How to Sell Vintage Clothing

Granny's cocktail dress and grampa's Bermuda shorts could have more than sentimental value. Vintage clothing lovers, collectors and thrift store owners are on the hunt for retro threads. They'll pay you big bucks for these items as well. So dig out your vintage best and read the tips below to pad your wallet.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Vintage clothing
• Car
• Computer
• Internet access
• Digital camera
• Cleaning detergents

1. Know what vintage clothing is. Before you try selling that bomber jacket from 1991, understand what buyers want. Typically, interests are geared toward fashion that predates 1985.
2. Familiarize yourself with trends in vintage clothing and learn the basics about the history of fashion design and clothing construction.
3. Search through your closet and drawers. Select clothing and accessories that are in good condition, unique and back in style.
4. Wash and clean the clothing. Garment care labels weren't introduced until the early '70s, so use your best judgment when treating older pieces. When in doubt, hand wash.
5. Sew on missing buttons and repair minor damage so that clothing is in its best condition.
6. Decide where you want to sell. Ebay, Craigslist and vintage clothing boutiques are all great ways to get quick cash for your clothes. Select your sales venue based on the type of clothing you're trying to sell.
7. Pay attention to presentation. Whether taking clothing directly to a buyer or posting a photograph for an online listing, capture the garment's desirability.

Tips & Warnings

• Before you make that sell, assess the clothing's value. Collectors know a rarity when they see one, and you don't want to undersell the goods.
• Once you become an expert in the field of vintage clothing, scour thrift stores, garage sales and estate sales for diamonds in the rough. Resell items and make a nice profit.