Secondhand Apparel Market By Product Type (Dresses & Tops, Shirts & T-shirts, Sweaters, Coats & Jackets, Jeans & Pants, and Others), By Sector (Resale and Traditional Thrift Stores & Donations), By Target Population (Men, Women, and Kids), By Sales Channel (Online, Offline), and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa) – Market Trends, Analysis and Forecast till 2034

Report Code: PMI523624 | Publish Date: June 2024 | No. of Pages: 180

Secondhand Apparel Market Overview

Secondhand Apparel Market was valued at US$ 78.3 Billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 15.4% to reach US$ 288.7 Billion by 2034.

Secondhand apparel refers to clothing that has been previously owned or worn and is available for resale. These outfits can include everything from clothes to accessories to shoes. According to Oxfam, every week, 13 million items of clothing end up in landfills in the UK.

The perception between used clothes and new clothes varies among consumers. Some people see used clothing as a means of responsible consumption and a sustainable alternative to new clothing. They believe that used clothes can be equal or even higher quality than new ones. On the other hand, there are concerns about the quality, cleanliness, and social acceptance of used clothing. Used clothes can be considered a cultural statement, a fashion statement or a blessing to the less fortunate.

Perceptions of used clothing have also changed during the Covid-19 pandemic, with factors such as socio-environmental awareness and brand awareness influencing intention to purchase used clothing. Overall, consumer attitudes toward used clothing are influenced by economic value, self-expression, environmental awareness, and contribution to society.

Secondhand Apparel Market Research Report

Disclaimer: This data is only a representation. Actual data may vary and will be available in the report.

Secondhand Apparel Market Dynamics

Secondhand Apparel Market Driver:      

Increasing penetration of online shopping platforms:

  • Peer-to-peer commerce in casual clothing on modern digital platforms like Tradesy and Poshmark is driven by growing consumer demand, and digital reselling is quickly emerging as a megatrend in fashion. Used clothing represents a significant market. Dealers seek direct partnerships and trade alliances to serve as distribution platforms for premium brand products.
  • For example, The RealReal and Vestiaire Collective offer a digital marketplace for authorized luxury consignment, where customers can buy and sell designer brands like Hermès, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. Manufacturers are increasingly using online platforms to expand their audience and drive sales. Likewise, the availability of a wide variety of used clothes on Internet marketplaces has allowed consumers to purchase them from the comfort of their homes. During the forecast period, this is expected to significantly boost the savings industry.

Technological Advancements:

  • The emergence of online marketplaces and mobile apps dedicated to used clothing (such as ThredUp, Poshmark, and Depop) has made it easier for consumers to buy and sell used clothing.
  • Fashion influencers and bloggers promoting thrift and second-hand shopping have popularized second-hand shopping among young people.

Increasing Social Media Influence:

  • Social media platforms and fashion influencers have played a vital role in popularizing old fashion. Influencers' visibility and endorsement of thrifty fashion has attracted more market participants.

Restrains in the Secondhand Apparel Market:

  • Regulatory & Hygiene Issues: Regulations regarding the sale of used goods can vary by region, posing challenges for international platforms. Also, hygiene concerns may discourage some consumers, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
  •  Quality Issue: Used clothes often show signs of wear and tear, such as fraying, fading, and stretched fabric. Consumers are concerned about the longevity and durability of these items compared to new clothing. Some used clothing may have been altered or repaired, affecting its fit and durability. Poorly done edits can be of particular concern.  Potential buyers may be concerned about the cleanliness of used clothing. Although reputable thrift stores often clean and sanitize their inventory, considering used clothing potentially dirty can discourage some consumers.

Key Opportunities in Secondhand Apparel Market:

  • Integration with Mainstream Retailers: Mainstream retailers can tap into the second-hand market by launching their resale platforms or partnering with existing ones. For example, brands can offer trade-in programs where customers can return used items for store credit. This not only encourages sustainable practices but also enhances customer loyalty. Partnerships can also help major retailers reach new customer segments interested in secondhand fashion.
  • Expansion into New Markets: The second-hand clothing market is not limited to specific regions. Expanding into emerging markets where economic conditions make affordable fashion more attractive could spur growth. Understanding local preferences and tailoring services to  regional needs can help establish a strong presence in new areas.

