Depop is one of the most popular secondhand shopping apps out there, and for good reason. You can find everything from vintage dresses to rare Lululemon, typically for a much better price than in stores. Still, like any resale platform, Depop can be overwhelming when you first start using it. It’s quite easy to get lost scrolling without finding what you actually want.

That said, there are strategies to make Depop work for you. After years of buying (and occasionally selling) on the app, I’ve picked up some tricks that make it much easier to score great pieces. Here are my best tips for finding items you’ll love.

1. Be Specific With Your Search

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The biggest mistake beginners make is searching too broadly. If you just type “shirt” into Depop, you’ll end up with thousands of random results. Instead, be as specific as possible. Think about the style, decade, or fabric you want and type that in.

For example, instead of “dress,” try:

• “90s babydoll dress”
• “Y2K mini dress”
• “boho chic maxi dress”

The same goes for pants, skirts, and tops. If you want metallic pants, search “metallic pants” rather than “pants.” The more detailed your keywords, the more likely you’ll land on exactly what you had in mind.

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2. Search by Aesthetic

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One of the best parts of Depop is that sellers often tag their items with aesthetics. So if you know what vibe you’re going for, say, “grunge,” “preppy,” or “cottagecore”, searching that word can help you find a whole collection of pieces that fit.

When I want to experiment with a new style, I’ll type in the aesthetic and browse through what comes up. Because sellers tend to upload a lot of items within the same aesthetic, once you find one you like, you usually stumble across a shop full of clothes that match your taste.

3. Look for Popular Brands

Searching by brand names is another easy way to narrow your results. Some popular names that pop up a lot on Depop are Brandy Melville, American Vintage, Victoria's Secret, and Bebe. If you already know you like how certain brands fit or style their clothes, this can be a shortcut to finding things you’ll wear often.

Another tip: try looking up older versions of brands you like. For example, “vintage Gap” or “90s Ralph Lauren” can turn up some really cool finds.

4. Use Filters to Your Advantage

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Depop’s filters are there to make your life easier, so don’t skip them. You can sort by size, price, location, and more. I always filter by price when I’m just browsing. I usually search for items $20 and under because I’m not trying to spend a fortune on one piece.

Location is also useful. If you want your item quickly, filter for local sellers. But if you’re willing to wait and pay a little extra for shipping, checking international sellers can give you access to entirely unique clothes.

5. Follow Sellers You Love

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This is probably my number one tip: once you find sellers who post things you like, follow them. I keep a list of about six sellers I always check in on, and between them and the “recommended” items under their posts, I find so much of my wardrobe.

Your feed becomes way more useful when it’s curated around sellers with your style. At the beginning, your feed will feel kind of empty. However, after you follow a few accounts, you’ll start seeing items that match your style every time you open the app.

6. Discover Sellers Through Other Sellers

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Here’s a little underground trick. Look at who your favorite sellers are following. Chances are, they follow other shops with a similar aesthetic.

You can also peek at the “saved” section in a seller’s profile to see what items they’re eyeing. This is like a shortcut to discovering new shops you might not have found otherwise.

7. Explore Depop’s Trending Sections

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Depop has a “Popular This Week” section and a “Shop by Style” section on the homepage. These are great for getting inspiration or seeing what’s currently in demand. Even if you don’t buy directly from there, it can help you figure out what keywords to use in your own searches.

8. Pay Attention to Descriptions

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Before you buy, read the listing carefully. Check the size, condition, and any notes the seller has added. A vintage item might be tagged “small” but actually fit more like a medium, so don’t be afraid to double-check.

If you’re unsure about something, message the seller. Most are friendly and will happily answer questions about measurements, fabric, or shipping.

9. Check Seller Ratings and Reviews

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Trust is a big part of Depop. Before buying, look at the seller’s reviews to see what past buyers have said. Are they reliable with shipping?

Do their items match the photos? This helps you avoid scams or disappointing purchases.

10. Know What You Want Before You Search

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Browsing aimlessly is fun once you have a good feed, but when you’re just starting out, it helps to go in with a goal. Having a vision makes it easier to find the right item.

11. The More You Use Depop, the Easier It Gets

Like anything, Depop gets easier the more you use it. Over time, you’ll get familiar with the way sellers describe things, which keywords work best, and which shops match your taste. Eventually, you’ll notice that the best items will pop up in your feed without you even searching.

Why Depop is Worth It

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At the end of the day, Depop is a community. Sellers are small business owners or people cleaning out their closets, and many are open to bartering if you want to negotiate a price. Shopping here also supports sustainability by giving clothes a second life instead of adding to fast fashion waste.

No matter what you're looking for, these tips can help you find it. Be patient, be specific, and most importantly, have fun with it. The thrill of finally spotting that perfect piece makes the hunt worth it.

Happy Depopping!