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HomeArticleMake Money from Vintage Clothing

Make Money from Vintage Clothing

Sarah Squires
Mreh/Flickr

It’s official: Second-hand is sexy.

Endorsement from fashion icons like the supermodel Kate Moss and top stylist Bay Garnett has helped charity shop fashion to take hold on the high street.

Cash in on this sudden wave of thrift shop chic by rifling through the back of your wardrobe, trudging down to your local charity shop and generally keeping an eye out for hidden gems wherever you go. Then all you have to do is simply find the right buyer to make a tidy profit!

Now more than ever, people will be hunting for bargains high and low. So it’s important to regularly check your local vintage clothes goldmine to see if any new stock has come in that could potentially make you a mint.

Have a rummage

The number one rule when visiting charity shops is: Don’t be afraid to rummage. It’s usually the case that the most collectable items lurk at the bottom of the pile.

Also, keep going back to any shop you think might have hidden treasures. The good stuff goes fast and twice a week is not excessive for an enthusiastic collector.

Choose the right material

Lena Weber, editor of vintage fashion tribute website QueensofVintage and self-confessed vintage clothing addict says:

“Definitely avoid very artificial fabrics as they are a nightmare to keep clean. Ideally look for items that are made of high quality fabrics such as wool or cotton. I wouldn’t be too worried if an item has a small hole, is missing a button or needs to be hemmed up, this can all be easily fixed. You can find tips on how to remodel ill-fitting vintage in a few quick steps on QueensofVintage.”

Don’t overspend

There aren’t any items of clothing in particular that make the most profit, because it depends how much you buy for, the condition, the label and how limited the availability of the item is.

If you’re just starting out, try not to pay more than £20-£30 for any one item. But, with a bit of knowledge and a dollop of good luck, finding a pair of £2 vintage shoes in charity shop and selling them on for £40-£50 is definitely doable.

Swat up

Beginners should definitely grab themselves a copy of a vintage clothes guide such as Funmi Odulate’s ‘Shopping for Vintage’ (£6.49 from Amazon), just to brush up on some basic info.

Talking about what will be making money late this year, Lena says: “[Fashion week] SS09 is hugely inspired by the 80s. Anything from stonewashed skinny jeans, jumpsuits and neon colour-clash tops to shoulder-padded blazers is in fashion right now. Also, the gaucho look will be massive this year, so invest in a pair of slouchy cowboy boots!”

Before you go trawling through every thrift store in town, look a little closer to home. Most of us have bags of clothes in our attics and wardrobes that are just waiting to come back into style.

Cash in the attic

Have a look through and see if by any chance you’ve got something in good condition that might possibly make you a profit.

Remember that even if you think an item is absolutely hideous, it might well be in fashion at the minute. Keep an open mind about styles, colours and fabrics because, unless you’re already an expert, you can never be too sure if you’ve come across the holy grail of, for instance, stilettos.

Swap it

Also, try having a swap shop with friends (or strangers), to see if you can pick anything out from their junk that could be worth something.

Lena says: “There are… lots of clothes swapping or swishing parties going on. I recently went to a great one at the V&A. You can check on GreenMyStyle for upcoming swishing events.”

Hit the high street

After you’ve turned your house upside down and hassled all your friends, try looking a little further away from home. Most high streets have a charity shop or two, which are ideal for finding forgotten garments handed down through generations. The trick is to inspect everything you find and then trust your instincts.

If you fall in love with an item at first glance, unless you’ve got a particularly quirky style, chances are someone else might too.

Although big names generally sell for more money, it’s much more difficult to find them for just a few quid. Because of this, you’re better off sticking to lower priced items to begin with.

Vintage clothing stores are also a great place to find some original and quirky pieces. However, you’re a lot less likely to make any profit on items you find at one. The shop owners are generally experts in their field and will know which items are more valuable and can therefore be taken to auction or sold for more.

Having said that, vintage stores are often willing to haggle – so give it a go. It’s certainly worth having a look every now and again – you never know what might be hiding beneath a pile of polka dot dresses.

Lena says: “Charity shops are a great place for vintage bargains. The same goes for large vintage shops in non-trendy areas; stay away from Camden Market or Brick Lane for example. There are also some fantastic online shops such as somelikeitvintage that have amazing bargain items.”

Step three: Who to sell your vintage clothes to

At the minute, originality is the key to being stylish. Buying vintage clothing pretty much guarantees that you’re not going to turn up to a party wearing the same dress as someone else. Unless of course you’re particularly unfortunate.

Popular celebs like Peaches Geldof and television presenter/model Alexa Chung swear by vintage. This has given the market for second-hand clothing a serious boost.

Also, there are literally thousands of collectors out there searching for certain items. They are willing to pay big bucks for the much-coveted vintage designer shoe.

Memorable shoes also do very well in auction. The famous ruby-red slippers worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz, made $660,000 (then around £412,000) when sold at auction in 2000.

Just remember that the chances of you stumbling upon a moneymaker like that are one in a bazillion!

There are a few different places you can sell your newly purchased vintage clothes and footwear.

eBay

Of course, the first place people think of is eBay. And yes, people have been known to make a tidy sum from buying and selling there, and people still do.

However, collectors and fashion addicts are getting wise to the scammers and time wasters populating eBay, and now often seek alternatives.

Specialist sites and auctions

If you’ve got your heart set on auctioning your goods off, try SpecialistAuctions, which has a specific section dedicated to vintage wear.

You can also check out local auction houses, to see if they have any vintage clothing auctions running in the near future. If they don’t have an auction specifically for vintage clothing however, it probably isn’t worth bothering with.

You can reach thousands amongst your target market by displaying your goods on a specialist website. Whereas, a real life auction without your specific audience will attract a couple of bidders at the most.

If you’ve picked up anything particularly classy on your travels, send an email to dawn@candysays.co.uk, (from the website CandySays), describing your items. Include some pictures if possible, and she’ll let you know whether or not she wants it for her online store and for what price.

Of course, to get an idea of value for your items, you could haul them along to your local vintage store and just ask them for advice. You never know, they might even offer you a nice wad of cash for what you’ve got.

Making a full-time living by buying and selling vintage clothing and shoes isn’t something you should think about unless you’re an expert in the field.

At best, you can expect to earn a few quid by buying an item for a couple of pounds and selling it on for a double figure.

The big money will be made by buying designer wear and big names as an investment. Labels like Chanel, Givenchy and Dior, for example, will only increase in value as time goes by – providing the articles are in good condition.

Useful links:

  • SpecialistAuctions – a great auction site if you’re looking to sell to a specialist market
  • CandySays – the perfect place for buying and selling quality vintage items
  • Amazon – for catching up on your vintage clothes knowledge
  • QueensOfVintage – a website you need to look at regularly for updates on your local sales and vintage clothes news.

43 Responses to “Make Money from Vintage Clothing”

  1. lauren Stovall says:
    January 31, 2012 at 4:11 pm

    Hi everyone I have recently started a web-based online store as I have been a collector of vintage, mainly unique timeless pieces for a while and started to turn it into a business. I am interested in some tips on how to get my business out to the public and beyond my home state of Michigan. Take a look at the site I am open to feedback, and would appreciate some selling tips. Thanks Lauren

    Reply
  2. Micha says:
    January 8, 2012 at 6:33 pm

    Hi, I’m currently setting up my first business and I’m going to opening up a vintage boutique in West Yorkshire. I would like to specialise in designer vintage clothing and also one off pieces of vintage furniture. If you have any items which you would like to sell I would be very interested and would really appreciate it if you could maybe contact me. Feel free to message me back. Thanks. Micha

    Reply
    • Anna says:
      January 22, 2012 at 2:28 pm

      Hi Micha,
      What are you interested in, as I have a lot of ladies fashion clothes from the 70 ans 80′s. Would that be of interest to you?
      Anna

      Reply
    • Louise says:
      February 1, 2012 at 12:40 pm

      misha I have a lether vasarc (i cant spell it) suit which was my nans I think its a limited addition, its blue n very nice skirt suit I would b very intrested in sellin it

      Reply
  3. Claire Robinson says:
    January 5, 2012 at 12:19 am

    Hi there!

    You are totally right about auctions! they are a great way to buy and sell vintage!

    I run a specialised vintage fashion auction house called Circa Vintage Auctions. being specialised, I appeal to a niche crowd and get a great response and result for my clients :)

    Stop by sometime.

