4 Clothing Items That Can Boost Your Consignment Store Payout

Tell us if this scenario sounds familiar: You’re cleaning out your closet and come across something you’re confident you’ll never wear again. You think it might have some value, so you’re hesitant to donate it, but you also know you don’t have the time or patience to sell it yourself. If you’ve been here before, selling on consignment might be the solution. You’ll be able to clear clutter and make a little money on your previous investment while someone else does the heavy lifting.

However, not everything you find in your home will fetch a worthwhile price. Knowing what to sell (and, just as importantly, what to skip) can save you time, frustration, and trips to stores that decline your items. Consignment isn’t just about offloading old clothing—it’s a curated system where the style, brand, and even timing matter. We spoke with a reselling expert to find out which clothing items are most profitable and which are best left for the donation bin.

1. 'Mall Brand' Clothing

While malls across America might be fading fast, the stereotypical brands that you’d find in one are big sellers, according to Amber Smith, a professional reseller and content creator. “In general, I'd say mall brands seem to do pretty well for me,” she explains. “[Think] brands like Lululemon, Free People, Aerie, American Eagle, J. Crew, and other similar ones that are sold in many malls.” It makes sense, since these items are recognizable and therefore trusted by most people. Their consistent style and quality make them appealing to buyers and consignment stores alike.

Smith notes, “I’ve also been able to sell some Target brands, but those don’t seem to pay as much.” However, Lululemon leggings and sports bras, or Free People sweaters and dresses at a discount? Who wouldn’t want that!

2. Men’s Clothing

“I think it is easier to sell men’s clothing to consignment stores, simply because they don’t have as many people bringing in men’s clothes as they do women’s clothing,” points out Smith.

Keep that in mind next time you’re going through your partner’s side of the closet. Men’s shirts, jeans, jackets, and quality brand activewear are often in demand. Because the supply is smaller, these items stand out and are more likely to move quickly, making them a smart choice for anyone hoping to make extra cash.

3. College Merchandise

Hoodies, sweatpants, and T-shirts with school logos are understandably popular with students, alums, and proud parents. If you’ve got an overabundance of clothing items representing your alma mater cluttering your shelves or have outgrown them, you might succeed in selling them on consignment.

Smith says, “I’ve had some good luck selling local college merch, but only for the bigger colleges in the state.” So, if you attended a smaller college or one clear across the country, be aware that its merchandise might not be in demand. It’s certainly worth a shot, however, if the school is Ivy League or local.

4. Seasonal Items

Thinking ahead is one way that might increase your reselling success rate. “Many consignment stores will post online or in the store what kinds of items they’re needing more of,” Smith explains. “These are probably items for the upcoming season, and they usually need a lot of them to fill their racks.”

Think winter coats, scarves, and boots in the fall or spring dresses and sandals before summer. Paying attention to store requests can increase the likelihood that your items will be accepted and sold.

Items You Should Skip Selling at Consignment Stores

“In terms of what to avoid, anything from Walmart is pretty unlikely to be accepted because it probably didn't retail for much in the first place,” says Smith. “Brands like Shein or Amazon might be accepted if it is something that is currently popular, but won’t pay much.”

The bottom line is that cheaper, lower-quality items rarely generate valuable returns. So, even if a consignment store accepts them, the payout is often minimal, and you might feel better donating them instead.

Likewise, outdated trends are generally not worth reselling. Even if they swing around again in the future, it likely won’t be for a long time, and they often come back with a twist.

“You can also avoid anything that is no longer trendy,” confirms Smith. “Sorry, but the colored skinny jeans from the back of your closet are not worth taking in!” Consignment stores rely on stocking items that feel current, so anything that screams a specific past era—think cold-shoulder tops or a bandage dress—isn’t likely to make the cut. Instead, focus on classic pieces with timeless appeal or things you’re currently seeing in stores and on social media.