Comprehensive Snapshot of Second-hand Apparel Market Research Report, Including Regional and Country Analysis in Brief.
Industry: Consumer Goods
Delivery Timelines: Please Contact Sales
Published Date: June-2025
Format: PPT*, PDF, EXCEL
Number of Pages: 170
ID: PMRREP35391
The global second-hand apparel market size is projected to grow from US$ 230.6 billion in 2025 to US$ 438.1 billion by 2032, achieving a CAGR of 9.6% by 2032. According to the Persistence Market Research, the industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by changes in consumer preferences, increasing environmental awareness, and the rising popularity of sustainable fashion. As consumers seek affordable and eco-friendly alternatives to fast fashion, second-hand clothing presents an attractive solution. The market features a wide variety of resale platforms, including online marketplaces as well as local thrift stores and digital platforms such as Carousell and Mercari.
Consumer demand is further fueled by the growing influence of social media and fashion influencers who promote second-hand shopping as a trendy and sustainable choice. Additionally, the rise of circular fashion models, where products are reused, recycled, or upcycled, contributes to the market's expansion. The second-hand apparel market is expected to continue evolving, with technological innovations, strategic partnerships, and shifting consumer behaviors driving its future growth.
Key Industry Highlights
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Global Market Attribute |
Key Insights |
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Second-Hand Apparel Market Size (2025E) |
US$ 230.6 Bn |
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Market Value Forecast (2032F) |
US$ 438.1 Bn |
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Projected Growth (CAGR 2025 to 2032) |
11.9% |
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Historical Market Growth (CAGR 2019 to 2024) |
10.7% |
Celebrity endorsements and influencer promotions have been recognized as powerful forces in normalizing second-hand fashion within the global second-hand apparel market. High-profile figures openly showcasing their thrifted and pre-owned fashion choices have played a crucial role in reshaping public perceptions, making resale apparel more desirable and mainstream. This visibility has reduced the stigma traditionally associated with second-hand clothing and encouraged broader adoption of sustainable fashion practices.
In 2024, The RealReal demonstrated the impact of celebrity involvement through its second-annual celebrity closet sale, featuring luxury consignments from notable personalities such as Kate Moss, Julianne Moore, and Marisa Tomei. A total of 230 high-end items, including apparel, etc, were offered through the event, co-hosted with Conservation International.
The initiative not only underscored the environmental advantages of fashion resale but also elevated the appeal of second-hand apparel by linking it with sustainability and exclusivity, thereby driving increased consumer engagement and market growth.
Perceived hygiene and quality concerns are significant restraints that hinder the growth of the second-hand apparel market. Many potential consumers remain hesitant to purchase pre-owned clothing due to fears regarding cleanliness, wear and tear, and the condition of items. These concerns are often amplified by the absence of consistent product inspection standards across platforms.
Despite efforts by companies to implement rigorous quality checks and sanitization processes, the stigma surrounding second-hand clothing persists. The risk of receiving damaged or unhygienic items is frequently cited as a deterrent, especially for those who are unfamiliar with resale markets. As a result, these perceptions continue to restrict the broader adoption of second-hand apparel, limiting the potential consumer base. Addressing these issues is crucial for increasing market acceptance.
Collaborating with fashion brands to launch branded resale or recommerce programs has been recognized as a valuable opportunity in the second-hand apparel market, enabling brands to tap into the growing demand for sustainable fashion while preserving brand integrity. Consumers are increasingly attracted to pre-owned items authenticated by the original brand, which enhances trust and perceived value. These initiatives enable brands to support circular fashion models and engage with eco-conscious buyers with extended product lifecycles.
In 2024, The RealReal has partnered with Burberry to pilot a program encouraging customers to consign Burberry items on The RealReal's platform. As part of the collaboration, consignors were offered a personalized shopping experience, including high tea at select Burberry stores in the U.S. This initiative not only promoted sustainability but also fostered brand loyalty and opened new revenue streams. Such partnerships have been shown to significantly contribute to the expansion and long-term viability of the second-hand apparel market.
The tops category has been recognized as the second-largest segment in the global second-hand apparel market, driven by its high purchase frequency, versatility, and widespread appeal. Tops including t-shirts, blouses, and sweaters are staple wardrobe items that are in consistent demand across seasons and adaptable to a range of styles and occasions. Their relatively lower price points, compact storage, and ease of resale have contributed to their strong performance in second-hand markets.
In 2025, ThredUp resells approximately 17 million garments each year, with a significant portion consisting of tops. This high turnover has been enabled by ThredUp’s use of artificial intelligence to efficiently sort, price, and list items, ensuring a responsive and diverse inventory that aligns with evolving consumer preferences. As consumers continue to prioritize affordability and sustainability, the tops segment has maintained a strong position within the resale market, supporting ongoing growth and enhancing the circular fashion economy.
