How to Sell Clothes Online (and Actually Make Money Without Losing Your Mind)

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 Let’s be real: your closet probably has a few “what was I thinking?” purchases — that neon jacket, those “statement” shoes, or the jeans you swore would fit after two weeks at the gym. The good news? They might still be worth something.

Selling clothes online has gone from a side hustle to a small art form. But with so many apps and websites — ThredUp, Poshmark, The RealReal, and more — it can feel like deciding between Netflix shows: too many choices, not enough patience.

Don’t worry. I’ve been there. I once tried selling a vintage jacket online, only to learn that “vintage” and “old and smells weird” are not the same thing. But after a few trial runs and research (and a few lost shipping labels), I learned exactly how to sell clothes online the smart way.

This guide breaks down where and how to sell your clothes for the most cash, plus how to avoid rookie mistakes.

The Big Question: What’s in Your Closet (and How Much Effort Can You Handle)?

Before you dive into selling, take a look at your clothes — and yourself.

Ask two simple questions:

1. Are these clothes high-end or everyday?
   (Are we talking Gucci or Gap?)

2. Do I want to do the work myself or let someone else handle it?

Your answers will help you choose the right platform — because selling a $20 H&M sweater and a $2,000 Louis Vuitton bag require very different approaches.

Let’s compare the most popular options side by side.

🧾 Comparison Table: Best Sites to Sell Clothes Online

Platform	Best For	Effort Level	Commission or Fees	Special Features
ThredUp	Everyday women’s & kids’ clothes	Low – you send items, they sell for you	3–80% of sales, plus $14.99 bag fee	Prepaid shipping bag, recycling option
Poshmark	Everyday fashion & accessories	High – you list, price, and ship	20% or $2.95 fee	“Posh Parties” for themed sales
The RealReal	Designer brands (Gucci, LV, Chanel)	Low	20–70% commission based on sales	Free pickup, authentication
Vestiaire Collective	Luxury peer-to-peer resale	Medium	10%–fixed $2,000 fee	Strict authentication, global buyers
Facebook Marketplace / OfferUp	Local sales	Medium	Free (except optional boosts)	Local pickup, no shipping
eBay / Etsy	All categories	High	10–15% seller fee	Huge audience, flexible listings

1. ThredUp – The “Set It and Forget It” Option

Perfect for: People who want to declutter fast with minimal effort.
Effort level: Low.
Best for: Women’s and kids’ clothes.

ThredUp is like having a digital thrift store assistant who does everything for you — except folding laundry. You order a Clean Out Kit (a prepaid bag), fill it with clothes, and send it back. They handle the rest: inspecting, photographing, pricing, and listing your items.

You’ll earn anywhere from 3% to 80% of the sale price, depending on the value of your clothes. Designer pieces get higher payouts, but casual brands (like H&M or Old Navy) might only fetch a few dollars.

💡 Pro Tip: Use ThredUp if your main goal is convenience, not profit. It’s great for clearing out space without the hassle.

Real-World Example:
My friend Sarah sent in 20 pieces from Zara, Gap, and Loft. A few weeks later, she earned $48 — not life-changing, but she didn’t have to lift another finger.

2. Poshmark – The Social Butterfly of Resale Apps

Perfect for: Sellers who enjoy curating, chatting, and negotiating.
Effort level: High.
Best for: Men’s, women’s, and kids’ fashion plus accessories.

If you love taking outfit photos and can write a killer caption, Poshmark is your runway. You snap pics, write descriptions, set prices, and ship items yourself.

Poshmark takes $2.95 on sales under $15 and 20% on sales over $15. The app also hosts “Posh Parties” — themed sales events that boost visibility for your listings.

💡 Pro Tip: Poshmark is part social network, part shop. The more you engage (share listings, follow others, comment), the better your sales.

Real-World Example:
A college student I interviewed resells thrifted clothes on Poshmark. By uploading new listings daily, she made over $1,200 in one semester, just by reselling secondhand jeans and sneakers.

3. The RealReal – The VIP Lounge for Designer Goods

Perfect for: Fashionistas with luxury taste (or a closet full of “investment pieces”).
Effort level: Low.
Best for: Designer items like Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada.

The RealReal is the gold standard for selling luxury fashion online. You ship or drop off your items (or schedule a free pickup in select cities). The company authenticates, prices, and sells them for you — ensuring your buyer isn’t getting a fake, and you’re not getting scammed.

Commissions start at 20% for items under $99, and can reach 70% for total monthly sales above $5,000.

💡 Pro Tip: If your closet looks like a Vogue photoshoot, The RealReal is your best bet.

Real-World Example:
One seller listed a Chanel handbag she no longer used. It sold for $2,500, earning her $1,750 after commission — without writing a single listing herself.

4. Vestiaire Collective – Luxury Resale with Global Reach

Perfect for: Fashion-forward sellers who want control (and worldwide buyers).
Effort level: Medium.
Best for: Designer clothing, bags, and accessories.

Vestiaire Collective lets you list luxury items yourself, but with one twist: every item is authenticated before it’s shipped. That gives buyers confidence and helps sellers command higher prices.

Fees depend on the price:

• 10% for items between $83–$16,667

• $10 for items under $83

• Fixed $2,000 fee for ultra-luxury items (over $16,668)

They also charge a 3% payment processing fee, but serious buyers on this platform often pay top dollar.

💡 Pro Tip: Take clear, bright photos and show brand tags to pass authentication faster.

5. Local and General Platforms (Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, eBay, Etsy)

Perfect for: People who like quick, local sales or want to control every detail.

If you don’t want to ship clothes across the country, try selling locally on Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp. You can meet buyers directly and keep all your earnings.

Or, if you’re into niche fashion — like handmade or vintage pieces — Etsy and eBay let you reach a global audience. Just remember: more eyes mean more effort.

💡 Pro Tip: Always meet local buyers in public places and accept secure payments like PayPal to stay safe.

How to Make Your Clothes Sell Faster

Once you’ve picked your platform, focus on presentation and pricing — that’s where most sellers go wrong.

🧺 1. Freshen Up Your Merchandise

Wash, iron, or dry-clean before listing. Polish shoes and bags. Clothes that look clean and crisp sell faster — and at higher prices.

📸 2. Take Clear, Honest Photos

Good lighting is your best friend. Lay items flat on a solid surface or hang them neatly.
Include close-ups of labels and any flaws. Buyers trust listings that look professional.

✍️ 3. Write Honest Descriptions

Describe the size, brand, color, and fit. Mention any small imperfections — honesty keeps your seller rating high.

💰 4. Price It Right

Do a quick search on your platform to see what similar items sell for.
If your listing doesn’t move in two weeks, lower the price or refresh your photos.

Final Thoughts: Turning Your Closet Into Cash (Without Losing Your Cool)

Selling clothes online isn’t just about making money — it’s about decluttering, recycling, and learning the value of what you own.

Start small. Pick one or two platforms that match your style and effort level. Whether you want to casually clean out your closet through ThredUp or turn Poshmark into your side hustle, there’s a platform for you.

Remember: clean presentation, honest descriptions, and patience go a long way.

Call to Action:
💬 Have you ever sold clothes online? Which platform worked best for you — or which one was a total flop? Share your experience in the comments below!