The short version
- Typical range: £8 – £40
- Biggest single factor: condition — see the table below
- Category: Clothing
- Cost to sell on WishThrift: nothing, at any price
What a used cardigan is worth by condition
Condition does more to the price than anything else. These figures are worked from the top of the range for cardigans, so treat them as a starting point and adjust for the specifics of yours.
| Condition | Typical price | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| New with Tags | £40 | Unused, tags or seals intact |
| Like New | £34 | Barely used, no visible wear |
| Good | £26 | Light signs of use, complete and working |
| Fair | £18 | Heavily used, or a described fault or missing part |
| For Parts | £10 | 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 cardigan
- Natural fibres with good weight and drape
- All original buttons present and matching
- Button bands that lie flat with no gaping
- Recognised knitwear labels
What lowers it
- Missing or mismatched replacement buttons
- Stretched, gaping button bands
- Pilling on the front where it rubs
- Thin acrylic knits, which sell for very little
How to work out what yours is worth
- Count the buttons and check they all match
- Button it fully and check the band lies flat
- Check the composition label
Once you have those three answers you can place your own cardigan 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
What do buyers check on a cardigan?
The buttons and the button band. Missing buttons and gaping bands are the most common faults and both are very visible.
Can I replace a missing button?
Yes, but matching exactly is difficult. Replacing the whole set with matching buttons often looks better than one odd one.
Does fibre content matter?
Considerably. Wool and cashmere hold value; thin acrylic knits sell for very little whatever the label.
More value guides: clothing guides · all value guides · browse live clothing listings.