Buying secondhand fashion can be a money saver, a way to find unique clothing, and a chance to extend the lifetime of garments. The challenge is where to do it, since one app might be fantastic for finding a £10 jacket, but a disaster for trying to buy a secondhand designer handbag worth hundreds. Vinted, Depop, and The RealReal are three great options that offer pre-owned fashion, but take quite different approaches.
The real question is which is best for you — or what to look out for if you are thinking of selling. This is a quick look at how their features, fees, and selling options compare.
Which Secondhand Fashion App Is Best?
Feature Vinted Depop The RealReal. Best for Everyday clothing and bargains Vintage, streetwear, distinctive styles Luxury designer fashion. Selling method Peer-to-peer marketplace Peer-to-peer marketplace Managed consignment and other eligible selling options
Listing and selling fees No standard selling fee in supported markets No standard selling fee in the UK, US and Australia, but other fees may apply Commission deducted from qualifying sales. Buyer charges Buyer Protection fee applies Marketplace fee applies in the UK, US and Australia Prices and applicable checkout charges vary
Luxury authentication Not its main selling point Not its main selling point Authentication is a core service. Best for sellers who Want to sell unwanted items themselves Enjoy styling and promoting their listings Prefer help with luxury-item resale. These are generalisations that hide many exceptions, including how fees, payments, protection, availability, and other aspects are handled in different regions.
1. Vinted: Best for Affordable Everyday Fashion
Looking to buy or sell everyday fashion without turning it into a hobby? Vinted is a good starting point, since its marketplace spans clothing, accessories — and other secondhand categories in supported markets.
The core offering is simple: sellers upload an image, description, and price, and handle shipping from their available options. Buyers search the marketplace, contact the seller, and complete the sale. The main benefits to listing on Vinted are the standard fee structure, and the ability to sell unwanted clothing without having to do much apart from photographing it.
Features
While Vinted’s marketplace has a range of items for sale, the service’s strength is everyday clothing items. On Vinted’s marketplace, you can browse everything from clothing and accessories to home goods and footwear in markets that support them.
As for how to sell, you can list personal items that you or your loved ones may have owned. The seller picks the price, the listing images, the item description, and the courier for delivering the garment. This does not mean there are no challenges, since buyers may have questions and challenges completing the purchase.
Why is it worth it?
The most compelling reason to sell on Vinted is its flat fee structure. According to Vinted’s selling guide, there are no upload or selling fees, which means whatever you list is likely to go straight into your Vinted Wallet balance after the sale completes. Naturally, additional costs such as promotional services or other circumstances should also be taken into account.
The same cannot be said for buyers, who should be mindful of the mandatory Buyer Protection fee. According to Vinted’s Buyer Protection information, the US marketplace’s standard fee is calculated as a percentage of the item or bundle price plus a fixed amount (typically 5% + $0.70). Always double-check the final amount at checkout instead of assuming one listing price equals one final price.
What are its weaknesses?
As a marketplace service, you are going to have to judge for yourself whether an item is genuine, unique, or worth the asking price. Images, descriptions, buyer and seller reviews, and measurements are all important, since an ordinary-looking listing is unlikely to turn out to be a professional-level luxury authentication.
On top of this, Vinted does not operate everywhere. Confirm that it offers account registration, purchases, sales, and withdrawals in your country before using it as your everyday secondhand clothing marketplace.
Choose it to clear out your wardrobe, purchase inexpensive everyday clothing and accessories, or buy bundles of designer secondhand garments.
2. Depop: Best for Vintage and Distinctive Styles
Depop is a great option for shoppers who prioritise style over substance. Its marketplace contains a mix of vintage fashion, streetwear, secondhand designer pieces, and individual sellers that offer unique items.
While an unusual jacket, older sportswear design, or hard-to-find individual piece may sound like something out of a clothing boutique, it can all be found on this peer-to-peer platform.
Features
Depop is all about presentation, since its marketplace has a visual feel. Sellers take photos, style outfits, write descriptions, and develop their shop’s reputation — which can help buyers find exactly what they are looking for. Naturally, it can be tough to judge how much to spend on an item if it looks more like a curated boutique display than a secondhand clothing listing. Depop also offers features such as listing tools and optional boosting to get items in front of more eyes. Again, you should always remember to balance views with actual sales figures for items similar to the one you are considering.
How much does it cost?
Depop’s fee rules are complicated, especially since they vary greatly between the UK, US, Australia, and other regions. For most sellers, it means there is no general selling fee for eligible sales, but payment processing fees and boosting costs also come into play. Buyers in the UK and US, for example, are charged a marketplace fee of up to 5% of the item price plus a fixed amount (up to £1/$1, excluding taxes and shipping).
Australia has different marketplace-fee rules for buyers and sellers, while other countries may incur selling fees. Depop’s marketplace-fee guide and boosting-fee guide contain more specifics to consider.
Buyer considerations
A well-presented item is great, but it does not always mean the seller has authenticated the garment, or that the price is right. Always compare similar secondhand items and use label, condition, and measurement photos as a guide.
