TOP 20 GEN Z FASHION SPENDING GROWTH STATISTICS 2025
When I first started digging into gen z fashion spending growth statistics, I didn’t expect the numbers to feel so familiar to my own habits. It’s wild how socks, jackets, or even a quick thrifted shirt can reflect such a big cultural shift in how a generation spends. Gen Z isn’t just buying clothes; they’re investing in identity, sustainability, and the fast-moving trends they live and breathe online. As I looked through the stats, it reminded me how often we treat fashion as more than just fabric—it’s part of how we show up in the world. These insights paint a picture of a generation shaping the fashion industry from the ground up.
Top 20 Gen Z Fashion Spending Growth Statistics 2025 (Editor’s Choice)
| # | Statistic | Category / Theme |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 46% of Gen Z spent more on fashion than any other category in 2022 | Spending Priorities |
| 2 | Gen Z disposable income estimated at $360B in U.S. | Market Power |
| 3 | 45% of vintage/resale clothing sales come from Gen Z | Resale Growth |
| 4 | Vintage/resale clothing market projected to reach $68B by 2025, driven by Gen Z | Resale Growth |
| 5 | U.S. secondhand apparel market grew 14% in 2024; online resale grew 23% | Resale Growth |
| 6 | Younger consumers plan to spend 46% of their apparel budget on secondhand | Spending Allocation |
| 7 | 47% of younger shoppers bought secondhand apparel directly from brands | Channel Shift |
| 8 | Gen Z shops 2.6× more frequently for clothes than older generations | Shopping Frequency |
| 9 | Gen Z is 8% more likely than average to use Instagram Shopping | Social Commerce |
| 10 | 27% of Gen Z in NA/EU bought new or secondhand goods via mobile in past week | Mobile Commerce |
| 11 | Depop usage grew 8% since 2022; Vinted Gen Z visits surged 47% | Resale Platforms |
| 12 | 33% of Gen Z willing to pay 5–10% more for sustainable products | Sustainability |
| 13 | 73% of U.S. Gen Z report changing spending habits due to shifting values | Brand Loyalty |
| 14 | 60.2% of Gen Z believe fashion brands should address social issues | Social Responsibility |
| 15 | Teens reported annual spending of $2,388 in Spring 2025 (+6% YoY) | Teen Spending Power |
| 16 | Clothing and food made up the largest share of teen discretionary spend | Spending Priorities |
| 17 | 59% of consumers would turn to resale if apparel prices rose; Gen Z leads | Price Sensitivity |
| 18 | 68% of Gen Z & Millennials already buy secondhand; resale CAGR 9% (2024–29) | Resale Adoption |
| 19 | 50% of Gen Z & Millennials thrifted apparel to share content on social media | Social Media Influence |
| 20 | Gen Z fashion wallet shifting to off-price and online-only retailers | Retail Channel Shift |
Top 20 Gen Z Fashion Spending Growth Statistics 2025
Gen Z Fashion Spending Growth Statistics #1 – 46% Of Gen Z Spent More On Fashion Than Any Other Category In 2022
This figure shows how fashion dominates discretionary spending among Gen Z, outpacing other categories like food or tech. It highlights how clothing has become not only a need but also a core expression of identity for this generation. The growth reflects fashion’s role in social media culture, where Gen Z often uses style as a tool for personal branding. Retailers targeting this demographic must prioritize fast-moving trends and affordable yet expressive options. This dominance also explains why Gen Z is pushing new platforms like resale apps and fast-changing micro-trends.
Gen Z Fashion Spending Growth Statistics #2 – Gen Z Disposable Income Estimated At $360B In U.S.
Gen Z’s massive $360 billion spending power indicates their significant influence on fashion markets. This economic clout means brands must adapt to their digital-first and sustainability-minded preferences. With their income set to grow as more enter the workforce, the fashion industry anticipates even greater Gen Z impact. Their disposable income is often allocated toward personal expression categories like clothing. This underscores why fashion retailers invest heavily in social commerce and digital engagement strategies.
Gen Z Fashion Spending Growth Statistics #3 – 45% Of Vintage/Resale Clothing Sales Come From Gen Z
Nearly half of all resale sales being Gen Z-driven confirms their central role in thrifting culture. Their embrace of resale is tied to values like sustainability, affordability, and uniqueness. Unlike older generations, Gen Z views secondhand as trendy rather than a compromise. Social platforms like TikTok amplify thrift hauls and resale fashion as part of self-expression. This behavior is reshaping the fashion economy by making resale mainstream.
