Selling Sport Coats: Ebay Guide

Selling sport coats on eBay can be a great way to make some extra cash. It's important to know your size and measurements before selling, as tailoring can be expensive. When creating your listing, include basic information such as size and brand, as well as details like extra material in the sleeves, which can be valuable to buyers. Knowing how to search on eBay is also key – use brand names and chest size rather than jacket length, as many sellers don't include this information.

Know your size

Knowing your size is critical when buying a sport coat on eBay. While a tailor can fix minor issues for a low cost, fixing major issues can be impossible or very expensive. Therefore, it is important to know your size before buying a sport coat on eBay.

To know your size, you can either measure yourself using a tape or go to a tuxedo shop and have them measure you. You can also search "how to measure for a suit" on Google, which will provide you with videos and infographics to help you measure yourself accurately.

When measuring for a sport coat, it is important to pay attention to the length of the coat. The length can vary depending on the brand and style of the coat. A good rule of thumb is that sizes S, R, and L generally correspond to heights of 5'6" and under, 5'7" to 5'11", and 6' and above, respectively. However, it's important to note that these size designations are not standard across all brands, so knowing your measurements in inches or centimetres is more reliable.

In addition to the overall length of the coat, the sleeve length is also important. Make sure you know your jacket sleeve length, including any extra material inside the sleeves. If the jacket is too short but has extra material in the sleeves, a tailor can usually fix this for a reasonable price. However, if there is not enough material in the sleeves, the jacket may be useless.

Another important measurement to consider is the outseam of the pants. The outseam is the length from the top of the pants to the bottom of the cuff. Relying on the outseam is generally more accurate than relying on the inseam, as pants can have different "rise lengths" or distances from the crotch to the top of the pants. If you rely only on the inseam, you may end up with pants that are too short or too long.

In conclusion, knowing your size is crucial when buying a sport coat on eBay. By taking accurate measurements and paying attention to the length of the coat, sleeve length, and outseam of the pants, you can increase your chances of finding a well-fitting sport coat and avoid costly alterations or ill-fitting garments.

Know how to search on eBay

Knowing how to search on eBay is a key skill when looking to buy a sport coat. Here are some tips to help you find what you're looking for:

Know Your Size

Firstly, it's critical to know your size before buying a sport coat on eBay. While a tailor can make minor adjustments, significant alterations may be impossible or very expensive. Take your measurements using a tape measure, or visit a formalwear shop and ask them to measure you.

Know the Brands

When searching for a sport coat on eBay, it's important to know the brands you're looking for. This will help you filter through the vast number of listings and find a quality item. Look for well-known brands with a reputation for quality, such as Brioni, Kiton, or Chester Barrie.

Use Specific Keywords

When using the search bar, try to be as specific as possible. Instead of searching for a single word, use a combination of keywords to describe what you're looking for. For example, instead of searching for "NBA", try "NBA jerseys" or "NBA tickets." This will help narrow down your results and make it easier to find what you want.

Advanced Search Options

If you can't find what you're looking for using the basic search function, try using eBay's advanced search options. With advanced search, you can apply additional filters, such as price range, item condition, or listing format, to further narrow down your results.

Use Quotation Marks for Exact Phrases

When searching for an exact phrase, put your keywords in quotation marks. For example, if you're looking for items related to Abraham Lincoln, searching for "Abraham Lincoln" will yield better results than simply searching for Abraham Lincoln, which may give you results about guys named Abraham who drive a Lincoln car.

Excluding Words

If you want to search for all items within a particular category but want to exclude certain parameters, use the minus sign (-) before a word to exclude it from your results. For example, if you're looking for Scooby-Doo items but aren't interested in Pez dispensers, search for "scooby -pez".

Using Wildcards

If you're unsure of the spelling of a word, you can use the wildcard character (*) to replace one or more unknown letters at the end of a keyword. For example, if you're not sure whether it's "Barbie" or "Barby," search for "barb*," and your results will include both spellings.

Singular vs Plural

EBay automatically searches for the plural form of any singular word you enter. So, if you're looking for both single and multiple items, use the singular form in your search. For example, searching for "bear" will give you results for both single bears and multiple bears.

Spell Out Numbers

When it comes to numbers, some sellers use numerals while others spell them out. To cover all your bases, it's a good idea to search for both the numeral and the word. For example, you might search for "Twelve Angry Men" and "12 Angry Men."

By following these tips, you'll be able to effectively search for sport coats on eBay and increase your chances of finding what you're looking for.

Get a tailor

When selling sport coats on eBay, it is important to get a tailor. A good tailor can make all the difference in ensuring your sport coat is desirable to buyers. A properly fitted suit from a low-cost retailer is far superior to an ill-fitting suit from a luxury brand.