Choose it to purchase vintage clothing, streetwear, and distinctive styles or sell distinctive pieces with an emphasis on presentation.
3. The RealReal: Best for Luxury Designer Resale
The RealReal has a different approach to secondhand designer resale than most other services. Instead, eligible items are sent to the company’s authentication experts and resold, with a commission paid to the original owner if the sale meets the terms.
This reduces the risk normally associated with selling luxury items on a peer-to-peer basis, and the service offers much more than just clothing. Handbags, shoes, watches, and watches are also available for purchase.
Why use it?
Designers items and accessories often require research, photography, buyer questions, shipping, and general suspicion about whether the product is genuine. A managed service takes much of this responsibility away, although you are likely to have less control over the listing’s presentation, price, and other details compared to a peer-to-peer marketplace.
How do its fees work?
The RealReal does not have a simple flat selling fee like many other services. Instead, its commission depends on the category of the item, its value, and your applicable rewards tier. The company’s terms state that its commission is calculated based on the item’s net selling price (after discounts and promotions and excluding taxes and shipping). The RealReal’s consignor terms and commission information provide more details to consider.
For example, if a designer bag sells for $500, you should not assume you will receive the full $500 your payouts will depend on the commission rate and terms that apply to that item. Always investigate your expected payouts before sending in any items for authentication and resale.
The RealReal is primarily for the US luxury resale market, and you should always confirm current eligibility and service availability in your area and currency.
Choose it to: sell eligible luxury designer items and reduce concerns about the selling process; or purchase high-end secondhand clothing, designer bags, and accessories.
Fees Compared: What Will You Actually Pay?
While headline figures are always interesting, the more important consideration is what a buyer pays at checkout, or what a seller receives after all applicable deductions have been made. Consider the following examples.
As a buyer a $20 item on Vinted or Depop may cost more than $20 once protection or marketplace fees, shipping, and applicable taxes are added. Always compare final checkout totals rather than headline figures.
As a seller a $100 sale on a peer-to-peer marketplace will leave you with most of the selling price after any applicable processing, promotion, and other fees are deducted. With The RealReal’s commission system, your $100 bag sale depends on the item category and terms that apply to it.
Consider the following questions:
- Buyer charges: What protection or marketplace fees apply? Do you pay for shipping, taxes, or any applicable import duties?
- Seller charges: What payment processing, promotion, shipping, and other fees apply?
- Returns: Who pays return shipping and what conditions apply to a refund?
- Payouts: When is the money available, and can you withdraw it to your bank?
For the most up-to-date information, always refer to the official Vinted, Depop, and The RealReal websites. Avoid relying on an old guide that does not mention its publication date.
How to Choose the Right Secondhand Fashion App
Start with the item and not the app’s popularity.
If you are looking for budget-friendly basics, children’s clothing, or a variety of inexpensive items at once, then Vinted is always an excellent first choice where it is available and you are searching for a specific vintage look, graphic sweatshirt, or unique streetwear piece then Depop should always be on your shortlist. If you want to sell designer handbags and accessories without worrying about the listing and shipping process, then The RealReal can be well worth your time and effort.
Location matters too: an app is not useful if it does not support your country or payment method, cannot deliver to your address, and does not offer the selling or withdrawal options you need.
Tips for Safer Secondhand Shopping
While most established marketplaces take buyer protection very seriously, it is still worth inspecting the photos and asking questions before paying for a secondhand item. If you are buying something designer, always double-check the label, stitching, logos, and other identifying features are all present and in good condition. After all, photos can only show you so much.
Wherever possible, always keep communications, negotiations, and payments within the official app or website. Vinted and Depop protect eligible buyers, but you may not have the same level of buyer protection if you arrange a private meeting or payment. Read the latest information on refunds and returns before making a purchase.
Finally, consider the total cost. A bargain becomes much less appealing if shipping, import duties, and return shipping charges massively increase the final price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which app is cheapest for buying secondhand clothes?
It depends on the item, the seller, shipping costs, and buyer fees. Vinted is often worth viewing for everyday clothing, but Depop may be a better option for unique items. Always compare the final price at checkout before purchasing.
Which app is best for selling clothes?
Vinted suits those that want a simple way to list unwanted clothes, while Depop allows sellers to create a distinctive fashion shop. The RealReal is better for eligible luxury goods when you prefer a managed selling service.
Is The RealReal better than Depop?
The two marketplaces have completely different specialisms. The RealReal focuses on designer authentication and resale, while Depop offers a peer-to-peer vintage and style-led marketplace experience.
Are secondhand fashion apps available worldwide?
No. Availability, currencies, payment methods, shipping options, and eligible items vary by country. Always check a marketplace’s official website to be certain that its services function as intended in your region.
Final Verdict
Vinted, Depop and The RealReal offer different services, so choosing between them is less about finding one universal marketplace and more about finding which one suits your purchase or sale best. For everyday bargains consider Vinted for vintage discoveries think about Depop and review The RealReal’s luxury consignment service for unique items you want to sell or purchase. Always consider the final price or expected payout, item condition, and the level of buyer or seller protection before completing a transaction, and secondhand fashion can be a much better experience.