The trend of purchasing second-hand clothing has gained remarkable momentum in recent years, driven by a combination of sustainability awareness, economic factors, and shifts in consumer behavior. Recent findings from Statista’s Consumer Insights survey shed light on the preferences of consumers across different countries when it comes to buying pre-owned fashion.
According to the survey, Finland and Poland emerge as frontrunners in embracing sustainable fashion. A notable 33% of respondents in these countries indicated that they had recently purchased second-hand clothing, whether online or in person. This percentage places them significantly above the global average of 23%.
In contrast, several prominent Asian markets show a stark reluctance towards pre-owned clothing. Countries like China, Japan, and South Korea only recorded about 10% of respondents having spent money on second-hand clothing in the past year. This disparity raises questions about cultural attitudes towards second-hand goods and the evolving concept of fashion consumption in these regions.
Other countries that fell below the 20% threshold for second-hand clothing purchases include South Africa (15%), Brazil (15%), Italy (16%), Austria (16%), and Spain (19%). Despite varying economic conditions, these figures suggest that the popularity of pre-owned fashion is influenced by more than just economic necessity.
At first glance, high rates of second-hand clothing purchases might suggest economic hardship in the respective countries. However, the survey indicates that economic factors are not the sole drivers of this trend. An intriguing case is India, which, despite being an emerging economy with a projected GDP growth of 7% for the fiscal year 2024/2025, has a considerable 24% of respondents engaging in second-hand clothing purchases.
Most second-hand fashion sales operate on a consumer-to-consumer (C2C) model, where individuals buy and sell items directly. While this model predominantly revolves around personal transactions, it also allows platforms to benefit through commissions or handling fees when users leverage built-in payment or shipping solutions.
The market for pre-owned clothing is on an impressive upward trajectory. A recent analysis by ThredUp, an online thrift store, estimates that the global gross merchandise volume in the second-hand fashion segment will soar to $350 billion by 2028. This projection marks a significant increase compared to 2021, more than doubling in volume and demonstrating the rising acceptance and demand for second-hand apparel.
The insights gathered from the Statista survey reveal a complex web of consumer preferences regarding second-hand clothing. Factors like cultural attitudes, economic growth, and sustainability awareness play pivotal roles in shaping these trends, offering a fascinating glimpse into the global evolution of fashion consumption.
