The market potential of used clothes

by Stef Calimlim (Content Editor)

Image source: Getty

Buying used clothes is not a new concept but it is seeing a surge in popularity among today’s consumers as the global fashion trend turns toward sustainability. The prevalence of used clothes shopping has increased significantly in recent years and is expected to even supplant fast fashion in less than a decade, according to an article from Forbes.

Used or pre-loved clothes sell at around 30 to 40 percent of their original retail price and buying one helps lessen the load on landfills and reduce the demand for fast fashion. According to online consignment and thrift store thredUP, the global secondhand apparel market is seen to flourish three times faster than the global apparel overall, growing at 127 percent by 2026. North America is set to lead the market growth, followed by South America, Africa, Asia, Australia and Europe. The report added that in the US alone, the secondhand market witnessed a record growth of 32 percent in 2021. The US market is forecast to reach $80 billion by 2029.

Eighty-two percent of the respondents interviewed that participated in the GlobalData 2022 Consumer Resale Survey shared that they feel a positive emotion when buying secondhand items while 74 percent of these consumers viewed secondhand apparel as more socially acceptable now than it was five years ago.

Aside from the growing eco-consciousness among consumers and the shift to a positive perception when buying used clothes, the “fashion flipping” trend popular among young consumers, which is a trend of buying secondhand clothes and reselling them, is also driving the market growth.

The products in the gallery below have been selected by our Market Analyst for representing trends in used clothes in today’s market.

All-season

Company: Maxspeed Group Co. Ltd

This all-season Used clothes-027U from Maxspeed comes in small to 4XL sizes, and various styles and colors that are suitable for men and women. The clothes are made of polyester and cotton. Clothing condition is 85 percent new. A minimum order of 1,000kg has a lead time of 15 to 25 days. The product is quoted at $2.50 per kilogram.

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Men’s hooded jackets

Company: Jinjiang Jiaxing Home Co. Ltd

The Used Clothing Containers Load-080R from Jinjiang Jiaxing consists of water- and wind-resistant, quick-dry men’s hooded jackets that come in extra-small to 5XL sizes. The items are made of polyester pongee, and use 100 percent polyester shell and black nylon zipper. For a minimum order of 500 pieces, the product is quoted at $6. Delivery is in 15 to 25 days.

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Mixed summer clothes

Company: Hebei Thunder Metal Material Co. Ltd

The TH-10 from Hebei Thunder consists of mixed summer clothes made of cotton, polyamide or spandex and come in various sizes. The supplier requires an order of at least 500kg for delivery in 10 to 20 days. Price ranges from $0.90 to $1.60.

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A-grade

Company: Star Trading Danismanlik Ltd Sti

Star Trading’s 452452542 A-grade used clothes consist of all-season clothing that come n various sizes and colors, and are made of cotton, polyamide, spandex, silk or other materials. The 50-ton minimum order has a lead time of five to seven days. The product is quoted at $100 per ton.

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T-shirts

Company: iGift Uniform Ltd

The Used Clothes-T1052 offered by iGift consists of used T-shirts made of 100 percent cotton. An order of at least 20 pieces is for delivery in seven to 14 days. Price ranges from $4 to $5.

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Made in Korea

Company: Trading Angel Ltd

Trading Angel Ltd’s 8644 model is a selection of Grade A used clothes from Korea. The clothes come in various sizes and sizes, and are made of cotton, polyamide, spandex, silk and other fabrics. The minimum order of 1,000kg is quoted at $2.50 per kilogram. Lead time is six to eight days.

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