The global resale apparel market marked its fourth year of robust expansion, with growth rates in the double digits in 2024, fuelled by ongoing demand for preloved fashion, according to a recent report by GlobalData, a data and analytics firm.

The sector saw an increase of 17.6%, reaching a valuation of $204.7bn, surpassing the performance of the mainstream clothing industry, which saw a negligible growth of 0.1%. 

Projections by GlobalData suggest that this upward trend in the resale market is set to persist, with an anticipated growth of 13.3% in 2025 and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.4% from 2023 to 2028. 

GlobalData apparel analyst Alice Price said: “The resale apparel market has been benefitting from consumers seeking more affordable fashion, especially in regions like North America and Europe, where shoppers are facing greater economic uncertainty.  

“This is coupled with rising environmental awareness, as consumers become more conscious of the amount of fashion ending up in landfills, as well as the continued investments online platforms such as Vinted, Depop, and eBay are making to enhance and expand their propositions.”  

The surge in the luxury resale segment is particularly notable in the Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa regions, where demand for designer items remains high. This growth is fuelled by a rising awareness of fashion’s environmental impact and a diminishing stigma around second-hand purchases.  

As a result, these regions are projected to see the most vigorous expansion during the forecast period, with CAGRs of 14.1% and 11.6%, respectively. 

Conversely, the Americas and Europe are projected to see more modest increases due to their already mature resale markets. Latin America and Eastern Europe face additional growth hurdles related to lower online penetration rates that could hinder platform development. 

“Across all these markets combined, footwear is forecast to experience the strongest growth between 2023 and 2028, with a CAGR of 13.8%, and its share of the market rising 1.3ppts to 13.2%. This is driven by the popularity of resale trainers, especially limited edition and rare styles, which can gain value over time,” Alice Price added.  

Price expects the accessories segment to witness a slight uptick in market share from 9.8% to 9.9%, propelled by an estimated CAGR of 11.6%, with the growing demand of high-end second-hand items such as designer handbags are becoming increasingly sought after by aspirational consumers. 

“Though clothing will continue to account for the majority of resale apparel sales, it is anticipated to experience the slowest CAGR in the forecast years of 11.0%. Its share will also contract 1.5ppts to 76.9%, as the other categories become more established,” Price concluded.