When I was pregnant with Sloane, I was horrified by the price of maternity attire. Paying several hundred dollars for jeans and dresses that I could only wear for a month or two felt like madness.
Target, H&M, and Gap has some nice pieces, but beyond a handful of staples, I didn’t want to buy a wardrobe full of clothesI could only wear for a handful of months. But, of course, I needed clothes to put on my ever-growing body. This led me to Poshmark.
If you haven’t used Poshmark before, it’s a clothing consignment community where users sell pieces they no longer wear and buy new ones that they will. The community utilizes safeguards to protect buyers — shipping is tracked from the sale, payments aren’t authorized until shoppers approve received items, items over $500 are inspected by Poshmark for authenticity (though the diligence of this process is subject to debate).
I use Poshmark to do 30-40% of my shopping. First, I often re-buy pieces that I’ve worn out. (I have owned four of the same Ann Taylor dress because I loved it so much.) Second, I hunt for designer professional brands — The Fold, Boss, Victoria Beckham — at a dramatic discount. And every now and again, I use Poshmark to sell something where consignment just won’t give me the value back.
The thing I love about Poshmark is I can wishlist items that catch my eye. Then, I can go back to my list when I want to shop to see what still draws my attention. Sellers can also offer your discounts on items you’ve favorited. Monday, I bought a NWT dress from The Fold that was $795 MSRP, marked down to $250, and then, the seller offered it for $150 on private discount. I snapped it up so fast, smoke flew from my keyboard. I’ve made a lot of great purchases on Poshmark including my Oscar de la Renta reception dress.
So how do I use Poshmark:
First, I keep a mental list of brands and items that I’m searching for. Once a week, I sit down and do a bit of searching on my list. So what am I hunting at the moment?
- Boden Ottoman Dresses — I own two of these, wear them frequently and would like to add some more colors to my collection, if the price is right.
- Clare V. Sweatshirts and T-shirts — These quirky graphic tops are great with jeans for a “cool Mom” look, but they are so expensive off the shelf.
- Sonnet James Play Dresses — These dresses are perfect for the weekend or a casual workplace. They layer beautifully, wash well, and are so comfortable. I own this one and I get a stupid amount of compliments when I wear it.
- Smythe Blazers — I’m looking for a fitted blazer from this UK brand, but it has to be the right one at these prices.
- Boss Suits & Dresses — Now is a great time to be searching for professional attire, as so many people are selling wardrobes they don’t need anymore thanks to COVID. I need two of the Hugo Boss suits I own in a bigger size. Hoping for a miracle.
- MM LaFleur Morandi Sweater — Until MM comes to their senses and re-releases this sweater, I’m stuck hunting for it in new colors. None today, damn.
Second, I wishlist everything unless I needed it now. Even if it’s for 20-minutes, many sellers have the automatic tools set up to offer discounts to those who favorite items. So adding it to your bag might score you 10 to 20-percent-off.
Third, check the brand size guide. Most sellers don’t add measurements, unless you know your size in that brand, always check the retailer’s size guide. And make sure to ask about alterations if you’re unsure.
Fourth, I inspect everything when I receive it. If something’s wrong, you have a limited window to find it. Only three or four times have I had a problem, but getting a refund means promptly asking for one.
So do you shop on Poshmark? And if so, what are you looking for?
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Same! Additionally I love that it’s the opposite of fast fashion. I’d say 85% of my purchases come from online consignment – Poshmark, Thredup, Mercari, RealReal, Vestiaire Collection. I’ve taken the time to figure out sizing in brands I like and my measurements so I can request and compare to the garment’s measurements. Most of my wardrobe is now MM LaFleur, The Fold, AYR, Vince, Theory, Marine Layer, and Boss. I would never have chosen to spend the money on these items at new prices, but I always feel like I’m wearing clothes that make me look good at a price I’m comfortable spending.
I think I learned about Poshmark here many years ago, when you posted about selling on it. But became a regular in the last few years. I buy staples I know well (Athleta Brooklyn joggers, BR blazer, Vince silk tees). An awesome new Lo &Son work bag for 100$.
Knowing your own measurements or the brand is great!
For browsing new brands I gravitate to TheRealReal, where I don’t have to sort through piles of Shein-like material
Love Poshmark – I also use it both to rebuy beloved pieces and to find new pieces, particularly as the selection is much broader than retail when you have a good sense of what you want. Even if they don’t work out (I take them to my local consignment shop or resale donation if so), on balance, I’ve found so many pieces that I love. Also, it’s amazing for kids’ clothes – I have both bought the next size up when we’ve loved clothes our daughter has outgrown, or found gorgeous dresses for a song that parents want to go to a good home after their daughter has outgrown them .
