Second hand and resale fashion Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth, Forecast 2025-2034

Second hand and resale fashion Industry Snapshot

The global Second hand and resale fashion market was valued at USD 137.83 billion in 2024 and is set to reach USD 319.23 billion by 2034, growing at a steady CAGR of 9.78%.

The global second-hand and resale fashion market is the buying and selling of used clothing, accessories, and footwear, either online or through physical stores. This market has gained much attention in recent years due to environmental concerns, sustainability trends, and growing demand for affordable fashion. Consumers are getting increasingly aware of the environmental impact of fast fashion and are looking for second-hand and resale options to reduce waste and contribute to a circular economy.

Factors driving the market include online resale platforms, increased interest from consumers in unique items or antiques, and increasing acceptance of second-hand items in mainstream fashion. The growth of the market has gained impetus with the emergence of reselling platforms like ThredUp, Poshmark, and Depop, which make it easier for people to purchase and sell second-hand items. The increasing desire for sustainable practices, coupled with changing consumer attitudes toward the value of second-hand goods, is expected to continue fueling the market's expansion. As more consumers seek to lower their environmental footprint and access affordable fashion, the second-hand and resale fashion market is expected to thrive in the coming years.

Second hand and resale fashion Market Report Scope

Dynamic Insights

The main reason behind this shift is the increased consciousness of environmental problems, with more and more customers becoming conscious about the damage that fast fashion does to the environment. Therefore, individuals are switching over to purchasing used clothing in a bid to lessen waste and be part of the sustainable consumption. This shift towards circular fashion-the reuse, resell, and recycling of products-is further augmented by the acceptance of such ideas in the clothing industry, resulting in a much greener world.

Affordability also is a primary driver of this market, for second-hand fashion gives consumers a chance to reach branded, good-quality items at a fraction of the original cost. Moreover, the growth of online reselling platforms allows consumers to easily buy and sell pre-owned items. Second-hand goods expanded their reach in e-commerce for greater convenience and variety for the shopper. The popularity of vintage, unique, and limited-edition items has attracted a wider audience, especially the younger generation, who seek individuality and distinct styles.

Challenges such as quality concerns, the need for proper authentication, and the perception of second-hand goods being less fashionable are slowly being addressed through improved technologies and consumer education, further fueling market growth. Hence, this second-hand and resale fashion market is projected to continue to boom rapidly while taking sustainability and affordability at its front.

Core Drivers

• Sustainability and Environmental Awareness

The growth in environmental concerns makes more consumers shift to second-hand fashion to minimize their carbon footprint. One of the biggest contributors to pollution is the fashion industry, and this trend of buying pre-owned clothing is considered sustainable. Consumers are now becoming conscious of the fast-fashion impact: waste, resource consumption, and excess carbon emissions.

As the need for sustainable living becomes a quest, using second-hand clothing becomes very popular. Resale fashion contributes to the circular economy, urging the reuse of garments, hence resulting in less waste being sent to the landfill. This increased sense of sustainability is likely to continue to impact the industry, making more consumers turn to second-hand items instead of buying new ones, reducing the entire environmental footprint of the fashion industry.

• Affordability and Access to High-Quality Brands

A key driver for the second-hand fashion market is affordability. Pre-owned clothing offers consumers the chance to buy high-quality and often high-end fashion items at significantly lower prices compared to new ones. This has made it particularly attractive to cost-conscious shoppers who are looking for branded or designer products at affordable rates.

Moreover, second-hand items often hold their value better than mass-produced fast fashion items, making them a smart financial choice for many. As disposable income levels fluctuate and consumers seek to optimize their spending, the resale market’s affordable pricing structure will continue to attract a wide range of shoppers, including those looking to get luxury goods at a reduced price.

Market Constraints

• Perceived Stigma and Quality Concerns

Despite growing interest in second-hand fashion, there is still a stigma surrounding pre-owned goods for some consumers. Many people associate second-hand clothing with lower quality, outdated trends, or a lack of hygiene. This perception can limit the appeal of resale fashion, especially in markets where new, fast fashion items dominate the retail landscape. While the quality of second-hand clothing can be excellent, the hesitation to buy pre-owned items may remain a challenge for the market. Overcoming these perceptions will require ongoing efforts to educate consumers about the value, cleanliness, and quality of second-hand fashion.

