Secondhand Apparel Market

Secondhand Apparel Market Outlook for 2024 to 2034

The Secondhand Apparel Market is estimated to be valued at USD 43.49 billion in 2024 and reach USD 125.18 billion by 2034. It is expected to rise at a CAGR of 11.1% from 2024 to 2034. The demand for secondhand clothing is mostly driven by their higher quality and cost effectiveness.

Attributes	Details
Secondhand Apparel Market Value for 2024	USD 43.49 billion
Projected Market Value for 2034	USD 125.18 billion
CAGR (2024 to 2034)	11.1%

Sales Analysis of Secondhand Apparel

• The secondhand apparel market is anticipated to expand as more people become aware of the financial, social, and environmental advantages of thrift shopping.
• The usage of clothes is changing due to the expanding fashion industry, with vintage clothing becoming increasingly fashionable on various platforms and developing high demand for secondhand apparel.
• Consumers' perceptions of attractiveness have changed due to their journeys towards self-esteem, which has increased their demands for better clothing and fashion accessories, developing a novel shopper base for secondhand apparel.
• Over the past several years, there has been a notable growth in sales of secondhand apparel due to growing awareness of the environmental advantages of these items; this trend is anticipated to continue throughout the forthcoming decade.
• Popular clothing brands are moving to online sales platforms to increase sales and their consumer base, while new start-ups are joining the market to take advantage of new prospects.

Historical Performance and Future Growth of the Secondhand Apparel Market

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 2034.

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 2034.

• Growing eCommerce sites and marketplaces make accessing a greater selection of used apparel simpler, which presents new business options for clothing brands.
• Brands in the market use cutting-edge technologies, including AI and AR, to provide better virtual try-on experiences and tailored suggestions.
• Creating novel business models, such as rental platforms and subscription-based secondhand clothing industries, expands the market for used clothes consumers.
• Conventional stores and resale platforms work together to provide a variety of new and used clothing selections to suit different customer tastes.
• Fashion brands' use of the circular economy has resulted in more collaborations with resale platforms and projects to prolong product lifecycles.

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.

Key Trends Influencing the Secondhand Apparel Market

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.

Category-wise Insights

This section offers a detailed examination of a few market categories for secondhand apparel. The primary study subjects are Women as the target audience group and Dresses and Tops as a product category. Through a thorough analysis, this section aims to provide readers with a clearer understanding of these divides and their significance within the context of the broader secondhand apparel industry.

Secondhand Dresses and Tops Bags 33.0% of the Market Share

Attributes	Details
Top Product Type	Dresses and Tops
Market share in 2024	33.0%

The dresses and tops segment is expected to hold a market share of 33.0%. Dresses and tops drives the secondhand clothing industry. The development of the secondhand dresses and tops segment can be explained by the following drivers:

• The demand for used dresses and tops is rising significantly, mostly due to women's growing acceptance of sustainable fashion sources.
• Growing consumer awareness of environmental issues is predicted to fuel the growth of the used clothes sector and drive up demand for pre-owned dresses and tops, particularly among women.
• Due to the perception that buying used dresses and tops is more economical and ecologically beneficial than purchasing new clothing, consumers are now more likely to buy these items.
• Consequently, the demand for secondhand clothes is set to grow. Apparel producers are pressured to show that they are committed to sustainability to satisfy changing consumer tastes.

Women Shoppers Account for 49.4% Secondhand Clothing Market by Target Population

Attributes	Details
Top Target Population	Women
Market share in 2024	49.4%

The demand for secondhand apparel is high from women shoppers. The women shoppers dominate the target population category, holding a market share of 49.4%. The primary drivers of this industry are:

• The way that women approach buying and fashion has changed significantly. As they look for better discounts and put more effort into cutting costs, most women increasingly use secondhand websites.
• Secondhand clothing is becoming popular since it's more cost-effective than new clothing. Women may purchase higher-quality apparel without over budget by shopping for used items.
• In addition, more and more women are conscious of the advantages of using remodeled clothing for the environment.
• Nowadays, many women know that buying used clothing may help decrease the quantity of clothing in landfills and encourage other women to purchase it, making it a necessary component of their wardrobe.
• The burgeoning global secondhand fashion market provides a plethora of choices for frugal-minded ladies who also wish to be environmentally conscious.

Country-wise Insights

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 (2024 to 2034)
United States	2.6%
United Kingdom	9.3%
China	4.8%
Japan	7.6%
India	14.0%

United States Quick Fashion Industry Drives Demand for Secondhand Apparel

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 2034. The demand for secondhand apparel is being driven by the following factors, which are anticipated to be very important for the industry's growth:

• The United States secondhand garment industry is expanding due largely to the growing number of conscientious consumers, the increasing prevalence of online retailers that facilitate buying and selling pre-owned items, including clothing, and the strong presence of major providers of pre-owned clothing.
• Using used clothing is one strategy to solve the labor and environmental issues associated with the United States garment industry in a time of fast fashion and outsourcing.
• The idea that design trends resurface after a long hiatus and that antique clothing has a greater personality than contemporary clothes gave rise to the vintage fashion clothing trend in the United States.