Secondhand Apparel Market Segmentation

Secondhand Apparel Market is segmented by Product Type, Sector, Target Population, Sales Channel, and Region.

Product Type Insight

  • Dresses & Tops – It is the largest segment, and it includes many styles such as casual dresses, evening dresses, summer dresses, and formal dresses. Consumers often search for used dresses for special occasions or everyday wear to find unique pieces at a fraction of the original price. Classic and designer dresses are trendy in this segment. Tops include blouses, tank tops, and regular shirts. This versatile category caters to various fashion needs, from professional wear to casual outings. The affordable prices and variety of used shirts make them a must-have for many consumers.
  • Shirts & T-shirts- These include office, casual, and flannel shirts. Used shirts are prized for their durability and the ability to find high-quality brands at lower prices. Consumers often look for classic styles that remain trendy over time.  T-shirts, including graphic, plain, and branded T-shirts, are a big draw in the second-hand market. Vintage and rare T-shirts, especially those featuring iconic bands, movies or brands, are highly sought by collectors and fashion enthusiasts.
  • Sweaters, Coats & Jackets- The sweater segment includes sweaters, cardigans and hoodies. These items are prized for comfort and warmth, especially during the colder months. Consumers often look for unique designs, premium materials such as wool and cashmere, and classic styles. This category includes trench coats, winter coats, and pea coats. High-quality and designer coats can be costly when new, so consumers often turn to second-hand markets to find these items at more affordable prices.
  • Jeans & Pants- The used jeans market includes various styles such as skinny, flared, straight-leg, and ripped jeans. Consumers often look for high-quality denim brands known for their fit and durability. Vintage jeans, especially those from famous brands like Levi's, are highly sought after. This includes dress pants, dress pants, and slacks. Used pants are popular because of their affordable prices and the ability to find high-end brands at discounted prices. Consumers often look for pieces that fit well and have timeless style. 
  • Others - This includes a variety of styles such as mini dresses, maxi dresses and pencil skirts. Skirts are versatile items that can be pulled up or down, making them popular on the second-hand market. While smaller than clothing, used shoes, including sneakers, boots, and sandals, are a niche market. Designer and classic shoes are especially popular with consumers looking for unique styles.

Sector Insight

  • Resale—Resale platforms buy used clothing directly from individuals or allow users to list their items for sale. These platforms often curate collections to ensure quality and relevance. The resale industry is growing rapidly due to sustainable fashion's growing popularity and online shopping's convenience. These platforms often use technology to enhance the shopping experience, such as AI for personalized recommendations and virtual try-ons.
  • Traditional Thrift Stores & Donations- Traditional thrift stores often rely on donations from the public. Non-profit organizations often run these stores and focus on affordability. Thrift stores are important to communities, providing affordable clothing options and supporting charitable causes. However, they face challenges such as variable inventory quality and the need for effective sorting and sterilization processes.

Target Population Insight

  • Men –This includes suits, shirts, pants, jackets, casual wear and accessories. Used men's clothing often focuses on quality and durability. Men often look for high-quality, name-brand items at discounted prices. Work wear and casual wear are popular types.
  • Women- This segment includes dresses, tops, skirts, pants, jackets, accessories and more. Women's second-hand clothing is diverse and usually includes casual and formal clothing. Women are often attracted to old fashion because of its unique, classic, and designer items. Sustainability aspects also significantly influence their purchasing decisions.
  • Kids- this segment includes clothing for babies, toddlers and older children. Items range from everyday wear to special occasion wear. Parents often choose to use their children's clothes because children grow quickly, so this is a cost-effective option. The focus is on affordable prices, quality.

Sales Channel Insight

  • Online - There are websites and apps dedicated to selling used clothing. Examples include ThredUp, Poshmark, Depop, and eBay. Convenience, wider reach, and the ability to easily search and filter items. Online platforms also often provide detailed product descriptions and images, improving the shopping experience. The online Secondhand market is growing due to technological advances and changing consumer preferences toward e-commerce.
  • Offline- this segment includes traditional thrift stores, consignment stores, and pop-up stores. Buy now and be able to inspect the items physically. Offline stores also offer a more personal shopping experience.  While offline stores are still important, they face competition from the convenience of online shopping. However, they often attract local communities and people who enjoy an in-person shopping experience.

