The global secondhand apparel market is projected to reach $393 billion by 2030, representing roughly 10% of total clothing spending worldwide, according to ThredUp’s annual “Resale Report,” conducted by research firm GlobalData.
In the U.S., the secondhand market grew nearly four times faster than the broader retail clothing sector in 2025, signaling a structural shift in consumer behavior. Nearly half of shoppers now discover pre-owned items through social media, with Gen Z and millennials expected to drive about 71% of market growth through 2030.
AI is increasingly used to automate pricing, authentication, and product recommendations, though inventory supply remains the industry’s primary constraint. Simplifying the selling process could unlock an additional $23.3 billion in U.S. market value.
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