I’ve shopped on Poshmark 3 times and gave up . Once it worked perfectly. Once it was a lipstick sold as NWT that was used and the seller gracefully accepted the return. The last time a seller sold a one model of coat (black knee-length wool coat) as a another (black knee-length trenchcoat) from the same brand. The seller kept insisting they were the same even after ample documentation otherwise. Finally after a week of long itemized lists with pictures of the differences between what was sold and what arrived, Poshmark finally agreed to the return. It was a huge waste of time – if the seller is not willing to admit the listing was not accurate, there is a massive burden of proof required buy the buyer. So… be careful
I guess the other hint is, always ask for real images rather than trusting a stock photo. That would have saved me from the cost kerfuffle. Also, a seller had a watch I really wanted from a line I know well, but they only had stock photos. I asked them to post and real one, and the watch… well… it did not look right. It was less than $500, so there would not have been an authenticity inspection. I got the watch from someone in eBay.
I am addicted to it! I rarely buy anything new these days, other than bathing suits and underwear. It lets me indulge my clothing habit with less wear on the planet and my checking account.
I stick with brands I know well and classic cuts – an Everlane small will always fit and never disappoint, for example. If I want to try a new cut, I probably won’t order from Poshmark until I’ve tried on in a store. I’ve had a few disappointments, especially with designer brands, where the item had a weird fit, like super narrow sleeves (I have skinny arms already!) But overall, it’s the greatest thing ever.
I would love to know how you find clothes from The Fold. I am never successful at getting it to pull the brand name and it doesn’t have it listed like it does the others. Any tips are appreciated! We are different sizes so I won’t be after the same items! 🙂
I have had mixed results. I’ve had a couple items that were not as described or were much older/more out of date than they appeared in the photographs. As a previous poster noted, the effort for a return is a bit of a deterrent.
Eh, I have to disagree. I feel like there actually aren’t enough safeguards for Poshmark buyers like there are on eBay and other sites. My pet peeve is how a seller’s closet remains active and shoppable even if the seller hasn’t logged onto the site in months – I feel like half my Poshmark purchases get cancelled because the seller is MIA.
Poshmark been a hit or miss for me. I’ve bought lightly used Saltwater sandals for my toddler for $20, which was great! I’ve also ordered two professional suits, which were not great quality (pilled, faded, and one smelled weird). I am not good about returning items by mail, so I ended up with them. Although the pricing is better than retail, I feel like its not always a good deal, especially when shipping is added.
Smythe is actually a Canadian brand !
I’ve bought several items on TRR before, but never on Poshmark. How do they compare? Based on the websites alone, TRR seems slightly more trustworthy in terms of authenticity and quality. But maybe I’m judging a book by its cover? Do you find there is a big price difference?
Yes!!!! I buy most of my designer items from them. All Lululemon shirts and jackets, designer belts and bags, and shoes. I stick to classics and try them on at nearby designer stores before purchasing so I know my size. I also buy a lot of clothes and sneakers for my son. I love it! I also sell stuff on it too occasionally. Great post!
I love poshmark, thank you for this post with great tips! I’m always hunting for Clare V sweatshirts, Veronica Beard blazers, and Tibi midi skirts.
I’m here to add my name to the petition for MM LaFleur to bring back the Morandi. It is the best solution (by a landslide) to cold offices.
My daughter had ONE particular wedding dress in mind since her late teens. Italian designer, elegantly spectacular, with a spectacular price. Miraculously, 10 years later, when she needed it, she found it on Poshmark for 1/4 of the price. It did need some alterations, and well worth it. Beautifully happy sensible bride.
My big complaint with poshmark is that frequently I will buy items that have been washed with scented detergent or downy unstoppables. I hate those cheap perfumey smells and they can be impossible to remove.
This is my only real complaint. I’ve made dozens of purchases via Poshmark and they’ve all been fine apart from one instance of a seller taking WAY too long to ship – but it worked out OK. I like that I am saving money, not contributing to fast fashion practices, and preventing clothing waste.
But I am an unscented detergent household, and it is TOUGH to get the strong, lingering odor of Unstoppables out of a garment. Doable, but takes a while. Like Orla, I really dislike those fragrances.
I will add do not buy designer bags and shoes from Poshmark — most of it is the DHGate, AliExpress site for actually more than the actual designer. There is a lot of fraud with this site when pertaining to that. Now, what you are buying is totally fine. I just see so many scams with the fake bags, its horrible.
Oh I meant to touch on this, too. I don’t buy fancy designer stuff on there. I have a bunch of Lauren Ralph Lauren, one Karen Kane. I’ve purchased a pair of NWT volleyball shoes. All fine.
If you want luxury goods, Poshmark is not the place IMO. Just use common sense, ask for real photos of the product being sold. If they won’t provide that, it is sketchy, move on.
This is such a wonderful post thank you! I’ve been finding some great MM Lafleur pieces on Poshmark but otherwise it often feels overwhelming. Thanks for these great tips!
Love this post and topic. I despise fast fashion to my core and Poshmark can be such a win but I have a few “rules” I stick to:
1. Only brands I know – because of the no return, I’m not taking a chance on fit.
2. NWT for all knits (and most items, TBH) – that’s “new with tags” condition. Most detergent scents bother me and washing changes the fit on many clothes.
3. I always ask for a small discount to test to see if the seller is active. They have 24 hrs to respond which is better than waiting for an item to ship and over a week for a refund due to non activity.
4. Must have real photos and if any doubt, ask questions on the condition to get in writing there are no issues (helps with the return if something is indeed wrong).