 Secondhand Apparel Market Regional Insights:

The tallow Oil Market is segmented by region into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

  • North America: North America holds a significant share in the market, North America, especially the United States, has a well-established second-hand market with many online and offline platforms. High consumer awareness about sustainability is driving market growth. 
  • Europe: Europe has a strong thrift store culture, with a particular emphasis on sustainability. Many online platforms and traditional thrift stores support the marketplace.
  • Asia Pacific: The Asia Pacific region offers lucrative opportunities for the growth market, driven by economic factors and growing environmental awareness. Online platforms are becoming popular, and local online marketplaces and global platforms are growing in the region.
  • Latin America: The market is emerging with an increasing number of consumers interested in affordable fashion. Economic conditions and sustainability concerns drive the market.
  • Middle East & Africa: The Middle East and Africa region market is growing, with a growing awareness of secondhand fashion. Economic factors play an important role in the growth of the market local thrift stores and community-focused resale initiatives.

Secondhand Apparel Market Report Scope:

Attribute

Details

Market Size 2024

US$ 78.3 Billion

Projected Market Size 2034

US$ 288.7 Billion

CAGR Growth Rate

15.4%

Base year for estimation  

2023

Forecast period       

2024-2034

Market representation       

Revenue in USD Billion & CAGR from 2024 to 2034

Market Segmentation

By Product Type - Dresses & Tops, Shirts & T-shirts, Sweaters, Coats & Jackets, Jeans & Pants, and Others

By Sector- Resale and Traditional Thrift Stores & Donations

By Target Population- Men, Women, Kids

By Sales Channel- Online, Offline

 

North America - U.S., Canada

Europe - UK, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Russia, Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific - Japan, India, China, South Korea, Australia, Rest of Asia-Pacific

Latin America - Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa - South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Rest of Middle East & Africa

Report coverage

Revenue forecast, company share, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends

Segments Covered in the Report:

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2024 to 2034. For the purpose of this study, has segmented the Secondhand Apparel Market report based on By Product, By End-User and Region:

Secondhand Apparel Market, By Product Type:

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

 Secondhand Apparel Market, By Sector

  • Resale
  • Traditional Thrift Stores & Donations

Secondhand Apparel Market, By Target Population

  • Men
  • Women
  • Kids

Secondhand Apparel Market, By Sales Channel

  • Online
  • Offline

Secondhand Apparel Market, By Region:

  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • UK
    • France
    • Russia
    • Italy
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • South Korea
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Mexico
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Middle East & Africa
    • GCC
    • Israel
    • South Africa
    • Rest of Middle East & Africa

Secondhand Apparel Market Key Players

The key players operating the Secondhand Apparel Market includes Thredup Inc., The RealReal, Poshmark, Vinted, Micolet, Thrift, Chikatex, HunTex Recycling Kft, eBay Inc., British Used Clothing Company, A&E Used Clothing Wholesale, Mobacotex, and Tradesy.

Secondhand Apparel Market Key Players

Disclaimer: This data is only a representation. Actual data may vary and will be available in the report.

Secondhand Apparel Market Key Issues Addressed

  • In September 2023, he Spanish clothing store Zara will start offering its Secondhand clothing donation, repair, and sale services in France. the firm wants to increase the lifespan of its customers' Zara purchases, as well as reduced waste and the need for new raw material.
  • In March 2023, Fashion retailer H&M US announced it has teamed up with ThredUp to launch its first resale scheme for the U.S. market called "H&M Pre-Loved" Via ThredUp’s Resale-as-a-Service (RaaS) program, the brand further pushes its efforts to establish circularity for itself and its customers by offering them easy access to second-hand pieces that are still in good condition.
  • In August 2021, Swedish retail giant H&M is launching its own second-hand fashion platform in Canada. The new platform, called H&M Rewear, is a "one-stop digital customer-to-customer (C2C) resell destination" powered by London-based Resale-as-a-Service (RaaS) technology company Reflaunt.  Candian customers can buy and sell pre-loved fashion items, and, interestingly, any piece of clothing from any brand can be added to the platform, not just H&M products.

