Clothing is the bread-and-butter category for garage sale and yard sale flippers. A Patagonia fleece bought for $3 sells for $40 to $120. Lululemon leggings at $5 sell for $30 to $80 on Poshmark. But the margins evaporate if you pack poorly, overpay on shipping, or use the wrong mailer size. This guide covers the exact method for shipping clothing flips profitably.
Poly Mailers: The Only Packaging You Need for Clothing
Clothing is soft, lightweight, and non-fragile. Boxes are overkill and add unnecessary weight. Poly mailers are waterproof, lightweight, and cost pennies each when bought in bulk. The key is matching the mailer size to the item.
| Mailer Size | Best For | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 6x9 | Small accessories | Scarves, belts, small tops |
| 10x13 | Single items, standard | T-shirts, blouses, shorts |
| 12x15.5 | Bulkier single items | Sweaters, jeans, dresses |
| 14.5x19 | Outerwear, bundles | Jackets, multi-item orders |
| 19x24 | Large or heavy items | Winter coats, blankets |
🛒 UCGOU 100-Pack Poly Mailer Variety (4 Sizes)
25 each of 10x13, 12x15.5, 14.5x19, and 19x24. Covers every clothing type from a single tank top to a heavy winter jacket. Under $20 for the whole pack.
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The Poshmark Standard: Presentation Matters
On Poshmark, unboxing experience drives repeat buyers and 5-star "Love Notes." The community expectation is tissue paper, a thank-you note, and neat folding. This is not optional if you want to build a Poshmark following.
Fold the item neatly (the retail store fold, not the laundry fold). Wrap in a single sheet of tissue paper. Add a thank-you sticker or small card. Slide into the mailer. Total added cost: about $0.05 per order. Impact on reviews and repeat business: significant.
🛒 Crown Display Tissue Paper, 960 Sheets
At roughly 3 cents per sheet, this is the bulk tissue pack that high-volume Poshmark and Mercari sellers swear by. White, acid-free, 20x30 inch sheets fit any clothing fold.
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Prep Before Packing: The Wash-or-Steam Decision
Garage sale clothing needs attention before listing. The question is whether to wash or steam, and the answer depends on the fabric and the platform.
Always wash: Items with visible stains, odors, or from smoker households. Use cold water, gentle cycle, and air dry to prevent shrinkage. Do not use dryer heat on vintage or delicate fabrics.
Steam instead: Items that are clean but wrinkled. A handheld steamer refreshes fabric, kills bacteria, and removes light odors without the risk of washing. This is faster, gentler, and preferred for structured items like blazers and dress shirts.
Shipping Costs: Keep Them Under Control
Most clothing ships in the 4 oz to 1 lb range in a poly mailer. At those weights, USPS Ground Advantage is the cheapest option at $4 to $5 for most destinations. Poshmark provides a pre-paid label (currently $7.67 for up to 5 lbs) that simplifies everything but costs more per item on lightweight shipments.
For eBay and Mercari listings, generate your own labels through Pirate Ship to access commercial pricing. A 10 oz poly mailer package ships for roughly $4.50 versus $8+ at the retail counter. Over 50 packages per month, that savings alone covers your entire supply budget. See our 2026 shipping rate guide for the full breakdown.
Read Next
Shoes are the next step up from clothing. Higher margins, slightly different packing. Here is the complete guide.
Yard Sale Shoe Flipping: From $3 Find to Shipped and Sold →