Clothes and shoes in Slough: how to buy and sell second-hand fashion

Wardrobe full of things you never wear? Outfits worn once for a wedding, trainers that didn’t fit, or a winter coat you’ve replaced? Selling clothes and shoes locally is a simple way to make some money and free up space, and buying second-hand gets you good brands for much less. Here’s how to buy and sell clothes and shoes in Slough and nearby.

What sells well

• Coats and jacketsWinter coats, puffer jackets, raincoats and leather jackets.
• Trainers and shoesPopular trainers, boots, heels and work shoes in good condition.
• Occasion and wedding wearDresses, suits, saris, lehengas, sherwanis and party outfits, often worn only once.
• Branded clothingWell-known high street, sports and designer brands.
• Workwear and uniformSuits, workwear, safety boots and school uniform.
• Bags and accessoriesHandbags, watches, belts, scarves and jewellery.

Selling clothes your children have outgrown? See our guide to baby and kids items in Slough.

When to sell

• September to November: coats, jackets, boots and knitwear, as the weather turns colder.
• March to May: summer dresses, shorts, sandals and lighter jackets.
• Before weddings, Eid, Diwali, Christmas and party season: occasion wear and outfits sell well in the weeks before.
• August: school uniform and school shoes, before the new term starts.

Part 1: Buying second-hand clothes and shoes

1. Ask for measurements, not just the size

Sizes vary a lot between brands. Ask the seller for measurements, such as chest (armpit to armpit), length, waist and inside leg. For shoes, ask for the length of the insole. Compare them with something you already own that fits well.

2. Check the condition

• Look for stains, holes, bobbling, fading and stretched necklines.
• Test zips, buttons and fastenings.
• For shoes, check the soles, heels and insoles for wear, and the inside for damage.
• Ask whether it comes from a smoke-free and pet-free home if that matters to you.

3. Try it on if you can

When you collect, ask if you can try the item on or check it over before you pay. Most sellers are happy for you to try on a coat or shoes.

4. Watch out for fakes

If a designer item is much cheaper than it should be, be careful. Ask for the receipt, original packaging or proof of purchase. Check the stitching, logos, labels and materials, and compare with photos on the brand’s own website. Fake goods aren’t allowed on Benta. If you think an ad is selling fakes, use the Report this ad button.

5. Wash before you wear

Wash or clean second-hand clothes before wearing them, following the care label. Most buyers only buy underwear and swimwear if it’s new with tags.

Part 2: Selling your clothes and shoes

1. Get it ready

• Wash or dry clean it, remove any fluff or pet hair, and iron or steam out creases.
• Clean shoes and trainers, and replace laces if they’re grubby.
• Check the pockets are empty.

2. Take photos that sell

• Use daylight and a plain background, such as a door or a white wall.
• Photograph clothes on a hanger or laid flat, or worn if you’re comfortable with that.
• Include a close-up of the brand and size label, and any marks or wear.
• For shoes, show the sides, the soles and the inside label.

Benta allows up to 8 photos, and the first one is your cover photo.

3. Write a clear description

• brand, size and colour
• measurements, so buyers know it will fit
• material, such as cotton, wool or leather
• condition, including how many times it has been worn
• whether it’s new with tags

A good title includes the brand, item, size and condition, for example: “Women’s black wool coat, size 12, worn twice” or “Men’s running trainers, UK 9, good condition”.

4. Price it to sell

Second-hand clothes usually sell for a fraction of the new price, so price realistically. New with tags, popular brands and occasion wear keep more of their value. If you have lots of smaller items, a bundle such as “10 men’s T-shirts, size M” sells faster than single pieces.

Ready? Post your clothes and shoes on Benta. Choose Something for sale, then Clothes and shoes. It’s free and goes live straight away.

5. Meet safely

• Meet somewhere busy and public, or have someone with you if the buyer collects from home.
• Let the buyer check the item before they pay.
• Take cash, or make sure a bank transfer has arrived before you hand it over.
• Keep your chat on Benta until you’ve agreed where to meet.

Things that don’t sell

• Give it away in Free stuff. Someone nearby may need a warm coat or work clothes for a new job.
• Donate good-quality clothes and shoes to a charity shop.
• Swap school uniform through your child’s school, as many run second-hand uniform sales.
• Recycle worn-out clothes and shoes at textile recycling banks or the council’s household recycling centre, rather than putting them in your bin.

Clearing out your wardrobe or looking for a bargain? Browse clothes and shoes in Slough or sell yours for free, and chat directly with people nearby on Benta.

Read more in our guide to buying and selling safely.