Global textile markets are experiencing a seismic shift, with secondhand apparel surging as a dominant force. A recent report by online resale giant ThredUp reveals a staggering $227 billion spent on used clothing, shoes, and accessories in 2024, representing nearly 10% of the entire global apparel market. This burgeoning sector, fueled by a confluence of economic, technological, and ethical factors, is poised for even more dramatic expansion.
The United States, in particular, is witnessing a significant acceleration of this trend. President Trump’s implementation of 20% tariffs on Chinese imports is anticipated to drastically inflate the cost of new clothing, widening the price gap between new and pre-owned items. This economic pressure, as highlighted by ThredUp CEO James Reinhart, is driving consumers towards the affordable allure of resale. “You’re starting to see more and more consumers come to resale,” Reinhart states, emphasizing the stickiness of the trend: “Once people start shopping secondhand, they keep doing it.”
The landscape of secondhand retail is also undergoing a radical transformation. Beyond traditional donation and vintage shops, a robust online ecosystem has emerged, featuring platforms like eBay, ThredUp, Poshmark, and Vestiaire Collective. Further solidifying this trend, established brands are increasingly embracing resale, either independently or through partnerships with specialized service providers like Archive and Trove. Trove, for instance, boasts a roster of approximately 50 clients, including outdoor apparel behemoth Patagonia and sneaker innovator Allbirds, and recently added seven clients in the second half of 2024.
To further incentivize consumer adoption, brands are strategically integrating resale into their core business models. This includes implementing shared online checkouts and investing in targeted third-party marketing, as outlined by Trove CEO Terry Boyle, aiming to create a seamless and integrated shopping experience.
The numbers paint a compelling picture of this burgeoning market. Global secondhand fashion sales witnessed a 15% year-over-year increase in 2024, and projections indicate a surge to over $250 billion in 2025, surpassing $300 billion by 2027, according to ThredUp’s analysis, informed by data from GlobalData.
Beyond economic incentives, a fundamental shift in consumer attitudes is driving this growth. The historical stigma associated with secondhand shopping is rapidly dissolving, particularly among younger, digitally native generations. “It’s now become the norm,” asserts Samina Virk, US CEO of Vestiaire Collective. This shift is further amplified by growing environmental consciousness. Consumers are increasingly opting for secondhand to mitigate the carbon footprint associated with new garment production and transportation. Vestiaire Collective’s data reveals that a significant 79% of items sold on their platform replace a new purchase.
Furthermore, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to revolutionize the secondhand shopping experience. Recognizing the challenges of navigating vast online inventories, ThredUp is pioneering AI-powered tools that enable users to upload images of desired items and instantly find similar listings. This innovation, according to Reinhart, promises to “make shopping secondhand online just as seamless as buying new,” further accelerating the sector’s growth.
In conclusion, the global textile market is undergoing a profound transformation, with secondhand apparel emerging as a dominant force. Driven by economic pressures, evolving consumer preferences, and technological advancements, this sector is poised for continued explosive growth, reshaping the future of fashion consumption.
