In 2025, the global market value of secondhand and resale apparel was estimated to be worth 256 billion U.S. dollars. This value is projected to rise rapidly in the coming years, increasing by over 100 billion dollars by 2029. The combination of sustainability and affordability In a 2023 survey, European consumers revealed that the primary motivations for purchasing second hand fashion are that it is a cheaper and more environmentally friendly way to purchase clothes, both topics which are especially relevant to younger consumers. The reduced prices of second-hand apparel also make clothes which would otherwise be too expensive more accessible. This had led to growth in the second-hand luxury goods market.

Online platforms One popular way that younger generations buy their second-hand clothes is via smartphone apps, which give shoppers greater choice and convenience. Depop registered over 640,000 monthly downloads worldwide in September 2024. Tthis was considerably higher than the figure for the same month in 2023. Of course, many people still buy second-hand clothes from thrift shops.