What to include in an honest second-hand clothing description

"Lovely condition" is a starting opinion, not a complete description. Buyers need to know what they will receive, which details come from the label and where the garment shows wear. A short, specific listing can answer these questions without sounding like an advert.

Inspect before you write

Work around the garment in the same order each time: neckline, underarms, sleeves, seams, fastenings and hem. For trousers, include the waistband, pockets, crotch and inside-leg area. Look at the lining too. Check both sides in useful light and note anything you would want to know as a buyer.

eBay's clothing listing guidance recommends relevant attributes, an accurate description and photographs of imperfections. The same basic idea is useful here: give the reader observable information.

Use a simple description order

1. Identity: garment type, brand as labelled, colour and labelled size.
2. Fabric and shape: composition from the label, lining, stretch and useful construction details.
3. Condition: wear, fading, marks, repairs, alterations and missing parts.
4. Measurements: approximate figures with units and measuring points.

An example: "Navy short-sleeve shirt, labelled size M. Cotton composition shown in the label photo. Small pale mark near the lower front, shown in photos four and five. All front buttons present. Approximate chest width 52 cm measured flat under the arms."

Separate facts from uncertainty. If you cannot establish a production year, fabric or style name, say what you can verify. Avoid unrelated brand names and repeated search phrases. If you spot a fault after publishing, update the description and photos promptly, and communicate relevant changes before a buyer commits.

Community prompt: What detail do you wish more clothing descriptions included? Please discuss the information, rather than naming or criticising an individual seller.

Vrool editorial guide. Prepared with AI assistance and checked against current feature information or the linked sources on 23 October 2026. Share your experience or suggest a correction below.