The global secondhand apparel market is projected to expand from USD 48.32 billion in 2025 to nearly USD 138.90 billion by 2035, reflecting a CAGR of 11.1% over the forecast period. In 2024, the market was valued at USD 43.49 billion. This growth has been driven by increased consumer interest in sustainable and affordable fashion alternatives.
Environmental concerns and awareness of textile waste reduction have been cited as key factors behind the shift toward secondhand purchases. A conscious lifestyle has been adopted by Gen Z and millennial consumers, further reinforcing this trend.
Strong growth has been observed in online resale platforms. Digital marketplaces such as thredUP, Poshmark, and The RealReal have been scaled to attract a global base of sellers and buyers. In 2025, platform innovations such as mobile-first interfaces, live shopping features, and AI personalization tools have been deployed to increase consumer engagement. Partnerships between traditional fashion brands and resale platforms have also been established. These initiatives have been designed to align with rising demand for sustainable consumption and to reduce overproduction-related inventory costs.
Circular economy practices have been incorporated more aggressively across the secondhand fashion ecosystem. By 2025, initiatives supporting product traceability and lifecycle transparency have been introduced by multiple brands. Digital product passports and sustainability certifications have been piloted to enhance consumer trust. Regulatory support-especially in Europe and North America has encouraged recycling and the reuse of textiles. Cross-border resale has been facilitated by improved logistics and payment integration, benefiting luxury and vintage segments in particular.
Key market players include thredUP, Poshmark, The RealReal, Vestiaire Collective, eBay, and Depop. ThredUP’s resale-as-a-service model has been extended to additional B2B partners. Vestiaire Collective’s B Corp certification has been viewed as a benchmark in sustainability.
Poshmark has advanced social commerce by introducing live shopping experiences. Several fast fashion brands have launched resale pilots to address growing scrutiny from regulators and consumers alike. With expectations for transparency and environmental responsibility intensifying, the secondhand apparel market is forecasted to grow steadily through 2035, supported by innovation, policy shifts, and evolving consumer values.
| Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Secondhand Apparel Market Value for 2025 | USD 48.32 billion |
| Projected Market Value for 2035 | USD 138.90 billion |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 11.1% |
In 2025, a 34.2% share of the global secondhand apparel market is expected to be held by dresses and tops, making them the leading product category. Increased demand for these items has been driven by greater consumer acceptance of sustainable fashion choices. Secondhand dresses and tops are being favored due to their affordability, widespread availability, and reduced environmental impact.
Resale platforms such as ThredUp, Depop, and Poshmark are being used to offer curated collections of gently used garments. The preference for pre-owned apparel is being reinforced by the rising awareness of circular fashion, where garment reuse is promoted to reduce textile waste. The environmental burden of new clothing production is being offset through resale participation.
This product category is being supported by both consumers and brands, with second-use initiatives and take-back programs increasingly being implemented. As sustainability becomes a core shopping criterion, demand for secondhand dresses and tops is being strengthened by both economic and ethical motivations.
A 50.1% share of the global secondhand apparel market is projected to be held by women in 2025, establishing them as the largest consumer group. The popularity of secondhand clothing among women is being attributed to shifting preferences toward cost-effective and environmentally conscious fashion. Online resale platforms such as The RealReal, Vinted, and Vestiaire Collective are being used by women to access premium apparel at lower costs.
Ethical shopping habits are being reinforced by increased awareness of fast fashion’s ecological impact. Participation in resale is being encouraged by the social appeal of thrift hauls and influencer-led fashion content. Secondhand clothing is being incorporated into daily wardrobe choices as a result of its affordability and sustainability.
Wardrobe rotation, reduced landfill waste, and fashion diversity are being prioritized by women. Consequently, women are being recognized as the most influential and investable demographic in the global secondhand fashion industry. Their behavior is being shaped by both economic factors and a growing commitment to eco-friendly fashion consumption.
This section provides a detailed analysis of the industry during the last five years, focusing on expected developments in the used clothing market. The market grew at a 8.9% CAGR during the historical period. The market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 11.1% through 2035.
| Historical CAGR | 8.9% |
|---|
The market is expanding because of several causes, including the rising acceptance of eco-fashion, the expansion of internet usage and eCommerce, and the affordability of secondhand apparel.
Fundamental aspects are anticipated to influence the demand for secondhand apparel through 2035.
Market players are going to desire to be slick and flexible over the anticipated period since these difficult attributes position the industry for success in the near future.
Gen-Z Vibes on Millennial Fashion
The secondhand apparel industry is experiencing significant growth, primarily driven by younger shoppers, particularly Generation Z and Millennials. These demographics increasingly choose to buy pre-owned clothing due to its cost-effectiveness and environmental consciousness. The Gen-Z shoppers value sustainability and the circular fashion economy, as it aligns with their values of reducing waste and carbon footprint.
Affordability is also a key factor in the popularity of secondhand clothing, as it makes high-quality items, including luxury brands, more accessible. The trend of derivative apparel reflects the emphasis on value and sustainability in place of ownership and status symbols. The emergence of the secondhand apparel sector represents a societal movement toward more conscientious buying habits, a divergence from the old linear model of fashion consumption.
Vintage Clothing Never Goes Out of Style
The market is undergoing a significant transformation due to the growing trend of embracing vintage and retro styles, especially among younger consumers. A desire for individuality, appreciation of craftsmanship, and nostalgia drives the trend of vintage and retro fashion. These styles provide a unique way to express oneself, contrasting with mass-produced garments. They often showcase quality craftsmanship and intricate details, showcasing the artistry of bygone eras.
The fusion of old and new cultural influences also sparks creativity and adds depth to personal-style narratives. Secondhand shopping is now seen as a mainstream and socially responsible choice, driven by growing environmental awareness. By opting for pre-owned clothing, individuals can extend the lifespan of garments, reduce textile waste, and contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry.
