Summary:
- Global secondhand fashion hit $227 billion in 2024—nearly 10% of all clothing sales worldwide.
- Rising costs, AI tools, and shifting values are making used the new normal in fashion.
- Resale isn’t just affordable—it’s one of the most effective ways to lower fashion’s carbon footprint.
Secondhand used to be a secret. Now, it’s a statement.
Once shrugged off as uncool or inconvenient, preloved fashion has officially entered the mainstream, and the numbers are wild: In 2024, shoppers around the world spent $227 billion on secondhand clothes, shoes, and accessories. That’s nearly 1 in 10 dollars spent on fashion globally—and it’s only going up from here.
And the reason? A perfect storm of rising costs, climate awareness, and AI-powered shopping is changing how we dress—and what we value.
The Price of New Just Got Old
New clothes are getting more expensive—fast. In the U.S., a blanket 20% tariff on Chinese imports is expected to raise the cost of most new clothing, much of which is made overseas. Meanwhile, secondhand items? They’re already here, already paid for, and exempt from price hikes.
For shoppers, this means access to high-end pieces at low-end prices. For the planet, it means fewer emissions from manufacturing, shipping, and packaging. It’s a win-win—and it’s flipping the traditional fashion model on its head.
Gen Z Leads, Brands Follow
Thrift shops and hand-me-downs might’ve once carried a stigma, but today’s younger shoppers see things differently. For Gen Z and Millennials, secondhand is smart, stylish, and sustainable. In fact, resale has become so normalized that even luxury marketplaces like Vestiaire Collective now report that nearly 80% of their sales replace a firsthand purchase.
And brands are catching on. From Patagonia to Allbirds, more companies are launching official resale programs, sometimes even alongside their main stores. That’s right—you can now check out with a secondhand puffer jacket and a brand-new beanie in the same cart.
AI Is Making It Easier Than Ever
Let’s be real—shopping secondhand online used to be clunky. Sifting through endless listings? Not exactly a vibe. But that’s changing, thanks to AI-powered search tools that let you upload a photo of an item you want and find lookalikes instantly.
Platforms like ThredUp are betting big on tech to make the used shopping experience just as seamless as buying new—and honestly, they might be right.
A New Wardrobe, A New Mindset
This isn’t just a fashion trend. It’s a cultural shift. Choosing resale is one of the simplest, most effective ways to cut down your carbon footprint and keep clothes out of landfills. It’s about rethinking value—not just in what we wear, but in how we show up for the planet.
So the next time you need a jacket, a dress, or a pair of boots? Try secondhand first. Because in 2025, used isn’t just enough—it’s the future of fashion.
