Depop
Peer-to-peer marketplace for secondhand and vintage clothing finds at bargain prices
Overview
Depop is a social shopping app where individuals sell secondhand, vintage, and handmade clothing directly to buyers. For actors on a budget, it is a treasure trove of unique pieces that can help you stand out in auditions without spending much.
The app's search and filter tools let you hunt for specific items, eras, brands, or styles. Sellers often include detailed measurements and condition notes, and you can negotiate prices through the messaging feature.
How It Works
Depop's community skews younger and trend-conscious, which means you will find a strong selection of streetwear, Y2K fashion, and vintage pieces from the 1970s through 2000s. It is less reliable for formal or corporate looks but excellent for character-driven wardrobe.
Prices are set by individual sellers and can range from a few dollars to premium vintage pricing. Most everyday pieces sell for well under $50, making it one of the cheapest ways to build out an audition wardrobe.
Who Uses It
Worth browsing regularly if you enjoy the hunt and want one-of-a-kind pieces that casting directors have not seen on every other actor. Allow extra time for shipping since items come from individual sellers. The social aspect of Depop also allows you to follow sellers whose aesthetic matches character types you frequently audition for, creating a curated feed of relevant wardrobe finds. Many sellers are open to bundling multiple items at a discount, which is ideal when you need to build an entire character look from scratch.
Pricing & Plans
Depop prices are set entirely by individual sellers, so the range is enormous, from $5 for basic everyday items to several hundred dollars for rare vintage designer pieces. Most practical audition wardrobe items fall between $10 and $40, making it one of the most affordable ways to build a diverse character wardrobe. Depop charges buyers no additional fees beyond the listed price and shipping cost, though sellers pay a 10 percent transaction fee that may be factored into their pricing. Shipping costs vary by seller and item size, typically ranging from $4 to $12 for domestic orders, with some sellers offering free shipping on bundles. Compared to retail thrift stores like Goodwill or Salvation Army, Depop offers a more curated selection with better photos and descriptions, though you may pay a slight premium for that convenience. The platform occasionally runs promotional events with discounted shipping or seller incentives that benefit buyers indirectly through lower prices.
Pros & Cons
What's Great
Depop's greatest strength for actors is the ability to find truly unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that no other actor will show up wearing to the same audition. The platform excels at vintage and era-specific clothing, making it invaluable for period auditions spanning the 1960s through early 2000s. The social, Instagram-like interface makes browsing engaging and helps you discover styles you might not have searched for directly. Negotiation is built into the culture, and most sellers expect offers, so you can often get items for 10 to 30 percent below the listed price simply by sending a respectful message. The search functionality allows you to filter by size, price, brand, and condition, making targeted shopping efficient despite the peer-to-peer marketplace model. Saving favorite items and following specific sellers creates a personalized shopping experience that improves over time as the algorithm learns your wardrobe preferences.
What Could Be Better
The peer-to-peer model means there is no quality control or standardized sizing, so items may not match their descriptions or photos, and returns depend entirely on the individual seller's policy. Shipping times are unpredictable since sellers are individuals, not warehouses, and delays of one to two weeks are common, which makes Depop unreliable for last-minute audition wardrobe needs. The platform's younger demographic means the inventory skews heavily toward trendy streetwear and Y2K fashion, leaving significant gaps in professional, formal, and corporate wardrobe options. Item condition can vary widely, and terms like good condition or gently used are interpreted differently by each seller, leading to occasional disappointments. There is no option to try items on before purchasing, and since many sellers do not accept returns, you assume the risk of fit and condition with every order. The search algorithm can be inconsistent, sometimes surfacing irrelevant results or burying exactly what you are looking for deep in the listings.
Our Recommendation
We recommend Depop for actors who enjoy thrift shopping and have the patience to browse regularly for great finds rather than needing items immediately. It is particularly valuable for actors who frequently audition for roles requiring vintage, eclectic, or character-driven wardrobes where standing out from the crowd matters more than looking polished. If you need reliable, professional wardrobe staples like a clean blazer or tailored trousers, traditional retail or consignment stores will serve you better with more predictable quality and fit. Actors in a time crunch should avoid relying on Depop for last-minute audition needs due to unpredictable shipping times. For sustainable-minded actors, Depop aligns well with secondhand shopping values while offering a more curated experience than traditional thrift stores. We suggest using Depop as a supplement to your core wardrobe rather than your primary shopping destination, treating it as a source for unique accent pieces and character-specific finds.
Pro Tips
Set up saved searches for specific items you frequently need, such as leather jacket size medium or vintage 1970s blouse, so the app notifies you when matching items are listed. Always check a seller's reviews and rating before purchasing, paying special attention to comments about accurate descriptions and shipping speed. Message sellers before buying to ask about specific measurements, fabric condition, and any flaws not visible in photos, as most are happy to provide additional details. When you find a seller whose inventory matches character types you regularly audition for, follow them and turn on notifications so you see new listings immediately. Bundle multiple items from the same seller to save on shipping costs and often negotiate a package discount of 10 to 20 percent. Photograph and catalog your Depop purchases by character type so you can quickly pull together complete audition looks without scrambling through your closet the night before.