The short version
- Typical range: £15 – £60
- Biggest single factor: condition — see the table below
- Category: Clothing
- Cost to sell on WishThrift: nothing, at any price
What a used denim jacket 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 jackets, so treat them as a starting point and adjust for the specifics of yours.
| Condition | Typical price | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| New with Tags | £60 | Unused, tags or seals intact |
| Like New | £51 | Barely used, no visible wear |
| Good | £39 | Light signs of use, complete and working |
| Fair | £27 | Heavily used, or a described fault or missing part |
| For Parts | £15 | 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 jacket
- Genuine vintage age, particularly pre-1990s construction
- Selvedge denim, visible at the outseam
- Natural fading that follows how the jacket was actually worn
- Intact original buttons and rivets
What lowers it
- Artificial distressing, which buyers distinguish from real wear
- Repairs at the collar and cuffs that change the shape
- Fading from storage or sun rather than wear
- Missing or replaced buttons
How to work out what yours is worth
- Check the inside neck and pocket labels for era and origin
- Look at the outseam for the coloured selvedge line
- Photograph the fade honestly in daylight
Once you have those three answers you can place your own denim jacket 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
Is an old denim jacket worth anything?
Often more than a new one. Genuine vintage denim, particularly with selvedge construction, is actively collected and prices reflect it.
What is selvedge denim and how do I spot it?
It is denim woven on old shuttle looms with a finished edge. Turn the outseam inside out and look for a clean band, usually with a coloured line.
Does fading reduce a denim jacket’s value?
Natural fading from wear usually increases it. Even, artificial distressing does not carry the same appeal.
More value guides: clothing guides · all value guides · browse live clothing listings.