fees. You can arrange in-person pick-ups or shipping for added convenience.

Related: If you're looking to buy affordable interview clothes before selling your old ones, check out our guide on The Best Stores for Affordable Interview Clothes.

The Best Stores to Sell Your Clothes In-Person

For those who prefer selling in-person, there are plenty of options to consider:

• Buffalo Exchange – A nationwide resale chain that buys trendy, high-quality clothing. Sellers can receive cash or store credit.

• Plato’s Closet – Best for younger fashion and teen/young adult styles. They pay cash on the spot for in-demand brands and trendy pieces.

• Crossroads Trading – A similar model to Buffalo Exchange, focusing on stylish and high-quality items.

• Local Consignment Shops – Many boutique-style consignment stores will accept high-end or designer items and give sellers a percentage once sold.

• Flea Markets & Clothing Swaps – Great for selling vintage or niche fashion pieces directly to shoppers.

• Garage Sales & Community Markets – If you’re clearing out a large number of clothes, hosting a garage sale or participating in a community event can help you move inventory quickly.

Selling in-person can be a faster way to get cash immediately, but online marketplaces often yield higher profits. Consider using both methods to maximize your reach and sales potential.

How to Sell Used Clothes: Where to Take What

Not sure what to do with your used clothes? Whether you're cleaning out the kids' closet, downsizing your wardrobe, or offloading last season’s outfits, this guide breaks down the best places to sell different types of clothing, with practical advice, no business strategies required.

Everyday Clothing (T-Shirts, Jeans, Casualwear)

These are the items you wear every day — think Old Navy, Gap, H&M, and similar brands. They're great for local or in-person resale.

Platform/Store	Ideal For	How It Works
Plato’s Closet	Teens/young adult casual wear	Walk-in, instant quote, cash or credit
Buffalo Exchange	Trendy casualwear (seasonal items)	In-store drop-off, cash or credit
Facebook Marketplace	Bulk lots or single items	Local pickup, no fees

Pro Tip: Fold and bag your clothes neatly before bringing them in.

Designer or Brand-Name Fashion

Got something with a label? Brands like Lululemon, Coach, or Free People do well on certain platforms.

Platform/Store	Best For	Fees/Details
The RealReal	Luxury/designer (handbags, shoes)	High commission, but handled for you
Poshmark	Popular mid-tier brands	You list and ship; 20% fee over $15
eBay	Vintage or niche designer pieces	Variable fees; global audience

Pro Tip: Include original packaging or receipts if you still have them.

 Workwear (Blazers, Slacks, Office Attire)

Office outfits from brands like Loft, Ann Taylor, or Express are best sold where buyers are looking for gently used professional attire.

Platform/Store	Ideal For	Details
ThredUp	Professional & name-brand clothing	Send-in bag; they handle listings
Local Consignment	Workwear with resale value	Pay varies (split sale price)
Facebook Buy/Sell	Office clothing bundles	Good for fast, local sales

Pro Tip: Make sure items are wrinkle-free and clean to improve your payout.

Formalwear (Gowns, Suits, Prom Dresses)

Formalwear is often worn once — and it still has value.

Platform/Store	Best For	Notes
Stillwhite	Wedding dresses	Large resale audience
Nearly Newlywed	Designer bridal/formalwear	Verification and support included
Facebook Marketplace	Prom, quinceañera, occasion wear	Best during peak seasons
Local Dress Boutiques	High-quality formalwear	Many offer consignment

Pro Tip: List formalwear in advance of prom/wedding season to maximize visibility.

Baby & Kids' Clothing

Children outgrow clothes fast. Gently-used items in bundles can be sold easily.

Platform/Store	Best For	Process
Once Upon a Child	Infant to pre-teen clothing	In-store, same-day cash
Kidizen	Brand-name kids’ clothes	App-based resale, you handle shipping
Facebook/Mom Groups	Local bundles or hand-me-downs	Post with sizes & conditions

Pro Tip: Group clothing by age/size and season to increase buyer interest.

Shoes, Bags, and Accessories

If you’re letting go of shoes, handbags, or accessories, different platforms work based on value.

Platform/Store	Best For	Details
The RealReal	Designer shoes, handbags	High commission but handled for you
eBay	Rare/collectible accessories	Requires self-shipping
Vinted	Affordable fashion accessories	No seller fees; easy to list

Pro Tip: Photograph the bottoms of shoes, inside of bags, and brand labels. 

Note: The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Contact your financial advisor regarding your specific financial situation.