Chinese Fashion Sector Stitches Together the Parts of Sustainable Clothing

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:

• Chinese consumer's growing desire for designer clothing for various occasions has increased demand for used clothing, creating a massive need for international secondhand clothing stores.
• Thus, the business is anticipated to increase due to the expansion of international used clothing stores in China.
• Global labels are expected to feel more confident to expand in China because of the increased demand from people exposed to brands through social media.

Clothing Brands in the United Kingdom Desires Vintage Clothing Fashion

The United Kingdom's secondhand apparel industry is expected to witness a CAGR of 9.3% from 2024 to 2034. The fashion industry of the United Kingdom is in considerable demand for vintage clothing options for the shoppers. Among the main fashions are:

• Fashion designers in the United Kingdom frequently provide retro collections, obtaining used goods or collaborating with trustworthy vendors to draw in clients who value individuality and nostalgia while guaranteeing quality and authenticity.
• By drawing a larger audience and creating buzz about vintage fashion trends, influencers and celebrities in the United Kingdom may increase demand by exhibiting antique clothing.
• The United Kingdom clothing brands promote vintage clothing through educational initiatives that appeal to environmentally concerned consumers, encourage sustainability and circularity, and build a devoted following.

Growing Anime Culture in Japan Influences the Nostalgic Clothing Attires Development

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 2034; among the primary motivators are:

• The anime cosplay community's demand for costumes and character-inspired clothing, often sourced from secondhand stores or online platforms, is influenced by the popularity of specific anime series and characters in Japan.
• Japanese anime culture significantly influences Japanese fashion trends, with characters wearing avant-garde clothing designs. This affects the secondhand apparel market, where consumers seek anime-inspired streetwear and retro vintage pieces.
• Anime merchandise, including clothing, is highly valued by collectors in the anime community, with limited edition items often fetching high prices in the secondhand market in Japan. This collector's market drives the demand for anime-related apparel in secondhand stores and online marketplaces.
• The global appeal of anime has impacted Japan's market for used clothes, forming a specialized industry for clothing with an anime motif that appeals to fans' tastes across borders and continents.

Indian Shoppers Desires Vintage-fashioned Special Event Attires

India's secondhand apparel market is predicted to rise at an impressive CAGR of 14.0% through 2034, 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:

• India's special event apparel market is witnessing a significant surge in demand, which is expected to continue throughout the forecast period.
• The demand for formal attire is driven by the meticulousness of Indians in their dressing sense, developing a heightened demand for high-quality fabrics for fashion.
• The trend of local celebrities promoting secondhand apparel is gaining popularity, increasing demand for used clothing as consumers discover the economic and environmental benefits of clearing out their closets.
• Furthermore, a range of promotional activities, intense competition, and evolving customer preferences are creating favorable growth prospects for the secondhand apparel sector in India.

Competitive Strategies Adopted by Market Players

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

• In January 2024, United Kingdom-based fashion brand HERA launched an integrated platform for secondhand clothing resale, promoting the quality and longevity of its products as part of its circularity journey rather than relying on pre-existing reselling sites.
• In December 2023, Zara expanded its 'Pre-Owned' service to sell, repair, or donate second-hand clothes in several European countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Croatia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Germany, Austria, Belgium, and Spain, as the market for used apparel grows.
• In October 2023, H&M, the Swedish apparel retailer, is set to launch a new collection called "Pre-Loved" at its flagship London store. This collection is expected to feature secondhand women's clothing. The move comes as H&M and other fast-fashion brands aim to enhance their sustainability practices.
• In July 2023, Journeys, a teen retail leader under Genesco and thredUP, launched 'Journeys Secondhand,' an environmentally-conscious resale program allowing customers to shop secondhand apparel and resell gently-worn items for Journeys shopping credit.

Key Companies in the Secondhand Apparel 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

Key Coverage in the Secondhand Apparel Market Report

• Demand analysis of secondhand clothing in United States fashion sector
• Future Growth of sustainable fashion
• Influence of Y2K and Retro fashion movements
• Top 10 vintage clothing manufacturers
• Market dynamics of the wholesale and retail shoppers of second hand clothes
• Scope of Global trade of secondhand clothing

Key Segments

By Product Type:

• Dresses and Tops
• Shirts and T-shirts
• Sweaters, Coats and Jackets
• Jeans and Pants
• Others

By Sector:

• Resale
• Traditional Thrift Stores & Donations

By Target Population:

• Men
• Women
• Kids

By Sales Channel:

• Wholesalers or Distributors
• Hypermarkets or Supermarkets
• Multi-brand Stores
• Independent Small Stores
• Departmental Stores
• Online Retailers
• Other Sales Channel

By Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• East Asia
• South Asia
• Oceania
• Middle East and Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

How Big is the Second Hand Clothes Market?

The secondhand apparel market is expected to be USD 43.49 billion in 2024.

Which is the Popular Second Hand Clothing Type?

Dresses and tops are estimated to hold 33.0% share in the global market.

What was the Historical CAGR of the Market?

The demand for secondhand apparel grew at an 8.9% CAGR from 2019 to 2023.

What is the Expected Valuation of the market?

The market is anticipated to surpass a valuation of USD 125.18 billion by 2034.

What is the Sales Outlook for Secondhand Apparel from 2024 to 2034?

The secondhand apparel industry is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 11.1% from 2024 to 2034.