SecondHand Fashion Market

Second-Hand Fashion Market Size

The global second-hand fashion market size was estimated at USD 190 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 208.6 billion in 2025 to USD 521.5 billion in 2034, at a CAGR of 10.7%. One of the factors which is driving the growth of market is rising awareness among consumers of environmental issues that are associated with fashionable clothing and accessories.

In June 2023, a thesis on “Sustainable Supply Chain in Fashion Industry” published by CENTRIA University of Applied Sciences, according to which 92 million tons of textile waste are produced worldwide every year. Moreover, the fashion industry consumes approximately 93 billion cubic meters of water every year, accounting for roughly 20% of industrial water pollution. The fashion industry has become a significant contributor to microplastic pollution mostly due to the usage of synthetic fibers, particularly polyester, which is the most common plastic used globally in the manufacture of textiles.

Due to these environmental issues associated with the fashion industry, there is growing interest in players operating in the industry to turn away from traditional mode of fashion toward sustainable fashion, enabling business opportunities for market. As per the survey conducted by Statista in 2022, 35% of U.S. customers are willing to spend much more for sustainable fashion products.

Second-hand clothing plays a very important role in promoting a circular economy by reducing waste and through reuse and resale. As consumers are becoming more aware of the impact of second-hand fashion products on the environment, demand for these products will likely increase, creating new opportunities for players operating in the market. For example, as per the data released (2024) by Journal of Emerging Trends and Novel Research, more than 80% of Gen Z are interested in rentals and resale of fashion products before making buying decisions.

Second-Hand Fashion Market Trends

• The endorsement of secondhand fashion by celebrities has significantly boosted its popularity, creating a culture of sustainability among consumers. A survey was conducted by X users, and it was analyzed that 40% of people made a purchase based on an influencer. This form of influencer marketing has proven to be very successful; 39% of marketers plan to increase their budgets for influencer marketing.
  
• High-end brands are increasingly entering resale markets, especially in platforms like eBay, offering luxury second-hand options to appeal to eco-conscious buyers. For example, H&M and Zalando, among others, have launched standalone sites to sell well-maintained second-hand items. Other players like Lululemon, COS, and Isabel Marant have successfully sold pre-order/multiple items on their websites and stores with in-house help or free solutions.
  
• The rise of digital platforms that are selling secondhand fashion products has provided a significant push to the market, making it more accessible and appealing to tech-savvy consumers. As per the data released by the annual Thredup resale report 2024, online resale of second hand apparel saw accelerated growth in 2023, growing at 23%.
  
• Growing environmental concerns drive consumers towards second-hand clothing as a way to reduce waste and promote a circular economy. Fast fashion companies face many profitability problems along with fast building landfills.
  
• Gen Z is a key demographic for secondhand fashion, with over 80% interested in renting or buying used clothing due to sustainability concerns the environment, demand for secondhand products will increase, creating new opportunities for designers, retailers, and charging business models.
  

Second-Hand Fashion Market Analysis

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• The market by product type is segmented into clothing and accessories.
  
• The clothing segment generated a revenue of USD 119.7 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to reach USD 348.2 billion by 2034.
  
• The clothing segment has seen remarkable expansion, driven by increasing consumer awareness of sustainability and cost-effectiveness. This surge is largely attributed to the growing acceptance of pre-owned clothing among younger consumers, particularly Generation Z, who prioritize environmental responsibility and unique fashion choices.
  
• The proliferation of online resale platforms has also made it more convenient for consumers to buy and sell second-hand clothing, further propelling market growth.
  

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• The second-hand fashion market by consumer group is segmented into men, women, and kids.
  
• The women segment was the leading segment in this market in 2024 with a revenue of USD 103.5 billion and has a market share of around 54.5%.
  
• The women segment is the most prominent, driven by a combination of fashion consciousness, sustainability concerns, and the pursuit of unique wardrobe pieces.
  
• Women are more likely to explore second-hand options to find high-quality, branded clothing at a fraction of the original price. This behavior is supported by the vast variety of styles available in the secondhand fashion market, catering to diverse fashion preferences.  
  

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• The U.S. second-hand fashion market was valued at around USD 51.9 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to register a CAGR of 11.4% between 2025 and 2034.
  
• The U.S. market is experiencing significant growth driven by increasing environmental consciousness among millennials and Gen Z consumers. The country witnessed a surge in online resale platforms and luxury consignment stores, with companies like ThredUp and The RealReal expanding their operations.
  
• The integration of artificial intelligence for authentication and pricing, along with the rise of social media marketplaces, has transformed the buying and selling experience in the country.
  
• Europe: Europe witnessed promising demand in the second-hand fashion industry with a share of around 16.4% in 2024 and is expected to grow at a robust CAGR of 9.7% during the forecast period. Europe demonstrates a strong circular fashion economy, particularly in countries like France, Germany, and the U.K. The region shows the increased adoption of clothing rental services and second-hand luxury goods platforms. European consumers prioritize sustainability, leading to the emergence of vintage fashion marketplaces and second-hand clothing stores. The implementation of regulations promoting circular economy practices and textile recycling further supports market growth.
  