A good tailor can make alterations to lengthen or shorten jacket sleeves, dart a jacket to thin out the waist, fix buttons, lengthen or shorten pants, take in or let out the waist of pants, and even turn baggy pants into slim-fit trousers. These alterations can make a significant difference in the overall appearance and desirability of the sport coat.

It is also important to have a basic understanding of suit measurements and alterations. Sleeve length, for example, is critical. If a jacket is too short but has extra material in the sleeves, a tailor can fix this for a reasonable price. However, if there is not enough material in the sleeves, the jacket becomes worthless. Similarly, if you purchase a jacket with surgeon's cuffs (working buttons), the sleeve length should be very close to the correct length, as alterations can make the buttons look awkward.

When it comes to suit length, knowing your size is crucial. The designations S, R, and L are not standardised and can vary between brands. For example, a size L in one brand may be equivalent to a size R in another. Therefore, knowing your measurements and the specific brand's sizing is essential.

In addition to jacket alterations, a tailor can also help with pant alterations. Pants come in different rise lengths, which is the distance from the crotch to the top of the pants. Relying on the inseam measurement alone can result in ill-fitting pants. A tailor can lengthen or shorten pants to ensure the perfect fit.

Keep in mind that tailoring a full suit can be costly, so improving your measuring and selection skills can help reduce these costs. If you are not planning to tailor your sport coat, it may be better to purchase an off-the-rack suit from a department store.

In summary, finding a good tailor who deals with menswear is essential when selling sport coats on eBay. They can make the necessary alterations to ensure your sport coat fits well and is desirable to potential buyers. A well-fitted sport coat will always be a better option than an ill-fitting one, regardless of the brand or price.

Care and style help

Style is a matter of personal taste, but you can always seek inspiration from style forums and albums to help you decide how to wear your new sport coat. It is also important to learn about cleaning and care to ensure your sport coat stays in good condition. Dry cleaning too often can cause damage, so it is best to avoid this.

If you are unsure about the quality of a brand, you can search for it on Google or on forums such as http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com/forum/forum.php or http://www.styleforum.net/f/5/classic-menswear. These forums also discuss the history of brands and can be a good source of information.

It is always a good idea to get a tailor. A good tailor can lengthen or shorten jacket sleeves, dart a jacket, fix buttons, lengthen or shorten pants, take in or let out waist measurements, and more. A well-fitted suit from an affordable retailer will always look better than an ill-fitting suit from a luxury brand.

Measurements and condition

When selling sport coats on eBay, it is important to provide detailed measurements and descriptions of the item's condition. This will help potential buyers understand the fit and state of the garment, increasing their confidence in the listing and reducing the likelihood of returns.

Shoulder Width:

Measure from one shoulder seam to the other across the back of the coat. Round the measurement to the nearest half inch.

Sleeve Length:

Measure from the shoulder seam to the end of the cuff. It is important to measure the outside of the sleeve, rather than the inside, as this is the standard method. Round the measurement to the nearest half inch.

Chest Width:

Measure from one armpit seam to the other across the front of the coat. Double this measurement to get the full chest width. Round the final number to the nearest half inch.

Jacket Length:

Measure from the base of the collar at the centre, down to the bottom hem of the coat. Round the measurement to the nearest half inch.

Waist Width:

Measure the width of the coat at the narrowest point, usually just above the pockets. Double this measurement to get the full waist width. Round the final number to the nearest half inch.

Jacket Vent:

Simply state whether the jacket has a single vent, double vent, or no vent.

Button Stance:

Measure the distance between the first and second button on the coat. This will give buyers an idea of the buttoning stance, which can vary between brands and styles. Round the measurement to the nearest quarter inch.

Condition:

When describing the condition of the sport coat, be as detailed and transparent as possible. Here are some factors to consider:

• Fabric: Check the fabric for any stains, spots, or discolouration. Examine the fabric closely for any tears, holes, or fabric irregularities.
• Buttons: Ensure all buttons are present and securely attached. Look for any chips, cracks, or other damage to the buttons.
• Cuffs: Inspect the cuffs for any wear or damage, especially if the coat has surgeon's cuffs (working buttons).
• Lining: Check the inside lining for any tears, stains, or signs of repair.
• Pockets: Make sure all pockets are intact and functional. Look for any holes or tears in the pockets, as well as signs of repair.
• Odours: Smell the coat for any strong or unpleasant odours, such as cigarette smoke or body odour.
• Alterations: Disclose any alterations that have been made to the coat, such as changes to the sleeve length or waist.

When describing the condition, use the commonly accepted terms such as "New with Tags" (NWT), "New without Tags" (NWOT), "Gently Used" (GU), "Excellent", "Very Good", "Good", "Fair", and "Poor". These terms provide buyers with a clear understanding of the item's condition and help set their expectations.

By providing detailed measurements and an honest assessment of the condition, you will increase buyer confidence, enhance your reputation as a seller, and reduce the likelihood of returns or negative feedback.

Frequently asked questions