How to Measure Clothes for Selling?
Guide for eBay, Vinted, Depop & More
5 min read · November 2025
Introduction: The Backbone of Successful Resale
To measure clothes for second-hand selling on platforms like eBay and Vinted, lay items flat and capture key dimensions such as chest, waist, rise, and inseam. This guide shows you exactly how to do it for every garment type, plus platform-specific tips to avoid returns and boost sales.
Accurate clothing measurements are the backbone of successful resale. Whether you’re a casual Vinted declutterer, a Depop-style vintage curator, or a seasoned eBay shop owner, learning how to measure clothes correctly will increase buyer trust, reduce questions, and remove sizing disputes. 1/3 of surveyed buyers cannot find the right sizes online and buyers often mention on Reddit that they will not purchase from sellers that don't provide measurement information. Based on our research, more than half of post-sale disputes are sizing related. Below, you’ll find universal measurement rules, garment-specific guides, comparison tables, and expert strategies optimised for the UK and US resale markets.
What Tools Do You Need to Measure Clothes for Selling?
You only need a few inexpensive tools to measure clothing accurately and consistently. A flexible tape measure is essential, along with a clean flat surface.
Recommended kit:
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Soft measuring tape (tailor’s tape)
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Flat, hard surface: table or floor
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Notebook or notes app to track numbers
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Camera or phone for measurement photos
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Lint roller / iron for presentation
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Optional: dress form/mannequin for dresses or jackets
💡 Use the same surface each time to keep measurements consistent—just like you would in a professional studio.
Step-by-Step Measurement Tips by Garment Category
Why Measure Clothes for Selling Using the Flat-Lay Method?
The flat-lay method means laying clothes flat, smoothing them, and measuring straight across key points, then doubling widths. This creates a universal standard accepted across all resale platforms.
Why flat-lay works:
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Prevents stretching (especially knits and vintage fabrics)
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Makes photos cleaner and easier to compare
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Allows you to show tape-measure proof (a major Reddit-proven return-killer)
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Matches eBay, Vinted, Depop, and Poshmark official guidance
How to Measure Tops (Shirts, Blouses, T-Shirts, Knitwear)
To measure tops, lay them flat and record pit-to-pit (chest), shoulder width, sleeve length, and total length. These dimensions are universal across resale platforms.
Why these matter
Buyers most often ask about chest width and length, especially on eBay. Vintage items in particular may shrink or stretch, so measuring avoids disputes.
How Measurement Presentation Varies by Platform (eBay vs. Vinted vs. Depop vs. Poshmark)
Measurements are universal, but how you present them changes how well your listings perform on each platform. Below are platform-specific tactics to improve visibility and avoid disputes.
eBay Clothing Measurements
eBay favours structured item specifics, full measurement lists, and tape-visible photos. Because eBay accepts returns, evidence is essential.
💡 Add measurements to both item specifics and description. Use formats like: “Waist: 15 in flat (30 in total).” Include at least one tape-in-photo for every item.
Vinted Clothing Measurements
Vinted buyers expect transparency because many items are low-cost and returns vary. Vinted’s audience often asks follow-up questions—complete details prevent extra messages.
💡 Include all measurements in the description field. Highlight discrepancies: “Label says M but measures like a UK 10.” Add relaxed vs. stretched measurements for flexible fabrics.
Depop Clothing Measurements
Depop is visual-first, so use trendy flat-lay shots with clear measurement photos.
💡 Use tape-in-photos to avoid back-and-forth. Keep measurements brief but essential. Add ranges for stretchy or vintage pieces. Prioritise waist, length, and pit-to-pit.
Poshmark Clothing Measurements
Poshmark rewards complete, detailed listings and social proof.
💡 Include full measurement sets. Present tape photos cleanly. For high-value items, add mannequin shots plus flat-lays. Add extra measurements when requested; buyers “like” listings until they get info.
Brand Size vs. Actual Measurement Differences: Comparison Table
Why this matters: Buyers increasingly compare measurements, not tag sizes.
Conclusion & Key Takeaways
Show Tape Measure in Photos
Proven to help resolve SNAD (Significantly Not As Described) disputes.
Double Key Flat Measurements
Industry standard for width measurements such as chest, waist and hip. Forgetting this step could lead to confusion and sizing complaints.
Prioritise Inseam, Chest, Rise, and Length
These are measurements that sellers most commonly receive questions for.
Add Notes about Stretch & Tag-size discrepancies
Especially for leggings, knits, vintage cotton.
Inlcude a Reminder
“Compare measurements to a similar item you own.” This reduces returns dramatically.
Brand | Sizing Labels | Average Chest Measures (In) |
|---|---|---|
Barbour | M (UK 12) | 36.6-38.6 |
COS | M | 36.2-37.8 |
Sezane | M | 34.3-35.8 |
Uniqlo | M | 38.5 |
FAQ
Got more questions? Chat with Aggie, our free second-hand clothing buying and selling agent, in the lower right corner of our website - any time, any day.
Note: The information provided in this article is based on our own selling experiences and insights gathered through research with experienced second-hand clothing sellers. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or recommending any particular second-hand selling platforms mentioned, including eBay, Vinted, Depop, or Poshmark.
While we’ve taken care to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the guidance at the time of writing, platforms, policies, and best practices can evolve. We encourage readers to verify platform-specific terms and to use their best judgement when applying any of the strategies discussed. Treat this guide as a starting point, not a substitute for your own ongoing research and testing.