Secondhand Apparel Market Company Profile

  • Thredup Inc.
    • Company Overview
    • Product Portfolio
    • Key Highlights
    • Financial Overview
    • Business Strategy Overview
  • The RealReal
  • Poshmark
  • Vinted
  • Micolet
  • Thrift
  • Chikatex
  • HunTex Recycling Kft
  • eBay Inc.
  • British Used Clothing Company.
  • A&E Used Clothing Wholesale
  • Mobacotex
  • Tradesy

“*” marked represents similar segmentation in other categories in the respective section.

Secondhand Apparel Market Table of Contents

Research Objective and Assumption

  • Preface
  • Research Objectives
  • Study Scope
  • Years Considered for the study
  • Assumptions
  • Abbreviations

Research Methodology

  • Research data
  • Primary Data
    • Primary Interviews
    • Primary Breakdown
    • Key data from Primary Sources
    • Key Thickness Insights
  • Secondary Data
    • Major Secondary Sources
    • Secondary Sources
  • Market Estimation
  • Top-Down Approach
    • Approach for estimating Market Share by Top-Down Analysis (Supply Side)
  • Bottom-Up Approach
    • Approach for estimating market share by Bottom-up Analysis (Demand Side)
  • Market Breakdown and Data Triangulation
  • Research Assumptions

Market Preview

  • Executive Summary
  • Key Findings—Global Outlook for Legal Technology Strategies
    • Key Questions this Study Will Answer
  • Market Snippet, By Product Type
  • Market Snippet, By Sector
  • Market Snippet, By Target Population
  • Market Snippet, By Sales Channel
  • Market Snippet, By Region
  • Opportunity Map Analysis
  • Executive Summary—3 Big Predictions

Market Dynamics, Regulations, and Trends Analysis

  • Market Dynamics
    • Drivers
    • Restrains
    • Market Opportunities
    • Market Trends
  • DR Impact Analysis
  • PEST Analysis
  • Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
  • Opportunity Orbit
  • Market Investment Feasibility Index
  • Macroeconomic Factor Analysis

Market Segmentation, By Product Type, Forecast Period up to 10 Years, (US$ Bn)

  • Overview
    • Market Value and Forecast (US$ Bn), and Share Analysis (%), Forecast Period up to 10 Years
    • Y-o-Y Growth Analysis (%), Forecast Period up to 10 Years
    • Segment Trends
  • Dresses & Tops
    • Overview
    • Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), and Y-o-Y Growth (%), Forecast Period up to 10 Years
  • Shirt & T- Shirts
    • Overview
    • Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), and Y-o-Y Growth (%), Forecast Period up to 10 Years
  • Sweaters, Coats & Jackets
    • Overview
    • Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), and Y-o-Y Growth (%), Forecast Period up to 10 Years
  • Jeans & Pants
    • Overview
    • Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), and Y-o-Y Growth (%), Forecast Period up to 10 Years
  • Others
    • Overview
    • Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), and Y-o-Y Growth (%), Forecast Period up to 10 Years

Market Segmentation, By Sector, Forecast Period up to 10 Years, (US$ Bn)

  • Overview
    • Market Value and Forecast (US$ Bn), and Share Analysis (%), Forecast Period up to 10 Years
    • Y-o-Y Growth Analysis (%), Forecast Period up to 10 Years
    • Segment Trends
  • Resale
    • Overview
    • Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), and Y-o-Y Growth (%), Forecast Period up to 10 Years
  • Traditional Thrift Stores & Donations
    • Overview
    • Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), and Y-o-Y Growth (%), Forecast Period up to 10 Years

Market Segmentation, By Target Population, Forecast Period up to 10 Years, (US$ Bn)

  • Overview
    • Market Value and Forecast (US$ Bn), and Share Analysis (%), Forecast Period up to 10 Years
    • Y-o-Y Growth Analysis (%), Forecast Period up to 10 Years
    • Segment Trends
  • Men
    • Overview
    • Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), and Y-o-Y Growth (%), Forecast Period up to 10 Years
  • Women
    • Overview
    • Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), and Y-o-Y Growth (%), Forecast Period up to 10 Years
  • Kids
    • Overview
    • Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), and Y-o-Y Growth (%), Forecast Period up to 10 Years

