Top tips for prepping your clothes to sell online

• The experts at Suit Direct share their top tips for prepping your items to sell them on second-hand sites
• From how to store your garments beforehand to how to remove stains

January is the perfect time to reset and clear out your wardrobes, ready for any fresh purchases in 2023. With searches for re-selling sites such as Vinted up by 308% in the last 12 months and interest spiking since Christmas, rather than simply throw clothes away, many people look to give their garments a second lease of life and sell on.

So, the experts at Suit Direct have put together some top tips for getting your items’ picture perfect’ ready for uploading and selling on sites such as Depop, Vinted and eBay.

Spot clean stains ASAP

No matter how hard you try and prevent it, from chosen tipples to sit-down meals, clothes will eventually pick up stains. When the inevitable occurs, don’t leave it to your dry cleaner – spot clean as soon as possible. Unless stated otherwise on the care label, blot with water using a clean paper towel.

Suppose this method doesn’t remove the stain; once you have the means, use a microfiber cloth to dab a stain remover, or a drop of neutral pH detergent, on the fabric. If your clothing is a more delicate material such as wool or cashmere, always use a fabric-specific detergent which will have a tailored pH level.

Always check the labelling on your clothing

Different fabrics require different methods of care. So, when caring for your clothes, you should always check the care label before getting started.

As a rule of thumb, cotton shirts can be thrown in the washing machine on a cold, gentle cycle. To protect the fabric, turn your garments inside out and use a mesh laundry bag so that buttons and zippers don’t get damaged or snag. Unbutton everything, including the cuffs, and remove any collar stays before washing.

On the other hand, particular wool and silk garments often need to be hand-washed to preserve their construction. To hand-wash, fill a basin with cold water and a mild detergent, soak your items, swish them around and rinse well. Afterwards, lay the clothing on a clean towel, roll it up with them inside and squeeze out the excess water – but don’t twist or wring; this could misshape your tailoring. Repeat this step until damp, then lay the garments flat to dry.

Air dry in a cool, dry place

Although most clothing can be tumble-dried, the best method to protect your clothes is to air dry them in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight.

Use a wide, sturdy wooden hanger with rounded edges to hold the shape of your garments. Trousers should be placed on a clipped wooden hanger. When air-drying, never cram clothes together as they won’t ventilate properly and may leave a musty smell.

Swap the iron for a steamer

Ironing poses a greater risk of your garments becoming heat damaged. This is especially true for heat-sensitive materials such as cashmere, velvet, corduroy, and structured jackets. 

If you have access to a steamer, take care of your garment by running the steamer in downward strokes along the fabric. You don’t need to press hard or push the material against anything; the steam will gently remove the wrinkles on its own and deodorise the garment. If you don’t have a steamer, use the steam setting on an iron to gently run over any creases.

Store more precious garments in a cloth cover

Some garments may be more precious than others, so before you sell them, keep them protected from moths, mildew and dust, and store them in a breathable cloth cover. Always avoid plastic covers as they can trap moisture and leave your clothes smelling damp

Hang the clothing in a cool, dry, clean, and dark wardrobe. If you have several outfits, ensure that you space them evenly inside the closet to prevent creasing. For extra moth and mould prevention, place a few cedar blocks or sachets of lavender in your wardrobe.

For more helpful tips on looking after clothing, please visit: https://www.suitdirect.co.uk/