Gen Z Fashion Spending Growth Statistics #4 – Vintage/Resale Clothing Market Projected To Reach $68B By 2025, Driven By Gen Z
The projected $68 billion resale market reflects Gen Z’s growing appetite for alternative shopping channels. This forecast shows their behavior is powerful enough to reshape global fashion revenue streams. As Gen Z increasingly rejects wasteful fast fashion, resale emerges as a stylish and ethical choice. The projection is also boosted by Gen Z’s digital fluency, allowing them to seamlessly adopt apps like Vinted and Depop. This growth cements secondhand fashion as a permanent fixture of their spending patterns.
Gen Z Fashion Spending Growth Statistics #5 – U.S. Secondhand Apparel Market Grew 14% In 2024; Online Resale Grew 23%
The 14% market growth illustrates how resale is outperforming traditional retail. Online resale growing even faster at 23% signals the digital habits of Gen Z shoppers. This surge reflects how e-commerce aligns with Gen Z’s comfort with apps and online communities. The figures show resale is not just a side trend but a mainstream force. It also highlights the opportunity for retailers to integrate resale channels into their brand strategies.
Gen Z Fashion Spending Growth Statistics #6 – Younger Consumers Plan To Spend 46% Of Their Apparel Budget On Secondhand
Allocating nearly half their budget to secondhand indicates a major shift in shopping behavior. Gen Z prioritizes affordability while also enjoying the uniqueness of thrift finds. This level of commitment to resale shows long-term loyalty to sustainable options. It emphasizes how traditional retailers risk losing share if they don’t offer resale or circular solutions. Gen Z’s fashion budget is increasingly aligned with values and community trends.
Gen Z Fashion Spending Growth Statistics #7 – 47% Of Younger Shoppers Bought Secondhand Apparel Directly From Brands
Nearly half of younger consumers buying resale straight from brands demonstrates a new retail model. It shows that Gen Z expects brands to be directly involved in sustainability. This bridges the gap between brand loyalty and circular fashion habits. For brands, offering resale strengthens engagement and builds trust with Gen Z shoppers. It also shows how the resale experience is moving beyond third-party platforms.
Gen Z Fashion Spending Growth Statistics #8 – Gen Z Shops 2.6× More Frequently For Clothes Than Older Generations
Gen Z’s shopping frequency reflects their faster fashion cycle and higher consumption rate. This habit is partly driven by social media trends that change weekly. Their frequent purchases also highlight the importance of affordability and access to variety. Retailers must adapt by offering faster product drops and relevant online experiences. It also emphasizes how fashion is an ongoing lifestyle choice rather than occasional spending.
Gen Z Fashion Spending Growth Statistics #9 – Gen Z Is 8% More Likely Than Average To Use Instagram Shopping
The 8% higher adoption rate shows how Instagram is integral to Gen Z’s shopping journey. Social commerce blends inspiration with purchase, aligning with their visual culture. For Gen Z, discovery and checkout are expected to be seamless on the same platform. Brands not present on Instagram Shopping risk losing access to this digital-native market. This reliance on social commerce highlights their mobile-first shopping mindset.
Gen Z Fashion Spending Growth Statistics #10 – 27% Of Gen Z In NA/EU Bought New Or Secondhand Goods Via Mobile In Past Week
This statistic shows how mobile commerce dominates Gen Z spending habits. Purchasing directly from phones reflects their need for instant access and convenience. It also shows the overlap between new fashion and secondhand items in their shopping cart. For brands, optimizing mobile experiences is critical to capture this segment. Gen Z’s weekly mobile purchases make them a uniquely high-frequency digital consumer.
Gen Z Fashion Spending Growth Statistics #11 – Depop Usage Grew 8% Since 2022; Vinted Gen Z Visits Surged 47%
Depop and Vinted’s growth confirms the dominance of Gen Z in resale platforms. Their adoption fuels community-driven fashion economies where peer influence is central. The 47% surge highlights how Vinted is rapidly capturing Gen Z’s loyalty in Europe. Growth in Depop shows that even established resale apps continue to benefit from this demographic. It reflects how platform choice is linked to local trends and community culture.