Market Segmentation, By Sales Channel, Forecast Period up to 10 Years, (US$ Bn)

  • Overview
    • Market Value and Forecast (US$ Bn), and Share Analysis (%), Forecast Period up to 10 Years
    • Y-o-Y Growth Analysis (%), Forecast Period up to 10 Years
    • Segment Trends
  • Online
    • Overview
    • Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), and Y-o-Y Growth (%), Forecast Period up to 10 Years
  • Offline
    • Overview
    • Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), and Y-o-Y Growth (%), Forecast Period up to 10 Years

Global Market, By Region, Forecast Period up to 10 Years, (US$ Bn)

  • Overview
    • Market Value and Forecast (US$ Bn), and Share Analysis (%), Forecast Period up to 10 Years
    • Y-o-Y Growth Analysis (%), Forecast Period up to 10 Years
    • Regional Trends
  • North America
    • Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Product Type, Forecast Period up to 10 Years
    • Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Sector, Forecast Period up to 10 Years
    • Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Target Population, Forecast Period up to 10 Years
    • Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Sales Channel, Forecast Period up to 10 Years
    • Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Country, Forecast Period up to 10 Years
      • U.S.
      • Canada
  • Europe
    • Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Product Type, Forecast Period up to 10 Years
    • Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Sector, Forecast Period up to 10 Years
    • Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Target Population, Forecast Period up to 10 Years
    • Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Sales Channel, Forecast Period up to 10 Years
    • Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Country, Forecast Period up to 10 Years
      • UK
      • France
      • Germany
      • Russia
      • Italy
      • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Product Type, Forecast Period up to 10 Years
    • Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Sector, Forecast Period up to 10 Years
    • Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Target Population, Forecast Period up to 10 Years
    • Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Sales Channel, Forecast Period up to 10 Years
    • Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Country, Forecast Period up to 10 Years
      • India
      • Japan
      • South Korea
      • China
      • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Latin America
    • Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Product Type, Forecast Period up to 10 Years
    • Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Sector, Forecast Period up to 10 Years
    • Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Target Population, Forecast Period up to 10 Years
    • Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Sales Channel, Forecast Period up to 10 Years
    • Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Country, Forecast Period up to 10 Years
      • Brazil
      • Mexico
      • Rest of Latin America
  • Middle East & Africa
    • Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Product Type, Forecast Period up to 10 Years
    • Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Sector, Forecast Period up to 10 Years
    • Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Target Population, Forecast Period up to 10 Years
    • Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Sales Channel, Forecast Period up to 10 Years
    • Market Size and Forecast (US$ Bn), By Country, Forecast Period up to 10 Years
      • GCC
      • Israel
      • South Africa
      • Rest of Middle East

Competitive Landscape

  • Heat Map Analysis
  • Market Presence and Specificity Analysis

Company Profiles

  • Thredup Inc.
  • The RealReal
  • Poshmark
  • Vinted
  • Micolet
  • Thrift
  • Chikatex
  • HunTex Recycling Kft
  • eBay Inc.
  • British Used Clothing Company.
  • A&E Used Clothing Wholesale
  • Mobacotex
  • Tradesy

The Last Word

  • Future Impact
  • About Us
  • Contact

FAQs

Secondhand Apparel Market was valued at US$ 78.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 15.4% to reach US$ 288.7 billion by 2034

Secondhand Apparel Market is segmented into on the basis of product type, sector, target population, sales channel and region

Factors driving the Secondhand Apparel Market include the increasing penetration of online shopping platforms, technology advancement and increasing social media influence.

Restraints of the Secondhand Apparel Market include regulatory & hygiene issues and quality issue as a market restraining factor.

The target market is segmented by region into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. The North American market is estimated to witness a significantly high revenue share over the forecast period.

The key players operating the target market includes Thredup Inc., The RealReal, Poshmark, Vinted, Micolet, Thrift, Chikatex, HunTex Recycling Kft, eBay Inc., British Used Clothing Company, A&E Used Clothing Wholesale, Mobacotex, and Tradesy.