You may not have thought about selling your clothes before, but the pandemic has made many of us open our closets and think, “I have nowhere to wear this,” instead of “I have nothing to wear.” With lockdowns and hybrid work routines, having a huge wardrobe often no longer makes sense. Now is the moment to pare down to a lean, functional closet filled with versatile pieces that work at home, on video calls and, eventually, back in the office.
So, where do you start? Which items should you sell, and which are worth keeping or replacing with smarter investments?
The fashion resale market is thriving, and that forgotten blazer or pair of shoes at the back of your wardrobe can turn into extra cash. Platforms like eBay Canada reported notable growth in fashion listings during the pandemic as people refreshed their closets and turned to resale as a practical option.
Lawrence Levinson, president and chair of the Customer Experience Professionals Association (CXPA), says clearing out his own closet led him to help family and friends sell items online. During the pandemic he sold everything from clothes and musical instruments to furniture and even a car. Over 22 years of part-time selling on online marketplaces, Levinson has earned more than $25,000; about $10,000 of that came from clothing alone. He’s learned that desirable or rare items often sell faster, but even worn pieces can find buyers when described honestly—Levinson once sold a stained Peter Gabriel concert T-shirt for US$40 after clearly disclosing its condition.
How to make money selling your clothes
There are several routes to sell your gently used items. Online marketplaces like eBay, Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace offer different advantages: local platforms make quick, contact-free exchanges easy, while eBay connects you to a broader buyer base, including international customers. Listing an item is simple and often free; fees apply only when an item sells. For example, eBay charges a final value fee on sales, so factor that into your pricing.
Consignment stores are another option. They typically offer sellers a percentage of the sale price in cash or provide a higher percentage as store credit. Each consignment shop has its own terms and specialties—designer consignment shops may fetch higher prices for luxury items, while general consignment stores work well for everyday brand names.
How much you can make depends on the brand, condition, rarity and demand for each item. Take quality photos, write clear descriptions and be upfront about any flaws; transparency builds trust and helps items sell faster.
What to toss, what to sell
To begin, empty your closet and group everything by category—shirts, jackets, pants, activewear, shoes and accessories. Then evaluate each piece with a few simple questions suggested by fashion experts:
- Do I like it?
- Does it fit? If it doesn’t fit now, will it realistically fit again?
- Does it fit well and feel comfortable for daily wear?
- How often do I wear it?
- Is it hard to maintain (dry-clean-only, requires ironing or delicate care)?
Sort items into five piles:
- Keep: Pieces you wear and love.
- Discard: Items with irreparable holes, major stains or severe damage.
- Sell or donate: Gently used items in good condition. These perform well on resale platforms or at consignment.
- Store: Sentimental pieces—limit this to one bin of true keepsakes.
- Alter: Clothing that can be easily repaired or tailored. Once fixed, move these to the appropriate pile.
Return the items you’re keeping to your closet in an organized way—by category and colour—so you can clearly see what you own and identify any wardrobe gaps to fill with intentional purchases.
Invest in the clothes you need
Think of new purchases as investments rather than impulse buys. The pandemic favors a minimalist wardrobe built around fewer, better-made items that last. A higher-quality piece will have a higher initial cost-per-wear, but that cost drops over time as you wear it more. Buying fewer, better items saves money in the long run and reduces environmental impact.
Style advisors recommend natural fibres like wool, cotton or quality blends because they tend to age better. Look for solid construction: secure stitching, good fit and materials that resist pilling and wear. A well-chosen investment piece—such as a classic blazer or quality coat—can become a finishing touch that elevates many outfits and gets heavy rotation.
What a minimalist wardrobe looks like
A minimalist wardrobe focuses on pieces that work together and cover most of your daily needs. Essentials will vary by lifestyle and stage of life, but the following selections serve as a practical foundation for many people:
Slim fit joggers
Slim, tapered joggers bridge comfort and a put-together look. Choose styles that read as tailored and can pair with a blazer or knit for video calls and casual outings.
The classic blazer
A sweater-style or unstructured blazer offers comfort while still looking sharp on camera. Look for natural fibres and clean tailoring. A versatile blazer instantly dresses up jeans, joggers or a simple tee.
The fine-knit sweater
Fine-knit sweaters are excellent layering pieces and can look polished during video meetings. Choose natural fibres like merino, cotton or cashmere when possible, and consider refined sweatshirt styles for comfort without sacrificing appearance.
The essential winter coat
With more walking and casual outings, a practical but stylish winter coat is essential. Choose a warm, streamlined coat—down puffers with a polished look or a classic wool coat with a notched lapel—for versatility across casual and dressier occasions.
Wearable shoes and boots
Neutral sneakers and reliable boots are foundation footwear. White sneakers work with many looks; in colder months, choose a lined boot that can handle thick socks and winter conditions.
A classic white tee and button-down shirt
A clean white tee and a well-cut button-down are wardrobe staples that can be refreshed every season. Aim for slightly oversized or relaxed fits that style well under layers; avoid cheap construction like puckering collars.
Flattering jeans
Know what shapes and cuts suit your body before buying jeans online. Pay attention to pocket placement, rise, distressing and stretch content. A straight cut in a darker wash is a timeless choice that pairs well with both casual and smart pieces.
By clearing out what you no longer wear and thoughtfully investing in a few high-quality essentials, you can create a more functional, stylish closet that reflects the way you live now—while earning extra cash from items that no longer serve you.