The short version
- Typical range: £8 – £30
- Biggest single factor: condition — see the table below
- Category: Clothing
- Cost to sell on WishThrift: nothing, at any price
What a used denim shorts is worth by condition
Condition does more to the price than anything else. These figures are worked from the top of the range for denim shortss, so treat them as a starting point and adjust for the specifics of yours.
| Condition | Typical price | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| New with Tags | £30 | Unused, tags or seals intact |
| Like New | £25 | Barely used, no visible wear |
| Good | £19 | Light signs of use, complete and working |
| Fair | £13 | Heavily used, or a described fault or missing part |
| For Parts | £7 | Not working or incomplete, sold as seen |
These are the five grades WishThrift listings use, and sellers set the grade themselves — see what each condition grade means. Figures are shown in pounds as a reference point. On WishThrift prices display in your own currency, and sellers set their own asking price.
What raises the value of a denim shorts
- Genuine vintage denim cut from period jeans
- Selvedge construction visible at the outseam
- Natural fading following real wear
- Recognised denim labels
What lowers it
- Crotch wear and thinning between the legs
- Frayed hems that have gone beyond deliberate
- Stretch blends, less sought after
- Fast-fashion denim
How to work out what yours is worth
- Check the crotch and inner thigh for thinning
- Turn the outseam out to look for selvedge
- Measure the waist and inseam flat
Once you have those three answers you can place your own denim shorts on the table above with reasonable confidence. If it sits between two rows, price it toward the lower one — items priced honestly sell faster than items priced hopefully.
Ready to sell it? Listing on WishThrift is free, there is no commission, and you keep the full amount you agree with the buyer — see how selling works or create a free account.
Frequently asked questions
Are vintage denim shorts worth more?
Yes. Genuine period denim, particularly selvedge, is collected, while fast-fashion denim shorts sell for very little.
Where do denim shorts wear out?
The crotch and inner thigh, from friction. Check there specifically since it is the usual failure point.
Does a frayed hem matter?
A deliberate cut-off hem is part of the appeal. Fraying that has gone into the pocket bags is a different matter.
More value guides: clothing guides · all value guides · browse live clothing listings.