Gen Z pave the way for resale fashion going mainstream in the US

The secondhand market for fashion in the United States is booming_ as 93 percent of consumers have purchased a secondhand item over the past year_ according to the 2025 Recommerce Report by OfferUp in partnership with GlobalData_ and Gen Z is reportedly at the forefront of this growth.

Secondhand shopping has reached mainstream acceptance_ with 70 percent of Americans reporting diminished negative perceptions over the past year. The resale market continues expanding_ with 19 percent of consumers making their first-ever used purchase last year. Part of a broader growth within the 200 billion recommerce economy_ secondhand fashion currently only accounts for 25 percent of the multicategory market. 

However_ the resale market for fashion is poised for substantial growth according to the report_ as the overall recommerce market is projected to grow 34 percent by 2030_ reaching an estimated value of 306.5 billion dollars. With recommerce likely to account for 8 percent of total retail spending_ this positions secondhand fashion as a permanent fixture in retail_ rather than a passing trend. 

According to the report_ Gen Z consumers are fundamentally reshaping the resale landscape through purchasing behaviors and entrepreneurial activity. The report_s data_ based on a survey of 1_500 US adults_ found that 54 percent of Gen Z shoppers prefer secondhand options when available_ which is significantly more than Millennials at 44 percent.

Signalling a generational pivot toward resale-first shopping habits among Gen Z_ nearly half (49 percent) of Gen Z consumers sold a pre-owned fashion item for the first time in the past year_ according to the findings_ demonstrating a strong appetite for circular fashion models and entrepreneurial drive. For many younger sellers_ the secondhand market also represents meaningful income_ with one-third of Gen Z sellers surveyed earning between 301 and 500 dollars from their secondhand transactions.

In addition_ the report found that despite their digital fluency_ Gen Z demonstrates a surprising preference for local_ in-person transactions. 75 percent of Gen Z resellers said they enjoy meeting in person to finalize purchases_ favoring local sellers over national brands. This preference extends across demographics_ with 62 percent of all shoppers choosing to buy and sell locally to support their communities and secure better deals_ further highlighting how resale strengthens local commerce.

Driven by financial pressures_ 69 percent of consumers said they were more likely to turn to the resale market amid inflation worries and tariffs. 79 percent of buyers stated their main reason to buy secondhand is to economise_ although that was not the only reason. 54 percent of consumers surveyed said they were also drawn to the resale market in the hopes of securing unique or special items. 

Recommerce was also found to represent serious income for buyers_ with 57 percent relying on secondhand sales for bills and living costs_ while 38 percent use proceeds for discretionary spending. In addition_ 34 percent of consumers noted they preferred to shop secondhand to access high-quality or premium brands at lower prices. “Secondhand is now mainstream_” said Todd Dunlap_ CEO of OfferUp_ in a statement. “People are choosing resale to stretch budgets_ shop more sustainably_ and make real local connections that one-click retail can_t deliver.”