How to sell vintage clothing on eBay and Vinted

• Measurements, because vintage sizes differ from modern ones.
• The era, and how you know (labels, construction, fabric).
• The label, brand and fabric content.
• Wear: stains, holes, fading, broken zips, missing buttons.
• Smell, such as storage or smoke smell.
• Whether it's been altered.

1. The front and back of the garment, laid flat or on a mannequin.
2. The brand label and the care or fabric label.
3. Details such as buttons, zips, stitching and embroidery.
4. Any flaws, each in its own photo.
5. The garment worn, if you can, to show the fit.
6. Measurements with a tape measure across the garment.

• Start with "vintage" only if it's at least 20 years old.
• Add the decade only if you can back it up.
• Add the brand, garment type and colour.
• Add the measured size rather than the label size, for example "fits modern UK 10".

Example title

Vintage 1980s Levi's Denim Jacket Mid Wash, Pit to Pit 56cm, Fits M

Words buyers search for

• vintage
• retro
• 1970s
• 1980s
• 1990s
• Y2K
• made in UK
• deadstock
• original
• pit to pit
• high waisted
• oversized

• Pit to pit, length, shoulder and sleeve for tops and jackets.
• Waist, hips, rise, inseam and leg opening for trousers.
• Bust, waist, hips and length for dresses.
• Waist and length for skirts.
• Measure flat and say whether figures are laid flat or doubled.

• Describe every flaw with its location.
• Say whether it's been washed, cleaned or repaired.
• Mention smells honestly.
• Say if it's been altered, such as a taken-up hem.
• Use "deadstock" only for old stock that has never been worn or sold.

Vinted tends to suit vintage clothing, especially recognisable brands and styles that fit current trends.

eBay tends to suit rarer vintage pieces, collectable brands and older garments, where buyers search by era and brand.

Etsy also has a vintage category, and defines vintage as at least 20 years old.

• Fold garments neatly and put them in a plastic bag inside the parcel to protect them from damp.
• Fragile fabrics should be wrapped in tissue.
• Heavy coats and leather jackets may need a larger parcel; check the size and weight on the postage guide.

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

• Calling new retro-style clothing vintage.
• Relying on the label size instead of measuring.
• Guessing the era without evidence.
• Missing flaws such as small holes or stains.
• Not mentioning smells.

What counts as vintage?

Vintage generally means at least 20 years old. Etsy, for example, uses this definition. Newer items in an older style are retro-style, not vintage.

How do I date a vintage garment?

Labels, care symbols, zips, fabric and construction all give clues. If you can't be sure, describe the clues rather than giving a specific decade.

Should I wash vintage clothing before selling?

If the care label allows and the fabric is sturdy, a gentle wash can help. For delicate fabrics, say it's unwashed rather than risk damage.