The second-hand market has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, driven by increasing environmental awareness and evolving responsible consumption habits. Whether in fashion, technology, or cultural products, buying pre-owned goods has become a common practice for many shoppers. More and more consumers are turning to platforms such as Vinted or Leboncoin to purchase clothing, supporting a circular economy and providing a sustainable alternative to fast fashion.
In this changing landscape, brands are seeking ways to adapt and thrive. This is where IAMFASHION steps in, an innovative program offering both emerging and established brands the opportunity to stand out in this dynamic market. By providing personalized mentorship and advanced digital marketing tools, IAMFASHION helps brands navigate the resale and pre-owned universe, enabling them not only to adapt but also to succeed in an ever-evolving environment.
In this article, we will explore the latest key figures, growth sectors, and consumer motivations shaping this booming market in 2024–2025.
The Rise of the Second-Hand and Resale Market: From 2022 to 2025
In 2022, the global second-hand fashion and luxury resale market reached USD 177 billion, with USD 34 billion coming from textiles and clothing alone, showing strong development potential, particularly in France. This growth is largely fueled by Gen Z and Millennials, who are increasingly likely to buy pre-owned clothing. Forecasts at the time predicted the global second-hand fashion market would nearly double by 2027, reaching USD 350 billion.
Today, the figures are even more impressive:
In 2024, the global second-hand fashion market reached USD 190 billion and is projected to grow to USD 521.5 billion by 2034, with an annual growth rate of over 10%.
The U.S. second-hand apparel market grew by 14% in 2024, its fastest pace since 2021 and is expected to reach USD 74 billion by 2029.
Globally, resale now represents 9% of total apparel spending, with projections of sustained double-digit growth through the next decade.
Buying Second-Hand Worldwide
Across the globe, second-hand fashion has solidified itself as a key pillar of the resale industry. Clothing consistently represents more than half of all resale transactions, driven both by affluent consumers searching for unique luxury pieces and price-conscious shoppers looking for value.
In 2024, inflationary pressures and the rising cost of new goods continued to shape global shopping behavior. A growing number of consumers now choose pre-owned items to save 50% or more compared to retail prices. This financial motivation is often paired with a desire to reduce environmental impact, aligning with the principles of the circular economy.
The appeal of resale extends far beyond fashion. Globally, demand is rising in:
Cultural products books, vinyl records, video games
Consumer tech smartphones, laptops, small home appliances
Toys and games especially vintage and collectible items
Furniture and home décor with upcycled and refurbished goods trending
Market forecasts suggest these categories will see sustained growth throughout the next decade, presenting substantial opportunities for both established brands and newcomers. IAMFASHION helps companies tap into this momentum by creating global-ready digital strategies that resonate with today’s eco-conscious and value-driven consumers.
The Players: B2C and C2C in the Circular Economy
The second-hand market is powered by a mix of B2C (Business-to-Consumer) and C2C (Consumer-to-Consumer) platforms. Leading generalist sites include Leboncoin, Amazon, and Rakuten, alongside fashion-focused platforms like Vinted, Zalando, Sarenza, and Eram. In tech, leaders such as BackMarket, Darty, and Boulanger dominate, while major retail chains like Auchan and Monoprix are also moving into resale to reduce waste.
Key platform stats in 2024–2025:
Vinted surpassed 65 million registered users in 2024 and reached a €5 billion valuation.
Depop grew to over 35 million users, with Gen Z at the forefront; in July 2024, it scrapped selling fees for U.S. sellers to boost engagement.
Luxury resale platforms such as Fashionphile saw a 67% profit increase in 2024 thanks to international expansion.
Consumers and the New Shopping Mindset
Consumers, especially Gen Z, are rethinking how they shop. Economic factors such as inflation and the need to protect purchasing power are major motivators. In the U.S., 66% of adults shop second-hand regularly, and 28% of Gen Z do so weekly. In France, sustainability plays a role, but financial savings remain the top driver.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, 47% of French consumers say they are more inclined to buy pre-owned. In categories like clothing, furniture, and electronics, resale is increasingly perceived as both practical and aspirational.
IAMFASHION: Driving Resale Success
IAMFASHION helps brands take advantage of resale’s growth through:
Tailored mentorship and marketing strategy development
Expertise in leveraging leading resale platforms for both fashion and tech
Guidance on branding, customer trust, and digital presence
Insights into consumer behavior to optimize positioning and profitability
By aligning brands with modern consumer expectations, IAMFASHION turns the second-hand trend into a long-term growth engine.
Conclusion
The second-hand market is no passing fad—it is becoming an integral part of global retail, driven by economic necessity, sustainability awareness, and the rise of digital platforms. From Vinted to Depop, the sector is attracting millions of consumers and generating unprecedented growth figures.
For brands ready to adapt, opportunities abound. With IAMFASHION’s expertise, businesses can not only keep pace with this evolution but lead it—building relevance, loyalty, and revenue in a market that is only getting stronger.