What is clothing condition grading?
Clothing condition grading is the practice of assigning a standardized score to a pre-owned garment based on its wear, damage, and overall state. GradeThread uses a 1.0–10.0 scale mapped to seven named tiers — from NWT (New With Tags) down to Poor — and derives the score from five weighted factors. The result is an objective, comparable measure of condition, so buyers and sellers share the same definition of "Excellent" instead of guessing from photos.
The 1.0–10.0 scale and its tiers
Each tier anchors a point on the scale. Half-point increments let graders place an item precisely between tiers.
NWT — New With Tags
Brand new, unworn, with original tags still attached. Indistinguishable from retail.
NWOT — New Without Tags
New and unworn but the tags have been removed. No signs of wear or laundering.
Excellent
Gently used with no notable flaws. May have been worn or washed a few times but looks nearly new.
Very Good
Light, normal wear. Minor signs of use that don't affect the overall look or function.
Good
Visible but minor wear — slight pilling, faint marks, or small cosmetic issues. Still very wearable.
Fair
Noticeable wear or a documented flaw such as a stain, hole, or fading that affects appearance.
Poor
Significant damage or heavy wear. Often sold for parts, repair, or distressed styling.
The five grading factors
Rather than a single subjective impression, the overall grade is a weighted combination of five factors:
| Factor | Weight |
|---|---|
| Fabric Condition | 30% |
| Structural Integrity | 25% |
| Cosmetic Appearance | 20% |
| Functional Elements | 15% |
| Odor & Cleanliness | 10% |
See the process end to end in how it works, or how sellers apply it on the resellers page.
Condition grading glossary
A definitive page for every grade tier and grading factor — what each term means, what graders look for, and examples.
Grade tiers
Grading factors
Condition grading FAQ
- What is clothing condition grading?
- Condition grading assigns a standardized score to a pre-owned garment based on its wear, damage, and overall state — so 'Excellent' or '8/10' means the same thing regardless of who is selling.
- What does NWOT mean?
- NWOT stands for 'New Without Tags' — an item that is new and unworn but no longer has its original retail tags. It anchors a 9 on the GradeThread 1.0–10.0 scale.
- How is the overall grade calculated?
- The overall grade is a weighted blend of five factors: Fabric Condition (30%), Structural Integrity (25%), Cosmetic Appearance (20%), Functional Elements (15%), and Odor & Cleanliness (10%).
Ready to Grade Smarter?
Join resellers who trust GradeThread to standardize condition grading, build buyer confidence, and sell faster.