Resale Platforms Stimulate the Demand for Secondhand Apparel
The rise of resale platforms and marketplaces is a significant shift in the fashion industry, driven by changing consumer preferences and technological advancements. These platforms remove the obstacles associated with conventional thrift shopping by giving customers an easy and accessible option to purchase and sell secondhand apparel.
Fashion brands also collaborate with resale platforms to tap into new markets and customer segments, leveraging their expertise and infrastructure to capitalize on secondhand shopping and sustainability. Partnerships between clothing brands and resale platforms also serve as a vehicle for innovation and creative expression, allowing brands to experiment with new business models and expand their product range.
The symbiotic relationship fosters mutual growth and a more sustainable fashion ecosystem. The emergence of resale markets and platforms signifies a change toward a more sustainable and circular future, democratizing access to pre-owned apparel and opening the door for a more moral, open, and robust fashion industry.
The markets for secondhand apparel in some of the most significant nations in the global arena, including the United States, China, India, Japan, and the United Kingdom, are scheduled to be looked at in this section. Examine the many factors impacting these countries' acceptance and demand for recycled clothes through in-depth study.
| Countries | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| United States | 2.6% |
| United Kingdom | 9.3% |
| China | 4.8% |
| Japan | 7.6% |
| India | 14.0% |
The United States fashion industry seeks secondhand clothing due to the quick fashion rise. The United States' demand for secondhand apparel is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.6% through 2035. The demand for secondhand apparel is being driven by the following factors, which are anticipated to be very important for the industry's growth:
China is a pioneer of quick fashion manufacturing, developing a high demand for sustainable secondhand clothing. The secondhand apparel demand in China is growing at a 4.8% CAGR. The following are some of the main trends:
The United Kingdom's secondhand apparel industry is expected to witness a CAGR of 9.3% from 2025 to 2035. The fashion industry of the United Kingdom is in considerable demand for vintage clothing options for the shoppers. Among the main fashions are:
The demand for anime-inspired clothing in Japan is rising, and the secondhand apparel demand is expected to increase at a CAGR of 7.6% through 2035; among the primary motivators are:
India's secondhand apparel market is predicted to rise at an impressive CAGR of 14.0% through 2035, propelled by the demand for vintage and ethnically inspired clothing. Growth of such kind is anticipated to maintain the leading position of the Indian market globally. Among the principal trends are the following ones:
Secondhand apparel market players shape the industry through innovative business models, technological advancements, and strategic partnerships. The clothing companies are meeting the growing demand for sustainable fashion alternatives and driving significant changes in consumer behavior and industry practices.
Secondhand apparel brands are leveraging technology to improve the online shopping experience and streamline operations. Advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques enhance product recommendations, personalize user experiences, and optimize inventory management, making secondhand shopping more convenient and accessible to a wider consumer base.
Clothing manufacturers are introducing new business models that promote circularity and sustainability in the fashion industry. These include subscription-based rental services, which allow customers to lease clothing items for a limited period, and initiatives like clothing resale and upcycling programs, which encourage consumers to extend garment lifecycles.
Secondhand apparel enterprises are forming strategic partnerships with fashion brands, retailers, and influencers to expand their reach and penetrate new markets. These collaborations enable the resale of pre-owned designer clothing, attracting luxury consumers seeking value and sustainability. Social media influencers and celebrities also raise awareness and drive secondhand shopping adoption among diverse demographics.
The global secondhand apparel market is transforming consumer preferences and industry norms through innovation, technology, and collaboration, promoting sustainability, circularity, and inclusivity, paving the way for a more ethical, transparent, and resilient future.
Recent Developments
| Report Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Total Market Size (2025) | USD 48.32 billion |
| Projected Market Size (2035) | USD 138.90 billion |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 11.1% |
| Base Year for Estimation | 2023 |
| Historical Period | 2020 to 2024 |
| Projections Period | 2024 to 2035 |
| Quantitative Units | USD billion for value and million units for volume |
| Product Types Analyzed (Segment 1) | Dresses and Tops, Shirts and T-shirts, Sweaters, Coats and Jackets, Jeans and Pants, Others |
| Sectors Analyzed (Segment 2) | Resale, Traditional Thrift Stores & Donations |
| Target Populations Analyzed (Segment 3) | Men, Women, Kids |
| Sales Channels Analyzed (Segment 4) | Wholesalers or Distributors, Hypermarkets or Supermarkets, Multi-brand Stores, Independent Small Stores, Departmental Stores, Online Retailers, Other Sales Channels |
| Regions Covered | North America; Latin America; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; South Asia and Pacific; East Asia; Middle East & Africa |
| Countries Covered | United States, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Japan, China, India, South Korea, Brazil |
| Key Players Influencing the Market | Thredup Inc., The RealReal, Poshmark, Vinted, Micolet, Percentil.ma, Thrift+, Chikatex, HunTex Recycling Kft, EBay Inc., British Used Clothing Company, A&E Used Clothing Wholesale, Mobacotex, Tradesy, StockX |
| Additional Attributes | Surge in eco-conscious consumerism, Rise of recommerce platforms, Fast fashion backlash fueling resale trends |
| Customization and Pricing | Customization and Pricing Available on Request |
The secondhand apparel market is expected to be USD 48.32 billion in 2025.
Dresses and tops are estimated to hold 33.0% share in the global market.
The demand for secondhand apparel grew at an 8.9% CAGR from 2020 to 2024.
The market is anticipated to surpass a valuation of USD 138.90 billion by 2035.
The secondhand apparel industry is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 11.1% from 2025 to 2035.
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Secondhand Apparel Market
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