    Claire

    Reply
  4. James Scott says:
    December 27, 2011 at 12:31 pm

    I have a mens Gucci leather jacket for sale, highest quality leather and in excellent condition. If interested email me: jamesaescott@hotmail.com and will be happy to send pictures.

    Reply
  5. Jen says:
    December 18, 2011 at 1:19 am

    I have a few bags full of 70′s women clothes with a few bits for men most of the stuff is brand new some still sealed – it was a loft find – shoes, dresses, jackets and more. based in south london. contact smilecraft@ymail.com if you would like to see pictures.

    Reply
  6. Star says:
    November 28, 2011 at 9:12 pm

    I have a Giorgio Armani vintage black t shirt with kimino cut sleeves and a quilted monkey hanging from a branch holding a banana on the front. It says made in Italy and I dont know how old it is but I have had it about 20 years and the person who gave it to me had had it a long time too. Does anyone have any idea where I could sell it, find out more about it, or what it might be worse. It has been worn.
    Thankyou

    Reply
  7. carlygaga says:
    November 16, 2011 at 12:31 pm

    I have approx 20 items of womens vintage clothing, small size, printed dresses, skirts etc, all v good condition from 60′s/70′s that im looking to sell. Is anyone interested? im based in london.

    Reply
    • Claire Robinson says:
      January 5, 2012 at 12:22 am

      Hi Carly,

      I run a vintage fashion auction house called Circa Vintage Auctions! I May be able to help you sell your vintage items. we can arrange an insured courier if you cannot make it to our base in the West Midlands.

      Hope this helps

      Kindest regards,

      Claire

      Reply
  8. kirsty says:
    July 17, 2011 at 6:45 pm

    Hi, i have a pair of mens flared jeans from the 70′s (unworn) by Brutus for sale, drop me a line if anyone is intrested. kirsty.ann@hotmail.co.uk

    Reply
    • Matthew says:
      November 8, 2011 at 8:09 pm

      Hello,
      I could be interested in your brutus jeans? also any shirts if you have some?? If you could let me know how much you wanted for them I would be most grateful.

      Regards
      Matt

      Reply
  9. tom says:
    July 12, 2011 at 4:42 am

    Been collecting since 1980 and have a 30 by 60 foot ware house full plus a store 20 by 100 full. im getting older and it’s time to start reducing stock. You name it i believe i have it. tom

    Reply
  10. Anne says:
    June 6, 2011 at 7:30 pm

    Try The Barras in Glasgow. There is a really long clothing stall there, piled randomly with clothes of all sorts for men, women and childen. You’ll have to rummage but the prices are incredibly low.

    Reply
  11. Ade says:
    May 21, 2011 at 3:32 pm

    I have a whole heap of Channel suits , shoes and bags .The suits are like the ones that Jaqueline Onasis looked so beautiful in – also other designer lables

    Reply
  12. James says:
    May 15, 2011 at 10:06 am

    anyone after quality american vintage sweatshirts from the 90s, i have many in stock, ONE OF A KIND
    we have:
    Major league baseball
    NBA
    NHL
    Disney
    If interested add lost’n found vtg on facebook and offer me a price
    thanks
    lostnfound

    Reply
  13. Kristen says:
    April 12, 2011 at 6:32 pm

    I have a 1970′s Lillie Rubin sweep chiffon 2-tone evening gown with pearl and sparkling rhinestones in the center of the dress. I am wanting to find out how much it may be worth. (and who I could sell it to if I decide to do so) Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

    Reply
  14. ethan king says:
    March 16, 2011 at 1:20 am

    any one looking for cheap vintage clothing in the uk please contact me blissboy56@yahoo.com 07883168736

    Reply
  15. Jennie says:
    March 12, 2011 at 8:51 pm

    Hi
    Anyone looking to sell womens or mens vintage clothes? We are always on the look out for new stock. Email jennie@vintageowlboutique.com with a description and photos of the items you would like to sell and we will get back to you asap!
    Big love,
    Jennie

    Reply
  16. becky says:
    January 22, 2011 at 3:37 pm

    heed an egent who will be helping me to source for good items like shoes cloths, pls if you can drop your contacts,thanks

    Reply
  17. laura says:
    January 6, 2011 at 8:36 am

    Hi I have a vintage 1980′s gorgeous camel dress it has never been worn and even has the original tags attached! I’m keen to sell it -is anyone interested?

    Reply
  18. Aimee says:
    January 3, 2011 at 9:03 pm

    This is a great article, very helpful. Is anyone looking for a bundle of womens brand new and worn once/twice clothing? I have 33 items by designer and high street brands which I’d like to sell as a lot of single items. They’re all in super condition and there is a variety of tops,dresses,skirts,hoodies,jeans etc.

    Let me know if you’d like more information and pictures etc. Thanks

    Aimee

    Reply
  19. R. Cochran says:
    December 9, 2010 at 4:08 pm

    In making money from Vintage clothing, here in the USA, it is imperative that people know where to find YOU. Consignment, advertising in community newspapers to have people allow you to go through their attics, closets and then perhaps even offer to buy something there on the spot is the way to go.
    If an older woman calls and asks if you might be interested in looking at some *clothes and costume jewelry* she has had for 50 years and wants to get rid of, you have to hop on that IMMEDIATELY. If you are not creative in how you procur vintage goodies, you will find your money flying out the door, or you are purchasing loads of stuff at an overpriced auction that barely covers your expenses to get there to bid.
    Questions you ask before you go are simple. Some are obvious as well. Be a good listener. If she is 80 years old and is talking about a few necklaces she wore in high school take notice,
    “Could you describe to me a few of the items you are talking about?” ( I got a beautiful Estate Sale 1940′s mouton coat for 5 bucks that way) you will often find gems galore that way.Listen to THEIR descriptions. They may talk about an *old* dress with a lot of beads fromn the 20′s that is a deliciously marketable flapper dress you can sell quickly in a niche market.
    Bottom line, you are the*expert* in procuring vintage items to sell.Our shop MILLAA BOUTIQUE is known for items for women who don’t run with the crowd.It is our tagline. Establish YOURSELF as the *go to *
    boutique or person in your community.It will mean a world of diference.

    Reply
  20. smitoni says:
    November 17, 2010 at 11:35 am

    I have a large assortment of designer and hand made clothes from Italy ie Benny Ong,Jaeger,Mondi,La Differance (Monte Carlo),Cerrutti,Jane(Couture),Ungaro(Paris)Josephine(Hand made)Jouve,Basler,Vanessa Aspection,Max Mara,Valentino etc that I am looking to sell. I will sell individually but it would be great if any one could take bulk. My email is smitoni@googlemail.com for any enquiries regarding descriptions size etc.

    Reply
    • Joanne says:
      November 19, 2010 at 1:14 pm

      Hi smitoni i would be interested in having a look at your clothes would it be possible for you to email some pics? thanks look forward to hearing from you !

      Reply
  21. undershirt says:
    November 9, 2010 at 6:42 pm

    Thanks for posting this kind of a terrific site. this blog was not just knowledgeable but also very inventive too. There usually are a minimal number of web owners who can create technical stuff that creatively. we look for articles about a subject such as this. I have gone in detail through numerous web sites to find understanding regarding this.Maintain writing in !!

    Reply
  22. Kate Browne says:
    August 11, 2010 at 5:30 pm

    I live in Canterbury and have quite a few women’s vintage pieces from the 70′s and 80′s if anyone is interested, all in excellent condition. Please contact me on my email address. Thanks, Kate.

    Reply
  23. alison says:
    July 29, 2010 at 4:19 pm

    I live near Bristol and have the last part of my collection of vintage clothes for sale. I am hoping to sell in one lot. There are some fairly ordinary clothes as well as valentino, christian lacroix shoes. If anyone is interested please contact me on my email address

    Reply
    • Caroline says:
      August 2, 2010 at 4:48 pm

      Hi Alison

      I would be interested. Can you let me know what items, conditions, etc….pics would be good.

      Thanks

      Reply
  24. Denise says:
    July 16, 2010 at 2:33 pm

    For anyone wishing to sell collections of good quality vintage menswear then feel free to contact Denise @ http://www.vintagewhistles.co.uk.
    Please state what you have for sale and how much you would want for it, include a few pics if you can and we will get back to you.

    Reply
  25. lee says:
    February 25, 2010 at 9:40 am

    northern quarter, manchester -better than camden locks by a mile in my opinion!!!

    Reply
  26. Camden Market says:
    January 11, 2010 at 12:01 pm

    Thanks for making this post, Camden Lock has lots to offer every type of visitor, and it’s what makes it one of London’s top tourist attractions.

    Reply

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