GOLDEN, Colo. — Thinking of getting rid of summer clothes that no longer fit? Secondhand clothing items are making a comeback through clothing resales apps, offering side jobs for sellers and low-cost clothes for buyers.
“These clothes have been sitting in my closet for a while….it's amazing that my fashion gets to live on,” said Golden resident Sheila DeForest, who’s made a small business out of selling clothes on the website and app Poshmark.
“It’s like Instagram for fashion, so you basically take a photo of your item and list it in your closet; our stores are called 'closets,’" Deforest said.
Online platforms like Poshmark, Wish, and Tradesy offer bargains on trendy and retro clothes while serving as a part-time job for sellers like DeForest.
“This is my side gig, and I’ve made about five figures,” Deforest said.
But DeForest said it’s not all about money. There are two kinds of clothing items she prefers to donate instead of sell.
“The ones that are more corporate, I donate to Dress for Success. And then Bella Boutique is a nonprofit for girls who can’t afford to go to prom, so you can donate gowns, shoes, jewelry."
Deforest said everyone should think twice before getting rid of old clothes because whether you decide to sell or donate, one person’s trash could be someone’s fashion statement.