• Authentication and Counterfeit Issues

As the market for second-hand luxury items continues to grow, the risk of counterfeit products becomes more significant. Consumers may be wary of purchasing high-end items without being sure of their authenticity. This challenge has led to the rise of authentication services, which add a layer of trust for buyers. However, the cost of verifying products and the complexity of identifying counterfeits remains a significant restraint in the market. Consumers need assurance that they are receiving genuine products, which could hinder the growth of the second-hand fashion market unless effective authentication systems become more widely available and reliable.

Future Potential

• Growth of Online Resale Platforms

The rise of digital platforms for buying and selling second-hand fashion has opened up new opportunities for market growth. E-commerce platforms like ThredUp, Poshmark, and Depop have become immensely popular, making it easier for consumers to access second-hand fashion from the comfort of their homes. The convenience and wide variety offered by these platforms cater to a global audience, expanding the market reach far beyond local or regional stores. The growth of mobile apps and digital payment systems has further streamlined the buying and selling process, offering a seamless experience for both sellers and buyers. This trend provides an opportunity for brands and entrepreneurs to tap into the online resale market and expand their customer base.

Market Segmentation Overview

• By Product Type

The second-hand and resale fashion market can be segmented into several product categories, each catering to specific consumer preferences. The product types in this market include dresses & tops, shirts & t-shirts, sweaters, coats & jackets, and other apparel. Dresses and tops are especially popular because they offer versatility and can be worn for various occasions, appealing to both casual and formal shoppers. Shirts and t-shirts are a staple in the resale fashion market, comfortable and appealing to the masses.

Sweaters, coats, and jackets are seasonal products that have good value, especially in colder climates, where consumers are looking for durable, stylish outerwear at a more affordable price. There are several categories for "other", ranging from miscellaneous skirts, pants, shorts to accessories such as scarves and hats. Thus, it diversifies the pool in the used clothing market. Although all types have some distinct appeal for specific people depending on their locality, season, or demand, in sum, these comprise the major chunk of used apparel.

• By End-User

The second-hand fashion market is mainly divided into men and women for end-user segmentation. Men's fashion in the second-hand market consists of shirts, jackets, jeans, and t-shirts, but there is an increased focus on sustainable fashion and affordable options for stylish, durable pieces. Women's fashion leads the resale market, as women buy a greater number of different clothing items, such as dresses, tops, skirts, and outerwear.

The women's market is huge because of higher interest in variety, unique vintage finds, and brand-name apparel. The end-user segment reflects various requirements and buying patterns in the case of fashion: women's apparels dominate volumes, while interest in sustainable or budget-friendly solutions is gaining market share for menswear. There is further upward momentum for the two segments from the increased second-hand demand through all age ranges.

• By Distribution Channel

The second-hand and resale fashion can be broadly classified into online and offline sales channels. Online sales channels have seen tremendous growth as well, especially with the introduction of platforms like ThredUp, Poshmark, Depop, and others, where one can conveniently access second-hand goods. It has changed the market as these platforms make it easier for the consumer to buy and sell second-hand fashion all over the world, offering a wide range of products at various price points. Online resale is often the favorite means of younger, digitally savvy shoppers who prefer this channel because one can shop sitting at home or even in offices.

Offline stores, such as thrift stores and consignment shops, and those that have an online presence can be seen within the market framework, especially targeting customers who go for inshop experiences and look through items practically. These off-line channels provide a more experiential feel, usually with more interesting or handpicked items. Online and off-line channels both make up the second-hand fashion market; the former has grown much faster, but the latter has an enduring customer base, especially from the older age group.

Regional Overview

The market in North America is particularly thriving because of a well-developed thrifting culture in the United States, and rising awareness of the environmental issues with regard to these sales. For example, there are online resale platforms like Poshmark and ThredUp, which dominate the U.S. market in facilitating consumers buying and selling used fashion items.

The younger generation, particularly millennials and Gen Z, are driving the wave of second-hand clothing, being motivated by uniqueness, affordability, and eco-friendliness. In Europe, the UK, France, and Germany are experiencing this shift towards second-hand clothing. Vintage shops and online resale platforms are gaining more traction in the European market. Eco-conscious consumer behavior and growing demand for sustainable consumption drive this market.

In Asia-Pacific, the market in second-hand clothing is taking ground, particularly through countries such as Japan, China, and South Korea. A concept such as second-hand clothes was slow at first in embracing the cultures but is fast-becoming second nature among mainstream consumers, the younger generations inclusive. In these regions, due to the dominance of the long-standing Japanese model of thrifts, or 'recycle shops,' online commerce is quickly transforming the markets throughout Asia.

