Second Hand Apparel Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth 2032

Second Hand Apparel Industry Prospective:

The global second hand apparel market size was worth around USD 42.5 billion in 2023 and is predicted to grow to around USD 113.2 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 11.5% between 2024 and 2032. 

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Second Hand Apparel Market: Overview

Second-hand apparel is clothing that has been worn or owned once and, after that, sold. One can find portions from personal wardrobes, thrift stores, consignment shops, or internet resale sites among these types of clothing.

Often regarded as a cheap and sustainable substitute for new clothing, second-hand clothing is very important in supporting circular fashion, cutting waste, and lessening the environmental effects of the fashion business.

Due to the growing environmental concerns, second-hand clothing has become rather fashionable and is now a major component of the worldwide fashion business.

The second hand apparel market is being driven by several factors, such as increasing sustainable awareness, increasing popularity of online resale platforms, and others.

Key Insights

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global second hand apparel market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 11.5% over the forecast period (2024-2032).
• In terms of revenue, the global second hand apparel market size was valued at around USD 42.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 113.2 billion by 2032.
• The growing emphasis on sustainability is expected to drive the second hand apparel market over the forecast period.
• Based on product type, the shirts and t-shirts segment is expected to capture the largest market share over the forecast period.
• Based on sector, the traditional thrift stores & donations segment is expected to dominate the market over the projected period.
• Based on region, North America is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period.

Second Hand Apparel Market: Growth Drivers

Sustainability and ethical practices drive market growth

Sustainability and ethical behavior are the primary reasons driving the market growth. Consumers are becoming more aware of fast fashion's environmental impact, and as a result, they are turning to secondhand clothing as a sustainable alternative.

Individuals who buy worn and second-hand clothing contribute to reducing textile waste and the overall carbon footprint associated with garment production and the textile industry.

Furthermore, this market growth and trends may be seen in the increase of eco-conscious influencers that promote second-hand clothing on social media, as well as fashion companies that embrace circular economy principles by encouraging apparel resale.

The movement toward sustainability combines with consumers' desire to make environmentally responsible decisions, increasing the attractiveness of used clothing as a mainstream and eco-friendly fashion alternative.

As a result, rising demand for sustainable clothes may fuel the second hand apparel market expansion throughout the forecast period.

Second Hand Apparel Market: Restraints

Supply chain complexity hinders market growth

Supply chain complexity is a hindrance to second hand apparel industry growth. Secondhand clothing goods come from a range of sources, such as thrift stores, individual sellers, and donation centers, as opposed to traditional retail, which has standardized supply chains.

Maintaining inventory consistency is tough because the quality and style of secondhand clothing vary widely. A consignment shop, for example, may take high-end designer items alongside more mainstream brands, resulting in a wide selection of old apparel.

Furthermore, overcoming this challenge will demand comprehensive categorization and sorting processes, quality control measures, and technological solutions to speed up inventory management and give consumers a more seamless and reliable shopping experience.

Thus, the complexity of supply chains is projected to be a barrier, impeding market growth throughout the forecast period.

Second Hand Apparel Market: Opportunities

The growing platform launch by the key market player offers a lucrative opportunity for market growth

The growing platform launch by the key market players is expected to offer a lucrative opportunity for the second hand apparel market over the analysis period.

For instance, in September 2024, Zara, Inditex's main brand, introduced its Pre-Owned platform in the US. This program supports a wider industry movement toward circular fashion models by enabling consumers to sell, give, or repair used apparel.

Due to financial strains and environmental concerns, millennials are becoming more interested in resale shopping, which coincides with the expansion.

Following the success of this concept in China, Zara intends to launch live shopping broadcasts in major Western countries, such as the US, UK, and Germany, at the same time. Zara's efforts to innovate in customer connection and sustain growth as the post-pandemic sales momentum wanes are reflected in this dual strategy.

Second Hand Apparel Market: Challenges

Concern over hygiene poses a major challenge to market expansion

Concerns about hygiene are important, particularly in the post-pandemic era, where people are more conscious of cleanliness and health. Demand may be impacted by consumers' concerns about the cleanliness of used apparel, especially in markets where hygiene and sanitation are top concerns.

For buyers who anticipate consistent quality and appearance in their purchases, the wide range of second-hand item conditions, from "like new" to extremely worn, can also be a deterrent.

Second Hand Apparel Market: Segmentation

The global second hand apparel industry is segmented based on product type, sector, target population, sales channel, and region.

Based on the product type, the global second hand apparel market is segmented into dresses & tops, shirts & t-shirts, sweaters, coats & jackets, jeans & pants, and others. The shirts and t-shirts segment is expected to capture the largest market share over the forecast period.

The need for sustainable fashion alternatives has increased as customers' awareness of environmental issues has grown. Because they enable customers to cut waste and support a more sustainable apparel lifecycle, used shirts and t-shirts are attractive.

Younger generations like Millennials and Gen Z, who place a high value on sustainable and ethical fashion choices, are especially affected by this trend.

Based on sector, the global second hand apparel industry is bifurcated into resale and traditional thrift stores & donations. The traditional thrift stores & donations segment is expected to dominate the market over the projected period. Traditional thrift stores gather donated clothing and household goods and are run by individual businesses, nonprofit organizations, or charities.

After being processed, priced, and sold to customers, this inventory serves as a major supplier of used clothing. Additionally, by prolonging the life of clothing and lowering landfill trash, thrift store donations support sustainability. This is in line with consumers' increasing desire for eco-friendly products and sustainable business methods.

Based on the target population, the global second hand apparel market is bifurcated into men, women, and kids.

Based on sales channels, the global second hand apparel industry is bifurcated into wholesalers or distributors, hypermarkets or supermarkets, multi-brand stores, independent small stores, departmental stores, online retailers, and other sales channels.

Second Hand Apparel Market: Report Scope

Second Hand Apparel Market: Regional Analysis

North America dominates the market over the projected period

North America is expected to dominate the second hand apparel market during the forecast period. With so many consignment and thrift stores as well as strong internet resale systems, North America boasts a developed infrastructure for the resale of used goods.

The substantial market for second-hand clothing results from the region's high degree of consumer knowledge of sustainability and environmentally beneficial practices.

Furthermore, North American customer preference for distinctive and vintage clothes has significantly grown, which is helping regional marketplaces to flourish.

The well-known wholesalers and distributors in the area serve to boost the amount and availability of used goods, therefore supporting the regional market development.

Second Hand Apparel Market: Competitive Analysis

The global second hand apparel market is dominated by players like:

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

The global second hand apparel market is segmented as follows:

By Product Type

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

By Sector

• Resale
• Traditional Thrift Stores & Donations

By Target Population

• Men
• Women
• Kids

By Sales Channel

• Wholesalers or Distributors
• Hypermarkets or Supermarkets
• Multi-brand Stores
• Independent Small Stores
• Departmental Stores
• Online Retailers
• Other Sales Channel

By Region

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