Do you ever feel like your closet is full, but you still can’t find anything to wear? It may be time to give your wardrobe a reset, in a way where you can also make some money. Welcome to the world of reselling, a sustainable and budget-friendly trend that’s taking over Gen Z.
Reselling isn’t just a way to earn extra cash. It’s also a meaningful step toward reducing the wastefulness of modern fashion. According to Earth.org, a trusted nonprofit dedicated to providing accurate, science-backed environmental insights, “The number of times a garment is worn has declined by around 36 percent in 15 years.” This decline highlights how important it is to extend the wearability of unused clothing and make more thoughtful fashion choices.
You’re probably wondering, “How can I get started with reselling?” While the concept may seem daunting, breaking it down into manageable steps makes it much simpler, and even fun. Ryan Hoyt, a West Virginia University student and avid reseller who has made hundreds of sales, shares practical tips to help any beginner turn their closet into a sustainable and profitable side hustle.
How to Get Started with Reselling
Step 1: Download Reselling Apps
“Download apps like Mercari, Poshmark, or Depop and see which one you like the best,” Hoyt recommends. “Don’t overvalue your items, and be attentive on the app. It’s a lot easier than people think.”
Step 2: Select Items to Sell
Hoyt suggests focusing on high-demand items. “Obviously, high-end luxury brands do the best. My fastest sales were all Chrome Hearts pieces, which sold within minutes. Jackets, especially North Face, also sell really well.”
When deciding what’s worth listing, Hoyt advises checking the item’s condition and looking up sold listings to gauge its resale potential. “It’s a learning process. Some items you think are valuable might not be, and vice versa.”
Step 3: Create Listings That Sell
The secret to a great listing is clarity and detail. “Mercari has tags that help boost your sales, like vintage, denim, or winter,” Hoyt shares. “I use a white background and include a tape measure in the photo when selling jeans so buyers can see the exact measurements. Just make sure your item is clearly in frame, not blurry, wrinkled, or cluttered.”
Curious to see what a successful Mercari shop looks like? Check out Ryan Hoyt’s Mercari shop for inspiration. His listings showcase clear photos, concise descriptions, and strategic use of tags that attract buyers.
If Reselling Isn’t Your Thing
If reselling isn’t your style or you’re simply looking to expand your wardrobe, consider shopping at a thrift store instead of buying brand-new clothes. Thrifting allows you to approach fashion more sustainably by rediscovering the value in pre-owned items, all while saving money and minimizing waste.
The environmental impact of clothing waste is alarming. As reported by Earth.org, approximately 92 million tons of textiles are discarded into landfills each year. By choosing to thrift, you’re helping reduce this waste and extending the lifespan of clothing that might otherwise contribute to this global issue. Additionally, Earth.org reports that 85 percent of all textiles are discarded each year, rather than being reused or recycled, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices like thrift shopping or reselling.
Here are a few thrift stores that you could visit in the Southwestern Pennsylvania region:
- Uniontown, PA
- Monessen, PA
- Belle Vernon, PA
The Impact of Gen Z
Gen Z is sweeping past other generations when it comes to sustainable fashion practices. In reference to ThredUp’s 2024 Resale Market Report, a widely respected resource in the secondhand fashion industry based on comprehensive data and third-party research, 40 percent of Gen Z consumers reported purchasing secondhand clothing in the last year, compared to 30 percent of Millennials. This generation has embraced resale platforms like Depop and Poshmark as tools to shop sustainably and express their unique style.
Gen Z’s influence doesn’t stop at buying; they’re also leaders in reselling. As noted by ThredUp, Gen Z is twice as likely as older generations to sell clothing they no longer wear, reflecting their commitment to decluttering and promoting sustainability. This shift has helped normalize the concept of circular fashion, where secondhand shopping and reselling work together to reduce waste and extend the life of clothing.
Take the First Step
Ready to join the sustainable fashion movement? Whether you’re reselling to declutter or thrifting to refresh your wardrobe, every small choice adds up to a big impact. Start exploring local thrift stores, or download a resale app and list your first item today. Share your favorite finds or success stories with @vulcan.vogue on Instagram to inspire others to join the movement. Together, we can make sustainable fashion the new standard, one stylish, pre-loved piece at a time.
