How to shop for (and sell) pre-loved jeans online, according to eBay Australia’s Fashion Lead

Out with the old and in with the new.

As soon as the flowers start to bloom and the niggle of hay fever returns, I’m filled with equal parts grief and joy. The changing season means a changing wardrobe, which means a deep dive into who I am and who I hope to be. 

A sultry professional with an oversized tie? A ’90s soap star in swathes of leather? Or perhaps a throwback to the original mob wife aesthetic with its leopard-heavy looks? While I toss and turn, losing sleep over the seemingly trivial, there is one bit of respite. Denim, of course, will reign supreme, for it’s the core of all ‘cores’, no matter which aesthetic I opt for. 

That’s why, when shopping for denim, I always look for timeless additions that will hold together my every look. From the crisp cuts of Anine Bing to Ganni’s very-Scandi interpretation of the jean and Bassike’s styles with legs wide enough to swallow me whole in slouchy comfort, jeans have always been my trusty style companion.

I asked eBay Australia’s Fashion Lead, Anne-Marie Cheney, for her tips on finding that just-right pair of pre-loved denim (and for advice on finding a new home for your old jeans, too).

Yes, you can ‘try before you buy’

Flicking through listing after listing, the online search for the perfect pair of denim is overwhelming. Anne-Marie suggests finding your favourites IRL first by swooping into the department store and trying on multiple denim brands. “Understand what brands suit your body because different brands suit different shapes, and how you feel in a pair of jeans is really important,” says Anne-Marie. Dub it an important research task, then add the best-fitting brands to your ‘watch list’, keeping your eyes peeled for sale alerts.

According to Anne-Marie, some brands are universally failsafe, designed to suit various shapes, sizes and aesthetics. Lucky for us, they’re always popping up in the secondhand market, too. Levi’s is an obvious choice for the much-lauded high-waisted 501s, in particular, but nabbing a pair from international brands like Agolde and Khaite offers the advantages of a premium piece at a fraction of the price. There’s something about girl math in there, and I love it.

The perfect jeans do exist

As both a seller and a buyer, the item descriptions on eBay hold so much value. Adding the style name or, at the very least, the model/serial number on the tag is a valuable reference point for determining fit and item details. This means more visibility across the search (and more item views) with less room for disappointment as a buyer.

Likewise, the fabrication is an instant indicator of fit, comfort and wear. Are the jeans 100 per cent cotton (likely slightly stiffer, depending on the previous wearer) or a cotton blend? The addition of elastane or another stretch-friendly synthetic will give you more room to fluctuate in weight (and probably more comfort, too).

It also pays to put some effort into your imagery. “The best sellers will take a photo of the jeans flatlay,” says Anne-Marie, but it can also help to go further. A quick selfie in the mirror, a snap of the item against a blank backdrop and the addition of a few other wardrobe pieces will also go a long way to rounding out the visual story. Curate a styled flat lay shoot with suggested T-shirts, sandals and belt pairings. Essentially, “Treat [your listing] as you would your own eCommerce store.”

As a buyer, if on-body shots are missing, use the style name as your cue to search the web. Seeking out these brand shots and celebrity sightings will help you get a better idea of what they look like in real-life wear – on the street, in the studio or dashing from the paps (just in case).

Sizing secrets

If I had a dollar for every time I heard I should ‘size down’ my jeans, I’d be swimming in money. As Anne-Marie notes, you may want to reconsider the advice. “I would stick true to size,” she says, explaining that a good seller will offer further details about the brand’s general fit.

Remember, a smaller size could limit any post-purchase tailoring. Opt for the upper end so you can cinch them in at the waist, shorten the hem and adjust the leg to get a pair of denim that sculpts and sits exactly the way you like. 

If worse comes to worst, resell

The advantage of resale platforms is their constant cyclicity. So if the shoe doesn’t fit or, in this case, the jeans, don’t be afraid to relist. With the help of inbuilt AI (and the tips above), selling is so hassle-free and seamless that you’ll be rifling through your drawers to pull out all your unworn wares. And yes, even the skinny jeans belong here. “There is a home for your item on eBay,” Anne-Marie reminds us. 

As I overhaul my vibe and land on something that fits, it’s undeniably true what they say: my trash may very well be another’s treasure. Skinny legs and all.

To begin browsing, buying and selling better, head to eBay.