Second, an increased middle class in China would require affordable fashion while platforms for second-hand clothing also are on the rise. For Latin America, the second-hand market is booming with countries like Brazil and Mexico demanding it due to its affordability and sustainability. In Africa, particularly in countries such as Kenya and South Africa, the second-hand market is enormous because people depend on second-hand clothing due to low disposable incomes and the availability of cheap second-hand goods through importation from Western countries.

Market Player Analysis

The market is dominated by online resale platforms, with ThredUp, Poshmark, Depop, and Vinted at the forefront. These platforms have transformed the industry by providing consumers with a seamless way to buy and sell second-hand clothing, capitalizing on the increasing interest in sustainability and one-of-a-kind fashion discoveries. ThredUp, for instance, provides an enormous number of pre-owned items and has broadened its business model to allow direct selling for the consumer. Therefore, it leads the market.

Poshmark and Depop are more peer-to-peer-based and have the user list directly, giving a personal feel and adding community aspects to second-hand shopping. Vinted is particularly popular in Europe and has been expanding its footprint across different countries, offering a similar peer-to-peer model but with an emphasis on sustainability. In addition to these online channels, traditional thrift stores and consignment shops continue to take a huge piece of the pie. Some key players in this space are Goodwill and Salvation Army, who remain essential to the offline resale space, continuing to provide budget-friendly second-hand clothing to customers.

High-end resale platforms, such as The RealReal and Vestiaire Collective, offer authenticated designer items for the higher-end second-hand marketplace. A growth market intensifies competition in the market since companies constantly innovate with enhanced user experience in order to provide streamlined buying and selling processes, verification of authenticity in products sold through their platforms, and more eco-friendly packaging. The competitive landscape of the market is further becoming fragmented as new entrants and niche players enter different geographic markets, all taking their participation in the fueling of competition and market expansion.

Leading Companies

• Poshmark
• Depop
• Vestiaire Collective
• ThredUP
• Mercari
• The RealReal
• eBay
• ASOS Marketplace
• Goodwill Industries International
• Buffalo Exchange  

Recent Highlights

• In July 2023, Journeys, a prominent teen retail brand under Genesco, collaborated with thredUP to introduce 'Journeys Second-hand,' an environmentally-conscious resale program. This initiative enables customers to purchase second-hand clothing and resell gently-used items in exchange for shopping credit at Journeys.
• Jan 2024, second-hand fashion marketplace Vestiaire Collective launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise a minimum of one million euros ($1.09 million) from individual investors. The Kering-backed company aims to achieve profitability by the end of the year and is exploring the possibility of going public.

Second hand and resale fashion Market Segmentation

By Product Type

• Dresses & Tops
• Shirts & T-shirts
• Sweaters
• Coats & Jackets
• Other

By End-User

• Men
• Women

By Distribution Channel

• Online
• Offline

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico

• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Denmark
  • Sweden
  • Rest of Europe

• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Thailand
  • Rest of Asia Pacific

• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina

• Middle East & Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Kuwait
  • UAE
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

Objectives of the Study

The study focuses on analyzing the global Second hand and resale fashion market through the following key objectives:

• Market Sizing and Forecasting: Estimate the market size and growth for Second hand and resale fashion by Product Type, By End-Use, By Distribution Channel, and Region from 2025 to 2034.
• Market Dynamics and Trends: Analyze key drivers, challenges, and opportunities shaping the market, along with evolving consumer preferences and fashion trends.
• Consumer Insights: Understand factors influencing consumer behavior, including brand perception, sustainability, and regional differences.
• Competitive Landscape: Profile major players with insights into financial performance, product portfolios, SWOT analysis, and strategic initiatives.
• Strategic Recommendations: Identify future trends, technologies, and actionable strategies for stakeholders to drive growth and address challenges effectively.

Second hand and resale fashion Market Segmentation

By Product Type

• Dresses & Tops
• Shirts & T-shirts
• Sweaters
• Coats & Jackets
• Other

By End-User

• Men
• Women

By Distribution Channel

• Online
• Offline

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico

• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Denmark
  • Sweden
  • Rest of Europe

• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Thailand
  • Rest of Asia Pacific

• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina

• Middle East & Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Kuwait
  • UAE
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa