The United Kingdom’s secondhand apparel industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.3% from 2024 to 2034, driven by strong consumer demand for vintage clothing. Key trends include:

  1. Retro Collections: UK fashion designers are increasingly launching retro lines, sourcing used items, or partnering with trusted vendors to attract customers who appreciate uniqueness and nostalgia while ensuring quality and authenticity.
  2. Influencer Impact: Influencers and celebrities in the UK are enhancing the appeal of vintage fashion by showcasing antique clothing, thereby drawing a broader audience and generating excitement around vintage trends.
  3. Sustainability Initiatives: UK clothing brands are promoting vintage apparel through educational campaigns aimed at environmentally conscious consumers, fostering sustainability and circularity, and building a loyal customer base.

The secondhand apparel market is on an impressive growth trajectory, anticipated to be valued at approximately USD 43.49 billion in 2024, with projections soaring to USD 125.18 billion by 2034. This remarkable rise represents a CAGR of 11.1% over the next decade, driven largely by increasing consumer awareness regarding the financial, social, and environmental advantages of thrift shopping.

Market Insights:

The demand for secondhand clothing is rapidly gaining traction, fueled by:

  • Higher Quality and Cost Effectiveness: Consumers are increasingly drawn to the superior quality and affordability of pre-owned apparel compared to new garments.
  • Sustainability Consciousness: As environmental issues gain prominence, more shoppers are recognizing the ecological benefits of choosing secondhand clothing.
  • Shift in Fashion Dynamics: Vintage clothing is becoming a fashionable choice, further propelling the demand for secondhand options.

Regional Insights

  • United States: Demand for secondhand apparel is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.6%, driven by the rise of eco-conscious consumers and the impact of fast fashion.
  • United Kingdom: The market is expected to expand at 9.3% CAGR, fueled by a strong appetite for vintage fashion and sustainability initiatives.
  • China: Anticipated growth at 4.8% CAGR, with increasing demand for designer secondhand clothing and the expansion of international used clothing stores.
  • Japan: Secondhand apparel demand is set to rise at 7.6% CAGR, influenced by the popularity of anime-inspired clothing and retro fashion trends.
  • India: Leading the growth at 14.0% CAGR, driven by a surge in demand for vintage and culturally inspired attire for special events.

Key Companies in the Secondhand Apparel Market

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

Recent Developments

  • In January 2024, United Kingdom-based fashion brand HERA launched an integrated platform for secondhand clothing resale, promoting the quality and longevity of its products as part of its circularity journey rather than relying on pre-existing reselling sites.
  • In December 2023, Zara expanded its ‘Pre-Owned’ service to sell, repair, or donate second-hand clothes in several European countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Croatia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Germany, Austria, Belgium, and Spain, as the market for used apparel grows.
  • In October 2023, H&M, the Swedish apparel retailer, is set to launch a new collection called “Pre-Loved” at its flagship London store. This collection is expected to feature secondhand women’s clothing. The move comes as H&M and other fast-fashion brands aim to enhance their sustainability practices.
  • In July 2023, Journeys, a teen retail leader under Genesco and thredUP, launched ‘Journeys Secondhand,’ an environmentally-conscious resale program allowing customers to shop secondhand apparel and resell gently-worn items for Journeys shopping credit.

Tap into Expertise: Discuss with Our Analyst on Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com

Key Segments

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
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia
  • Oceania
  • Middle East and Africa

About Future Market Insights (FMI)

Future Market Insights, Inc. (ESOMAR certified, recipient of the Stevie Award, and a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce) offers profound insights into the driving factors that are boosting demand in the market. FMI stands as the leading global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, consulting, and events for the Packaging, Food and Beverage, Consumer Technology, Healthcare, Industrial, and Chemicals markets. With a vast team of over 400 analysts worldwide, FMI provides global, regional, and local expertise on diverse domains and industry trends across more than 110 countries.

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