Describe what you can see, where the wear is, and how it affects the garment. A useful condition note gives a buyer more information than “good used condition” or “see photos”.
This guide focuses on writing about wear and flaws. For a complete description layout, use Listalong’s existing Depop description builder. For sizing, use the clothing measurement guide.
Inspect the item before choosing condition wording
Check the garment under clear light, front and back, then turn it inside out where practical. Look at the neckline, underarms, cuffs, seams, pockets, fasteners and hem. Read the size and fibre labels rather than guessing the material by touch.
Test zips, buttons and any included belt or lining. Separate ordinary surface wear from damage affecting use. A broken zip needs different wording from light fading.
If cleaning or a repair changes the item, inspect it again before listing. Describe its current condition rather than the result you hope a buyer can achieve.
Use a specific condition sentence
A simple structure is:
Overall wear + specific flaw + location and size + relevant photo or functional detail.
For example: “Light general wear. A pale mark approximately 1 cm wide on the lower front, shown in the close-up photo. Buttons are present and fasten.”
These examples are editorial wording suggestions, not official condition grades. Choose the marketplace’s available condition option that accurately fits the actual garment, and explain the detail in the description.
Examples for common clothing flaws
Adapt each example only when it matches the item you have inspected.
| What you find | Useful description example |
|---|---|
| Light pilling | Light pilling on the underarms and side seams; shown in close-up photos. |
| Uneven fading | Blue fabric is lighter across the shoulders than at the lower back. See front and back photos. |
| Small stain | Brown mark approximately 8 mm across beside the left front pocket. Still visible after cleaning. |
| Loose seam | Approximately 2 cm of stitching has opened at the right underarm seam. Repair needed before wear. |
| Missing button | Bottom front button is missing. No spare button included. |
| Repaired hem | Hem has been restitched; the stitching is visible inside. Current inseam measures approximately 70 cm. |
| Missing size label | Size label has been removed. Flat measurements are supplied below; original labelled size is unknown. |
| Fabric pull | One visible pulled thread on the front near the hem, approximately 1 cm long. |
Use a ruler when a flaw’s size matters. “Tiny” and “barely noticeable” are subjective; a location, approximate measurement and photo give the buyer something concrete to assess.
Match the note to a useful photo
Include a full view showing where the flaw sits and a close-up showing its detail. A close-up alone can make a buyer struggle to identify the location. Keep the garment’s orientation consistent so “left sleeve” is understandable.
Avoid filters, heavy smoothing or lighting that conceals the problem. Keep a written explanation even when the flaw is photographed: buyers should not have to infer whether a mark is a stain, shadow or pattern.
The clothing photography guide gives a repeatable shot list for the rest of the advert.
Separate facts from guesses about age and fabric
If the fibre label says 80% wool and 20% nylon, give that composition rather than “pure wool”. If the label is absent, say the composition is unknown rather than guessing cashmere or silk.
Likewise, distinguish a style description from an age claim. A retro-looking print is not evidence that a garment was made in a particular decade. Use label photographs and verifiable details when describing an older piece.
Avoid unsupported promises such as “the stain will wash out”, “will fit any size 12” or “as new” when the actual wear contradicts them.
Keep condition consistent across eBay and Depop
The condition selector, description and photographs should all describe the same item. Complete the separate marketplace fields as well as the prose.
Depop’s description guidance asks sellers to explain wear and support descriptions with photos. Its search guidance also advises relevant, accurate information. eBay’s listing guidance includes condition and defects among the details to supply.
When you cross-list with Listalong, review the destination listing’s condition option, wording and photo set. If you discover a flaw later, check both adverts and correct the information wherever the item is available.
A final check before publishing
Read the listing beside the physical garment. Can a buyer tell what is worn, where each flaw is and whether anything needs repair? Do the photos support those statements? Remove any copied claim that you have not checked yourself.
Clear wording helps a buyer assess the item. It does not guarantee a sale or eliminate the possibility of a return.
Prepared 4 November 2026. Examples illustrate description writing; they are not a substitute for inspecting the actual garment.
Frequently asked questions
Is good used condition enough in a clothing description?
Usually it needs supporting detail. Describe the visible wear, name each known flaw and show it in photos so the buyer can judge the actual item.
Should I mention a small stain on second-hand clothing?
Yes. Describe its location, approximate size and appearance, and include a clear photo. Do not promise it will wash out unless that has already been verified.
Can I call an item vintage if I do not know its age?
Avoid claiming a specific age or era without supporting evidence. Describe the observable design, label and construction instead.