How to sell jeans on eBay and Vinted

• Actual measurements, because a labelled W32 can measure very differently.
• The fit: skinny, slim, straight, bootcut, wide leg, mom, relaxed and so on.
• Wear at the inner thighs and crotch, which is where denim usually goes first.
• Frayed hems, belt loops and back pocket edges.
• Fading, whiskering and whether it's natural wear or a factory finish.
• Stretch content, which changes the fit.
• The brand label, care label and any model number (for example 501).

1. Front, laid flat and smoothed out.
2. Back, showing the pockets and leather or paper patch.
3. Close-up of the brand label and the size or care label.
4. The crotch and inner thighs.
5. Hems, both legs.
6. The colour in daylight, as denim washes look different under indoor light.
7. A worn photo if you're happy to, which helps buyers picture the fit.
8. Any flaws: rips you didn't intend, stains, missing buttons or rivets.

• Brand, then model or fit name, then gender.
• Waist and leg size as labelled, for example W32 L30, and add the UK size for women's jeans.
• Add the wash or colour: light wash, dark indigo, black, raw denim.
• Include the rise if it's distinctive: high waisted, mid rise, low rise.
• If the label and the measurements differ, say so in the description, not the title.

Example title

Levi's 501 Original Fit Men's Jeans W32 L30 Mid Blue Wash Straight Leg

Words buyers search for

• brand and model number (501, 511, Ribcage)
• fit (straight, slim, bootcut, wide leg, mom, flare)
• W and L size
• UK size for women's
• rise (high waisted, mid rise)
• wash (light, mid, dark, black, raw)
• stretch or rigid denim
• vintage, Y2K, 90s (only if true)

• Waist: across the waistband laid flat, then doubled. Say which figure you're giving.
• Inseam: from the crotch seam to the bottom of the hem.
• Rise: from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband at the front.
• Leg opening: across the hem, laid flat.
• Thigh: across the leg just below the crotch.
• Hips: across the widest point, laid flat, for women's styles.

• Check the crotch in good light and say what you find, even if it's 'no thinning'.
• Separate designed distressing from actual damage.
• Mention whether they've been taken up and whether the original hem is kept.
• Note any stretching at the waist or knees from wear.
• Say if they've shrunk or been tumble dried, if you know.

Everyday jeans tend to suit Vinted, where buyers filter by size and brand and often bundle several items.

Vintage and collectable denim, older Levi's with specific details, selvedge and raw denim often find specialist buyers on eBay, who search by model and era.

Either way, measurements matter more than the platform: listings without them get more questions and more returns.

• Fold jeans neatly and put them in a plastic bag inside a mailing bag to keep them dry.
• A single pair often fits in a small parcel, but heavy denim can be bulky, so check the packed thickness and weight.
• Roll rather than fold if you need to fit a thinner parcel size.
• Weigh the packed parcel: heavyweight denim weighs more than most clothing.

Not sure which parcel size you need? Check the postage size guide.

• Giving only the label size.
• Leaving out the inseam, which buyers ask for more than anything.
• Hiding crotch wear or thinning.
• Calling every pair 'vintage' or 'Y2K' when they're recent.
• Photographing dark denim indoors so the colour looks black.

Should I give the waist measurement doubled or flat?

Measure it flat across the waistband, then say which figure you're giving. Many sellers give both, for example 'waist 40 cm flat (80 cm all round)'.

What is the rise?

The distance from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband. It tells buyers where the jeans will sit: high, mid or low.

How do I know if my Levi's are vintage?

Look at the care label, the button backs and the red tab and paper patch details. If you're not sure, describe what you see and photograph it rather than putting a decade in the title.