What Sells Best at Consignment Shops (and Why)
If you’ve ever brought a bag of clothes to a consignment shop and wondered, “Why did they take this, but not that?”—you’re not alone.
Consignment isn’t just about whether something is cute. It’s about what customers are actually looking for right now. At Sunny + Olive, we’re always paying attention to what moves quickly and what tends to sit on the racks.
Here’s a little peek behind the scenes at what sells best—and why.
1. Name brands and boutique labels
Recognizable brands almost always sell faster. Shoppers love the feeling of scoring a great brand at a secondhand price.
Mall brands, boutique labels, and higher-quality designers tend to move quickly because:
Customers already trust the fit and quality
The original retail price was higher
It feels like a “deal” compared to buying new
That doesn’t mean every expensive brand flies off the rack—but it definitely helps.
2. Current styles and modern silhouettes
Even if something is in great condition, it may not sell if the style feels outdated.
Shoppers are usually drawn to:
Relaxed or straight-leg denim
Oversized or boxy fits
Midi and maxi lengths
Neutral or earthy color palettes
Trend-forward pieces with personality
In short: if it looks like something you’d see in a current store display, it’s more likely to sell.
3. Pieces that are easy to wear
The items that sell the fastest are usually the ones people can throw on without overthinking it.
Think:
Great-fitting jeans
Comfy sweaters
Graphic tees
Simple dresses
Versatile jackets
If it can be styled multiple ways, it’s more appealing to a wider range of shoppers.
4. Seasonal, right-now items
Timing matters more than most people realize.
Shoppers usually aren’t thinking six months ahead. They want pieces they can wear this week. That means:
Sundresses and tanks in summer
Sweaters and boots in fall
Coats and knits in winter
Light layers and denim jackets in spring
Bringing in items that match the current weather gives them a much better chance of selling quickly.
5. Clean, wrinkle-free, and ready to wear
Presentation makes a huge difference.
An item that is:
Freshly washed
Free of stains or pilling
Wrinkle-free
In great overall condition
…is far more likely to catch someone’s eye.
When something looks ready to wear, shoppers can imagine it in their closet right away.
So…what doesn’t sell as well?
A few common things tend to sit longer on the racks:
Heavily worn basics
Outdated styles
Fast-fashion pieces with a lot of wear
Off-season items
Anything that needs repairs or cleaning
It doesn’t always mean the item is “bad.” It just might not be the right fit for consignment.
The golden rule of consignment
If you’d still be excited to wear it today, there’s a good chance someone else will be too.
When you’re deciding what to bring in, ask yourself:
Is it in great condition?
Does it feel current?
Would I be happy to see this on a rack?
If the answer is yes, you’re probably on the right track.
At the end of the day, consignment is all about finding new homes for great pieces. When you bring in items that shoppers are already looking for, everyone wins—you, the next owner, and the planet.
And we love that. 🌎👖