Global Second-Hand Apparel Market Size, Trades, COVID-19 Impact & Growth By Product Type (Dresses & Tops, Shirts & T-shirts, Sweaters, Coats & Jackets, Other Product Types), By Sector (Resale, Traditional Thrift Stores & Donations) By End-User (Men, Women), By Distribution Channel (Online, Offline), By Region and Companies - Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends, and Forecast 2023-2032

Report Overview

The Global Second-Hand Apparel Market size is expected to be worth around USD 273.5 Billion by 2032 from USD 71.22 Billion in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 14.80% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2032.

The secondhand apparel market refers to clothing, shoes, and accessories that have been previously owned and used by someone else before being sold or passed on to another person. This wide range of items can range from vintage or antique pieces to more recent, gently used garments.

Second-hand apparel is often seen as a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to buying new clothing, as it extends the lifespan of clothing and reduces the demand for new production.

Driving Factors

Cost-Effectiveness and Affordability

Second-hand clothing is often more affordable than buying brand-new items, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. As the cost of living rises and income inequality persists, many people are looking for ways to save money without compromising on style and quality.

Restraining Factors

Fashion Industry Collaborations and Integration of Technology

The condition and quality of second-hand clothing can vary significantly. Some items may have wear and tear, stains, or damage that affects their overall appeal and durability. Customers might hesitate to buy used clothing if they cannot thoroughly inspect the items beforehand.

Growth Opportunities

Changing Fashion Trends

Fashion trends evolve rapidly, and buying second-hand allows consumers to experiment with different styles without breaking the bank. It also enables them to adopt current trends without contributing to the cycle of fast fashion.

Latest Trends

Rise of Online Resale Platforms

The rise of online resale platforms has made it easier for people to buy and sell second-hand clothing. These platforms provide a convenient way to access a vast selection of pre-loved items from various sellers, expanding the market’s reach and convenience.

By Product Type Analysis

This market is classified into dresses & tops, shirts & t-shirts, sweaters, coats & jackets, and other product types.

In the entire market for secondhand apparel, the category of dresses and tops now retains a significant share of 38.0%. Additionally, it is projected that throughout the predicted duration, sales of dresses and tops will increase at a CAGR of 11.6%. This can be due to the growing acceptance of used fashionable clothing, particularly among women, worldwide.

Due to changing fashion trends and the consequent high-end clothing demand for dresses and tops in the female market, this market is predicted to expand globally shortly. Consumers are asking that clothing manufacturers enhance their commitment to sustainability as they become more aware of the impact clothes manufacturing has on the environment.

By End-User Analysis

The women’s category is estimated to account for a significant 55.0% of the secondhand market industry and will expand at a CAGR of 11.5% over the following ten years.

As women continue to provide bargains and make more of an attempt to cut costs, they are increasingly resorting to resale websites. Since used clothing is far less expensive than new clothing manufacturing, ladies may manage to get higher-quality items without having to spend a lot of money.

Similarly, women are becoming more conscious of the advantages of wearing used clothing for the environment as a whole. To limit the amount of clothing that may wind up in landfills, they are choosing secondhand clothing platforms.

By Distribution Channel Analysis

The category of online platforms is expected to increase at a CAGR of 22.1% throughout the projection period in terms of sales channels. Online platforms are anticipated to quickly transform the industry for used clothing sales. This is due to the growth of online shopping platforms and a tendency to buy used clothing online to save time and money overall.

Global Second-Hand Apparel Market Segments:

Based on Product Type

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

Based on Sector

• Resale
• Traditional Thrift Stores & Donations

Based on the End User

• Men
• Women

Based on the Distribution Channel

• Online
• Offline

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

Temporary Closures and Reduced Foot Traffic: Many physical thrift stores and consignment shops had to temporarily close or limit their operations due to lockdowns and social distancing measures. This resulted in reduced foot traffic and in-store sales.

Shift to Online Sales: With brick-and-mortar stores facing challenges, there was a significant shift towards online sales in the second-hand apparel market. Online platforms and apps for buying and selling used, recycled clothing gained popularity as consumers looked for ways to shop safely from home.

Supply Chain Disruptions: The pandemic led to disruptions in global supply chains, affecting the availability of secondhand clothing market. Reduced donations, decreased sourcing from suppliers, and shipping delays impacted the inventory of thrift stores and online sellers.

Regional Analysis

North America Accounted for the Largest Revenue Share in the Global Shopping Bag Market in 2022.

North America is the leading region in the global second-hand apparel market. North America’s share is 30% of this global market, followed by Europe, with a share of 22.8%. Due to factors including the growing interest in sustainability, a strong e-commerce infrastructure, and the appreciation of vintage and retro clothing, North America has been a key market for used clothing.

Particularly in the United States, a thriving second-hand clothing market exists, with the help of numerous internet resale sites and thrift shops. The second-hand clothing market has seen substantial growth in Europe, where nations like the United Kingdom, Germany, and France have played a big role.

The market for used clothing has been spurred by the region’s strong emphasis on sustainability, fashion sensitivity, and the presence of vintage fashion lovers.

Key Regions and Countries Covered in this Report:

• North America
  • The US
  • Canada

• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Russia & CIS
  • Rest of Europe

• APAC
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
  • ASEAN
  • Rest of APAC

• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America

• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA

Market Share & Key Players Analysis

The global second-hand apparel market is highly competitive and fragmented, with a few key players operating in the market. These players are focusing on expanding their product offerings and strengthening their market image through strategic partnerships, etc.

Market Key Players:

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

Recent Developments:

• Tradesy is a peer-to-peer online marketplace where women’s apparel may be purchased and sold, with its main office located in Santa Monica, California. It is a division of Vestiaire Collective, the most popular online marketplace for reselling high-end and designer products globally. The business creates a community of fashion enthusiasts who are redefining the industry for a more sustainable future by promoting a circular economy. Tradesy makes it possible for everyone to build a high-quality wardrobe on a budget while lowering the need for newly made, disposable apparel. The organization is dedicated to supporting and promoting team members who belong to underrepresented minorities. To diversify its product offering, the firm continuously introduces new, used clothing industries. In addition to this, it is using techniques to increase the size of its consumer base, including aggressive advertising, acquisitions, mergers, and partnerships.
• For instance, Fitz, a business that matches users with personal stylists, was bought by Tradesy in 2018.
• The pre-owned clothing retail sector Thrift+ was launched in 2017 and has since grown. The business is creating the finest online secondhand clothing shopping experience while making it simple for people and businesses to resell unwanted things and give them a new life. At the same time, they make a sizable donation to charity.

Report Scope: