eBay Guides - How to Choose Clothing by Style
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How to Choose Clothing by Style

Tags:  designer jeans | vintage clothing | jackets | fit | clothingWrite a guide!

From shirts, blouses, t-shirts, vests, and pants to skirts, dresses, suits, and even swimwear, you can find a tremendous selection of clothing on eBay. SnapFashun's images help you discover your personal style so that you can pick the perfect clothing for any occasion.

Find Clothing on eBay


Find Clothing on eBay

No matter how you like to shop, eBay makes it easy and fun! Just head over to the Clothing, Shoes & Accessories category portal to get started. 

Search eBay

Enter the title of the item you are looking for into the Search box that appears at the top of every eBay page. For example, if you're looking for BCBG heels, enter "BCBG heels" (without quotation marks). Your search will return all listings with BCBG heels in the title. To find even more listings, click the "Search title and description" box at the top of the yellow column on the left-hand side of the page.

  • To search by brand, enter the brand name into the Search box. In this example, type “BCBG heels” and click on the "Show Items" button. Your search will return all listings under Women’s Shoes, with the item specifics that you chose that have BCBG heels in the title.

  • To search multiple keywords, use parentheses. For example, if you type “(BCBG, Bebe)” into the search box, you will get all items that contain BCBG or Bebe. If you search “BCBG (black, brown)” you will get all items that contain BCBG, and either black or brown. If you type “BCBG, Black, Brown” you will get all items that contain BCBG, and black and brown. Note that the key difference in all of these searches is where you place your parentheses.

  • To further narrow your search, include the following acronyms commonly used on eBay:

Watch items in My eBay

If you find what you’re looking for, but want to wait a bit before bidding or buying at a set price, you can choose to "watch" your item. Simply click on the link in the upper right corner of the listing page that reads “Watch this item” and it’ll be added to your My eBay Watching Page (under the All Buying section in the left hand column). Treat it as your own online shopping bag—with no commitment.

Pay attention to item details

Be sure to read the details and the fine print in item listings. Look for information about fit, fabric, and style and know what you’re getting; a designer dress and a "designer-inspired" dress are not the same thing. Some sellers will even tell you whether the item you’re considering comes from a smoke-free home or a home with no pets. Below are some commonly used terms that will help you determine the item’s condition:

  • New with tags or New without tags: never washed or worn; no flaws.*

  • Like new: Appears new, no signs of wear; washed and possibly worn; no flaws.

  • Excellent: Previously worn, with only very slight wash wear; no flaws.

  • Very good: Previously worn with moderate wash wear/fade, but no visible flaws.

  • Good/Play: Previously worn with minor visible flaw(s), and/or significant wash wear/fade.

  • Fair: Previously worn with significant visible flaw(s), and/or heavy wash wear/fade.

  • Poor: Not wearable, has severe flaws/damage, but with desireable useable element(s).

*Flaws might include spots, stains, holes, tears, fabric irregularities, or problems with buttons, zippers, snaps, etc.

Look at the seller's track record

Always look for the seller’s return policy and review their Feedback. Feedback is an indicator of a seller's reputation on eBay, and an unbiased source of information about their quality, customer service, and reliability. If you still have questions about an item, ask the seller. There’s a link for this built into the top right-hand side of every listing under "seller information," and most sellers are more than happy to respond. Think twice before purchasing from a seller with significant negative feedback or from a seller who doesn’t respond to emails.

Use Want It Now

Looking for a hard to find item? Create a post on Want It Now and tell millions of sellers exactly what you want! Chances are it's out there somewhere.

Save your search on My eBay

Still can't find exactly what you want? Save your search and eBay will email you when a match is available.


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Buy Clothing With Confidence


Buy Clothing With Confidence

Before making your purchase, make sure you know exactly what you're buying, research your seller, and understand how eBay and PayPal protect you.

Know your purchase

Carefully read the details in item listings.

  • Figure delivery costs into your final price. If you spend a lot of money, make sure the seller will insure the item when it ships.

  • If you want more information, ask by clicking the "Ask seller a question" link under the seller's profile.

  • Always make sure to complete your transaction on eBay (with a bid, Buy It Now, or Best Offer). Transactions conducted outside of eBay are not covered by eBay protection programs.

  • Never pay for your eBay item using instant cash wire transfer services through Western Union or MoneyGram. These payment methods are unsafe when paying someone you do not know.

Know your seller

Research your seller so you feel positive and secure about every transaction.

  • What is the seller's Feedback rating? How many transactions have they completed? What percentage of positive responses do they have?

  • What do buyers say in their Feedback? Did the seller receive praise?

  • Most top eBay sellers operate like retail stores and have return policies. Do they offer a money-back guarantee? What are the terms and conditions?

Buyer protection

In the unlikely event that you don't receive your item or it is not as described, eBay Buyer Protection will cover your purchase price plus original shipping. Learn more.

Styles and images were provided by SnapFashun. © 2005, SnapFashun Inc. All rights reserved.

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