Women’s second-hand apparel has been recognized as the fastest growing segment in the global second-hand apparel market, driven by high product turnover and sustained demand. The segment benefits from a constant influx of new styles and seasonal trends that encourage frequent wardrobe changes, resulting in a steady supply of gently used clothing. Women’s frequent purchases for diverse occasions and their growing interest in sustainable, affordable fashion have positioned this segment as the most active in the resale market.
In 2024, Vinted reported that 65% of its members had at least a quarter of their wardrobes made up of second-hand items. Most users noted that the quality of pre-owned items was comparable to or exceeded that of new apparel. This strong preference for resale fashion among women has fueled platform growth and profitability, reinforcing women’s second-hand apparel as a primary driver of market expansion and reshaping consumer attitudes toward sustainable fashion.
The mainstream acceptance of thrifting among Gen Z and Millennials was exemplified by ThredUp, reflecting a broader shift that significantly accelerated the growth of online resale platforms in North America. Economic considerations and environmental awareness have driven these younger generations toward secondhand shopping, resulting in increased engagement on platforms like ThredUp. A surge in new user registrations was reported, fueled by the rising appeal of sustainable fashion. This changing consumer behavior has prompted traditional retailers to incorporate resale models into their operations, reinforcing the role of online resale in the evolving fashion industry.
According to ThredUp’s 2025 Resale Report, 59% of consumers indicated a preference for secondhand apparel if government tariffs increased clothing prices, with this figure rising to 69% among Millennials. 39% of younger shoppers reported making secondhand purchases through social commerce in the past year, highlighting the growing integration of resale into the shopping habits of these demographics.
In Europe, the second-hand apparel market has been strongly supported by robust infrastructure in countries like Germany and the Netherlands, where well-established resale platforms, charity shops, and organized collection networks have enhanced consumer trust. These systems ensure that second-hand items are thoroughly inspected and of high quality, promoting confidence in resale purchases while encouraging sustainable and circular fashion practices. The availability of local stores and the convenience of digital resale platforms have further elevated the shopping experience, making second-hand fashion a preferred choice.
In 2024, ThredUp has invested over $20 million in its European operations over six quarters. Despite its efforts to establish a strong regional presence, ThredUp faced substantial challenges, including an 18% decline in Q2 revenue and a 25% drop in gross profit, ultimately leading to its market exit. This outcome underscored the complexity of building trust in new markets without deeply rooted second-hand frameworks already in place.
In the Asia Pacific region, influencer-led fashion hauls on second-hand platforms like Carousell and Mercari are significantly driving youth engagement. These platforms have become popular among Gen Z and Millennials, who are increasingly embracing second-hand fashion for its affordability and sustainability.
Carousell's 2024 Year-in-Secondhand insights revealed that women's fashion emerged as the top secondhand category across Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, with the Philippines accounting for over 30% of regional transactions.
This trend is further amplified by influencers showcasing thrifted finds, making second-hand shopping more appealing and accessible to younger consumers. Such influencer-driven initiatives are reshaping fashion consumption patterns, promoting a shift towards sustainable and budget-friendly fashion choices among the youth.
The global second-hand apparel market is highly competitive, with numerous players across different regions offering a wide range of platforms for resale. Major global platforms dominate the market with their established customer base and extensive product offerings. These platforms leverage technology to offer seamless user experiences, advanced filtering options, and robust authentication processes for premium items.
In addition, regional players such as Mercari and Carousell cater to specific geographies, providing localized solutions with a focus on user engagement. These platforms often collaborate with influencers and launch targeted campaigns to attract younger, more tech-savvy consumers. Emerging brands focus on niche segments, offering specialized products and targeting fashion-forward communities. Traditional thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army also remain key players, transitioning to online platforms to stay competitive.
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Report Attribute |
Details |
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Historical Data/Actuals |
2019 - 2024 |
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Forecast Period |
2025 - 2032 |
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Market Analysis Units |
Value: US$ Bn, Volume: Unit |
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Geographical Coverage |
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Segmental Coverage |
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Competitive Analysis |
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Report Highlights |
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Customization and Pricing |
Available upon request |
By Product Type
By Condition
By Distribution Channel
By End-use
By Region
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The global Second-Hand Apparel Market is projected to be valued at 230.6 Bn in 2025.
The Second-Hand Apparel Market is driven by celebrity endorsements, and influencers promoting thrifted fashion are normalizing resale culture.
The Second-Hand Apparel Market is poised to witness a CAGR of 9.6% from 2025 to 2032.
Collaborating with fashion brands to launch branded resale or recommerce programs offers new revenue streams is the key market opportunity.
Major players in the Second-Hand Apparel Market include ThredUp Inc., The RealReal, Inc., Think2, Poshmark, Inc., Vinted, and others.