• Asia Pacific: In 2024, the second-hand fashion market revenue for the Asia Pacific was around USD 54 billion and is expected to reach USD 164.5 billion by 2034. The Asia-Pacific region exhibits rapid growth in second hand fashion, particularly in countries like Japan, South Korea, and China. In Japan, the culture of thrift shopping is well-established, with platforms such as Mercari gaining traction. The popularity of pre-owned luxury goods is particularly high, with Japan being one of the largest markets for second-hand designer handbags and watches. Additionally, China’s rising middle class and growing acceptance of resale platforms such as Idle Fish (owned by Alibaba) are driving market expansion. The market is characterized by the rising popularity of mobile-based resale applications and increasing acceptance of pre-owned luxury items. The growing middle-class population, coupled with rising environmental awareness and digital adoption, drives the expansion of second hand fashion platforms across the region.
  

Second-Hand Fashion Market Share

• The top 5 companies in the market, such as Poshmark, ThredUp, Vinted, Depop, and Buffalo Exchange hold a market share of 1-5%.
  
• Resale platforms are increasingly partnering with other players to consolidate their position and provide a demand pull for second-hand fashion products. For example, Vestiaire Collective has partnered with Alexander McQueen, Mytheresa, where they encourage their existing customers to sell their old goods and buy new things in exchange. It helps them increase customer loyalty.
  
• There are several companies in the market that are infusing technology into the business of reselling second-hand fashion products. One company which is taking advantage of this opportunity is Zalando, a fashion and lifestyle online retailer. In order to disrupt the market through technology, Zalando is putting all its focus on promoting the circular economy and has set a target of extending the life of at least 50 million fashion products and generating 25% of gross merchandise volume from more sustainable products in the coming years. The company Zalando has introduced a flag and filters system for more sustainable products across its platform, enabling consumers to select items from a range of brands that relate to themes such as environmentally friendly materials, water conservation and worker welfare.
  

Second-Hand Fashion Market Companies

2nd Street USA is a retail company.  The company specializes in providing quality, used apparel, footwear, and accessories to those who prioritize affordability and sustainability. With its stronghold in city markets such as Los Angeles, California, 2nd Street USA serves the expanding consumer market of environmentally friendly buyers and fashion-conscious consumers interested in one-of-a-kind or vintage products, in addition to designer pieces at a significantly reduced price point. The company's business model is built around reselling gently used items, which not only offers fashion at an affordable price but also advances the idea of circular fashion—reducing waste by giving clothes a second chance. The company offer variety of item such as street wear to vintage to Japanese designer and luxury accessories. The company has its global presence across U.S.

Beyond Retro specializes in vintage and secondhand clothing.  The Company has expanded to become one of the leading brands in the retro clothing and sustainable fashion industry. Beyond Retro has both physical stores and an e-commerce website, providing a carefully selected range of vintage and second-hand clothing that it sources from globally. The Company is a trailblazer in the return of vintage clothing, riding increasing consumer demand for sustainable shopping habits and environmentally friendly fashion options.

Beyond Retro's business model is based on acquiring high-quality secondhand clothing, which is cleaned, restored, and retailed at low prices. The brand's stock ranges from everyday wear to unique statement pieces, including designer clothing, denim, jackets, dresses, and accessories. Their choices tend to be thematically based on various retro periods, like the '60s, '70s, '80s, and '90s, and present customers with a broad selection of vintage fashions that are unique and varied.

Major players operating in the second-hand fashion market are:

• 2nd Street USA
• A&E Used Clothing
• Beyond Retro
• Buffalo Exchange
• Chikatex
• eBay
• GoodwillFinds eCommerce
• Goodfair
• Grailed
• Poshmark
• StockX
• ThredUp
• The RealReal
• Vestiaire
• Vinted
  

Second-Hand Fashion Industry News

• In December 2024 the second-hand market for clothing, accessories, and shoes outsold conventional retail, headlined by sites such as Grailed and Depop. Grailed saw more than 180% year-over-year spending growth, while Depop increased close to 90% based on their ease and popularity.
  
• In November 2024 Beyond Retro, the premier vintage fashion retailer, teamed up with Save the Children to introduce a seasonal pop-up shop to London. The pop-up showcased a specially curated range of vintage Christmas jumpers, holiday clothing, and recycled festive items, including festive Christmas jumpers for pets.
  
• In October 2024 GoodwillFinds completed its partnership with seel to provide a more seamless, hassle-free shopping experience for its customers. The Worry-Free Purchase program enables customers to experience hassle-free returns, on-time delivery commitments, and full refunds for products that fail to live up to expectations, enhancing the shopping experience.
  
• In August 2024 ThredUp, Vestiaire Collective, and other resale companies collaborated in a petition to stop double taxation on second-hand clothing in the U.S. The petition calls for an end to sales tax on second-hand items, which is charged both when bought originally and resold, making them pricier for customers.  
  

The second-hand fashion market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue (USD Billion) and volume (Million Units) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Product Type, 2021 – 2034

• Clothing
  • Top wear
    • Tops
    • T-Shirts
    • Others (sweaters, blouses, etc.)
  • Bottom wear
    • Jeans
    • Shorts
    • Leggings
    • Others (joggers and sweatpants, etc.)
• Accessories
  • Bags and purses
  • Shoes
  • Jewelry
  • Other accessories

Market, By Price Range, 2021 – 2034

• Low
• Medium
• High

Market, By Consumer Group, 2021 – 2034

• Men
• Women
• Kids

Market, By Distribution Channel, 2021 – 2034

• Online
  • E-commerce
  • Company websites
• Offline
  • Consignment shops
  • Thrift stores
  • Other physical stores (pop-up shops, etc.)

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • U.K.
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico 
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa