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Logo for a thrift store app
Logo for a thrift store app
Hailey Morgan
Cal Poly | Style > Fashion

ClosetU: an online fashion destination made affordably and exclusively for Mustangs

Isabella Cefalu Student Contributor, Cal Poly State University - San Luis Obispo
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Cal Poly chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

We’ve all been on a time crunch at some point to find a going-out outfit, a dress for an upcoming event, or to transition our wardrobe for new seasons, and have been left with the choice to either pay a high price for the clothing or miss out on adding it to our collection. Shopping sites such as Depop or Poshmark can be expensive when shipping and fees are included. This is what led Hailey Morgan, a computer science junior, to develop a personalized secondhand fashion marketplace app, ClosetU, for other Cal Poly students. 

Students can create an account using their Cal Poly student email, and from there receive a code to verify they attend the school. Once signed up, they can immediately begin selling or buying clothes online at an affordable price. Morgan noted that implementing a security feature for her app is what makes it safer compared to other sites where a person does not know who they are purchasing from. Her main inspiration came from when her friends were selling clothes on Craigslist and complained about not having a pleasant experience.

Shows landing page of the ClosetU app and gives mini description in the image of the service
Hailey Morgan

What makes ClosetU different from other online thrifting apps is its focus on environmental sustainability. The app allows students to exchange clothing pieces with one another through in-person swap events. Recycling clothing helps stop the contribution to fast fashion and new clothing purchases. Options are limited to in person delivery/pick up to significantly reduce the carbon footprint that shipping would otherwise produce. 

Utilizing her experience working as a software engineer for over a year and gaining tech experience from being an Amazon employee in San Luis Obispo, she worked on the app’s development beginning this June, strategically launching it officially on Aug. 18, Cal Poly’s move-in day.

Current trends on ClosetU include Cal Poly merch, lace crop tops, and jewelry, all at a discounted cost. While womenswear is more prevalent on the app currently, the platform is open to all Cal Poly students who want to engage in resale and purchase. ClosetU is estimated to be around 60% cheaper than other thrift apps like Depop and Poshmark. 

Map of prices for clothing items listed on ClosetU app in San Luis Obispo
Hailey Morgan

Morgan shared how word of mouth was an effective method for boosting the app’s popularity.

“My friends were my number one sellers initially, and told all their friends about it,” Morgan said.

She advises students who want to start an app to partner with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) because they offer free advice and assistance with the financial and legal aspects, and to become familiar with Apple’s guidelines for new apps. 

ClosetU already has 500+ Cal Poly users since its initial release and is continuing to grow with the possibility of expanding to other universities in the future. Morgan is working toward a web version of the app accessible to Android users. 

Be sure to check out ClosetU’s Instagram @closetu.app for more updates on finding your next perfect piece at an unbeatable price!

Isabella Cefalu

Cal Poly '28

Isabella is a third year student at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo majoring in Journalism.

She started at Santa Barbara City College where she received an associate’s in Journalism and Communication Studies. During her time at SBCC she became a staff writer for The Channels and founded the Women In Journalism club.

Isabella chose Her Campus due to an interest in curating content that takes on a creative and fun approach. She cites that being part of a community that takes joy in doing the same encouraged her to become an active member.

She currently works on the editorial team for Her Campus and is a news reporter for Mustang News. She plans on utilizing her skills to pursue a career in an investigative-related journalism role while working in commercial and residential real estate. During her free time, she enjoys being at the beach, watching reality tv shows, and spending time with friends.