Gen Z Fashion Spending Growth Statistics #12 – 33% Of Gen Z Willing To Pay 5–10% More For Sustainable Products
This figure highlights a willingness to align money with values, though cautiously. Gen Z shows support for eco-friendly fashion but only within a moderate premium. It reflects a balance between ethics and affordability. Brands that price sustainable lines competitively gain stronger traction with this generation. This signals opportunity for scaling sustainable fashion through accessible pricing.
Gen Z Fashion Spending Growth Statistics #13 – 73% Of U.S. Gen Z Report Changing Spending Habits Due To Shifting Values
High adaptability makes Gen Z a volatile but opportunity-rich market. Their willingness to change brands reflects low loyalty compared to older groups. Shifting values such as affordability and ethics drive these changes. Brands must constantly innovate to remain relevant in their eyes. It highlights how Gen Z demands alignment with both price and principle.
Gen Z Fashion Spending Growth Statistics #14 – 60.2% Of Gen Z Believe Fashion Brands Should Address Social Issues
This number reflects Gen Z’s expectation for brands to engage in broader conversations. They want fashion to represent more than aesthetics, aligning with social justice. For them, values and voice are part of purchasing decisions. Brands that stay silent risk alienating younger consumers. It shows how Gen Z merges activism with fashion consumption.
Gen Z Fashion Spending Growth Statistics #15 – Teens Reported Annual Spending Of $2,388 In Spring 2025 (+6% YoY)
Teen spending growth illustrates their increasing purchasing influence. The $2,388 yearly figure highlights fashion as a consistent budget focus. A 6% year-over-year rise shows resilience even in uncertain economic conditions. Teens’ allocation emphasizes clothing as both essential and expressive. This steady rise strengthens the case for fashion brands prioritizing youth engagement.
Gen Z Fashion Spending Growth Statistics #16 – Clothing And Food Made Up The Largest Share Of Teen Discretionary Spend
This spending pattern shows fashion competing with food as the top priority. It illustrates the lifestyle nature of Gen Z’s budget choices. Fashion is grouped alongside daily consumption, showing its centrality to identity. The focus confirms how style is seen as a necessity, not a luxury. It also shows potential for crossover between fashion and food brands in marketing.
Gen Z Fashion Spending Growth Statistics #17 – 59% Of Consumers Would Turn To Resale If Apparel Prices Rose; Gen Z Leads
This statistic highlights Gen Z’s strong price sensitivity. Their preference for resale when prices increase shows pragmatic shopping behavior. It demonstrates resilience in choosing alternatives while staying fashionable. Gen Z’s adaptability makes them resilient to economic shocks in unique ways. Retailers must factor resale into strategies for managing price hikes.
Gen Z Fashion Spending Growth Statistics #18 – 68% Of Gen Z & Millennials Already Buy Secondhand; Resale CAGR 9% (2024–29)
This adoption rate shows resale is already mainstream among younger groups. With nearly seven in ten participating, it is no longer a niche behavior. The 9% CAGR forecast confirms steady long-term growth. It highlights how sustainability and affordability are sustainable drivers for Gen Z spending. This trend cements resale as a growth market within fashion retail.
Gen Z Fashion Spending Growth Statistics #19 – 50% Of Gen Z & Millennials Thrifted Apparel To Share Content On Social Media
Half of younger shoppers linking thrifting to content shows fashion’s social role. For Gen Z, purchases often double as storytelling opportunities. Thrift hauls become a form of online engagement and self-branding. This reflects how digital culture amplifies resale beyond practical reasons. It demonstrates how fashion and social identity are deeply interconnected.
Gen Z Fashion Spending Growth Statistics #20 – Gen Z Fashion Wallet Shifting To Off-Price And Online-Only Retailers
This shift shows Gen Z’s move away from traditional specialty retailers. Off-price stores meet their demand for affordability, while online-only stores meet convenience. The change reflects flexible loyalty driven by value. Gen Z adapts quickly to whichever channel delivers the best mix of style and price. Retailers outside these channels risk being left behind in the teen wallet.
Wrapping Up The Growth Story
Looking back at all these gen z fashion spending growth statistics, I can’t help but see how much they mirror the way my own shopping choices have evolved. From thrifting on weekends to paying a little extra for something sustainable, it feels like this generation is setting new rules for fashion. Socks or sneakers, it doesn’t matter—the small purchases carry big meaning when tied to self-expression and values. What stands out most is Gen Z’s ability to reshape entire markets simply by shopping differently than the generations before them. And honestly, that makes me excited to see where fashion will go next, because this isn’t just growth—it’s a redefinition of what fashion spending really means.
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