Resale clothing: Everything about the sustainable fashion trend and a list of the brands’ pre-loved offers

According to a report by the second-hand platform Vestiaire Collective, vintage and resale clothing account for up to 27 percent of wardrobe contents by 2023. This is partly due to the great popularity that resale clothing and pre-loved pieces are particularly popular with Generation Z and Millennials. But even beyond that, the trend is increasingly becoming an integral part of purchasing decisions. Because anyone who buys second-hand products is now considered smart, cool and aware. We tell you everything about the phenomenon and which brands are already working on their own online shop solutions for resale models.

What exactly is resale clothing and why is it an important step for a circular fashion industry?

Second-hand shopping has now become an integral part of fashion. So it’s no wonder that the big brands also see resale clothing as one of the big trends for the future. According to forecasts by management consultants McKinsey & Company, the resale market will have annual growth of 10 to 15 percent, making it one of THE future models for sustainable shopping solutions. While some brands such as Alexander McQueen or Ganni are already working with second-hand retailers such as Vestiaire Collective or The Real Real (Stella McCartney, Burberry and Gucci), more and more brands are venturing into in-house programs and platform services.

Because they too have recognized that resale clothing is an important step towards circular consumption. As deadstock can be avoided by selling old seasons, archive pieces and stock. Likewise, the unworn clothes end up on landfills. But despite the good intentions, there are also voices that question the intentions of the brands, because when it comes to sustainability there is of course always the danger of greenwashing and unethical motives. Something to be seen as the resell market develops.

Resale clothing: That’s why more and more brands are relying on the sustainable concept

A positive side effect of resale clothing is that not only is the life cycle of the products extended, but also that buyers get a new opportunity to connect with fashion brands. In the meantime, it is not only important to offer a good product, but also values ​​such as sustainability, diversity and inclusion as well as responsible action are decisive factors in building long-term relationships. In addition, the pre-owned market is a great opportunity for fashion lovers to get unique pieces of clothing and accessories – often at a cheaper price.

Another reason for brands to offer this service on their own websites, as it eliminates commission costs for the services of the middleman and allows direct contact between the brand and the customer. This is also the view of management consultancy Kearney, whose expert Brian Ehrig explains in a “Business of Fashion” interview that resale clothing has a value whose narrative has been recognized by both consumers and vintage platforms. “If brands aren’t willing to take the initiative, someone else will and they lose the opportunity to tell the resale story.”

Sustainable shopping models: That’s why you should also rely on resale clothing

The argument to rely on pre-loved pieces is also conclusive on the consumer side. In addition to the great hype about second-hand fashion, the effects on the environment should not be ignored. Because you save resources, water and CO₂ and pave the way to a fashion industry that increasingly relies on durable products that can ideally be kept in circulation for generations. As far as the price point is concerned, resale clothing is a much cheaper alternative to new products and is particularly attractive for a younger target group when it comes to buying (first) designer interior products. And for everyone who enjoys sourcing rare bags and runway clothing, the resell market is the ideal (fashion) playground.