TOP 20 OUTFIT RESALE ROI STATISTICS 2025
When I first started digging into outfit resale ROI statistics, I honestly didn’t expect the numbers to be this impressive. What struck me most was how resale has grown from being a thrifty alternative into a mainstream fashion economy that rivals traditional retail. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about finding value in what we already own, the same way I once found an old pair of socks tucked away in my drawer that still felt brand new. These statistics tell a story of smart investing, cultural shifts, and consumer habits reshaping the fashion industry. And honestly, seeing the potential returns makes me look at my own wardrobe in a completely different way.
Top 20 Outfit Resale ROI Statistics 2025(Editor's Choice)
| # | Stats | Categoey | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 82% of retailers running resale expect positive ROI | ROI Confidence | Signals strong business case for adding recommerce to DTC. |
| 2 | Online resale +14% YoY in 2024; projected $74B by 2029 (U.S.) | Market Growth | Outpaces overall retail growth ~5×, expanding profit pools. |
| 3 | Online resale to ~$40B by 2029 | Market Growth | Digital channels drive scale and lower CAC via circular programs. |
| 4 | Global secondhand apparel ~$260B (2025) → ~$523B (2030) | Market Size | ~15% CAGR indicates durable multi-year ROI tailwinds. |
| 5 | U.S. secondhand market ≈ $50B in 2024 (+30% YoY) | Market Size (U.S.) | Rapid growth improves sell-through and margin recovery. |
| 6 | U.S. secondhand to $59B (2025) → $73B (2028) | Forecast | Visibility on pipeline helps justify resale ops investment. |
| 7 | Global secondhand ≈ $264B (2025) → $350B (2028) | Forecast | Expanding TAM raises lifetime value of retained inventory. |
| 8 | U.S./Canada secondhand $24.8B (2025), 12.9% CAGR to 2035 | Regional Growth | North America remains a high-velocity resale region. |
| 9 | Thrift shoppers save ≈ $1,760 per year | Consumer Value | Consumer savings sustain demand and repeat purchase cycles. |
| 10 | Online thrift spend per user $665 (2024) → $788 (2025) | Spend Intensity | Rising AOV/AUR supports higher unit economics for sellers. |
| 11 | Resale = 7.4% of U.S. apparel e-commerce | Share of Wallet | Meaningful, growing channel—worth dedicated merchandising. |
| 12 | 45% of Gen Z/Millennials prefer buying secondhand online | Demographic Demand | Young cohorts fuel velocity and quick sell-through. |
| 13 | ~16–18% of Americans shop thrift; ≈10% global apparel by 2025 | Penetration | Normalization of secondhand expands audience for sellers. |
| 14 | Since 2018, U.S. resale +550% vs. +26% thrift/donation | Channel Outperformance | Platformized resale materially outperforms legacy channels. |
| 15 | Clothing resale grew 15× faster than retail apparel (2023) | Growth Differential | Faster growth enhances turnover and price discovery. |
| 16 | Vintage resale growing 21× faster than traditional retail | Vintage ROI | Heritage pieces show superior value retention over time. |
| 17 | High-demand sneakers can resell for 10× retail | Category ROI (Sneakers) | Illustrates top-tier upside for limited/collectible items. |
| 18 | Pre-owned luxury ≈33% more cost-effective; ~90% lower env. cost | Luxury ROI & ESG | Luxury retains value and aligns with sustainability goals. |
| 19 | 59% of consumers (69% Millennials) turn to secondhand as prices rise | Macro Tailwinds | Inflation/tariffs redirect demand to resale—supporting ROI. |
| 20 | Resale firms’ shares jumped (e.g., +31%, +22%) on tariff news | Market Signal | Public market reaction reflects confidence in resale resilience. |
Top 20 Outfit Resale ROI Statistics 2025
Outfit Resale ROI Statistics #1 – 82% Of Retailers Running Resale Expect Positive ROI
Retailers are increasingly confident in resale as a profitable channel, with 82% expecting a clear return on investment. This shows that resale is no longer just a sustainability trend but a strategic business model. Brands see resale as a way to capture additional lifetime value from products already sold. The confidence reflects both consumer demand and improved resale infrastructure. It also means resale is becoming a mainstream investment strategy for fashion companies.
Outfit Resale ROI Statistics #2 – Online Resale Grew 14% In 2024, Projected $74B By 2029
Online resale grew by 14% in 2024, significantly outpacing traditional retail growth. Projections suggest the U.S. resale market could hit $74 billion by 2029. This rapid growth demonstrates strong consumer adoption of circular fashion. The high growth rate signals a robust ROI for brands participating early. It also shows resale is outperforming many other retail sectors.
Outfit Resale ROI Statistics #3 – Online Resale To Reach $40B By 2029
By 2029, the online resale sector is expected to nearly double, reaching $40 billion. This indicates that digital resale platforms are one of the fastest-growing areas in e-commerce. The scalability of online resale reduces customer acquisition costs for retailers. It also offers consumers convenience and accessibility in secondhand shopping. Brands integrating digital resale can expect long-term value creation.
Outfit Resale ROI Statistics #4 – Global Secondhand Apparel Valued At $260B In 2025, $523B By 2030
The global secondhand apparel market stands at $260 billion in 2025 and is projected to double to $523 billion by 2030. This represents a compound annual growth rate of around 15%. Such growth makes secondhand one of the most attractive categories in fashion investment. The market’s expansion reflects consumer focus on affordability and sustainability. Long-term ROI for investors and brands looks especially strong in this segment.
Outfit Resale ROI Statistics #5 – U.S. Secondhand Market Valued At $50B In 2024 (+30% YoY)
The U.S. secondhand apparel market reached $50 billion in 2024, a 30% increase from the prior year. This surge shows the accelerating adoption of resale among American consumers. With this pace, resale is becoming a cornerstone of the fashion economy. A 30% growth rate also suggests strong profitability for sellers entering the market. This trend highlights resale as both a consumer and investor win.
Outfit Resale ROI Statistics #6 – U.S. Market Forecasted To $59B In 2025 And $73B By 2028
Projections show the U.S. resale market reaching $59 billion in 2025 and $73 billion by 2028. This steady growth demonstrates the stability of the resale sector. The forecast offers visibility for long-term investors and retailers planning expansion. It indicates consistent ROI for businesses aligning with consumer preferences. Resale continues to move from niche to mainstream retail.
Outfit Resale ROI Statistics #7 – Global Secondhand Projected At $264B In 2025 And $350B By 2028
In 2025, global secondhand apparel is estimated at $264 billion, with forecasts of $350 billion by 2028. This growth shows resale’s rising importance worldwide, not just in Western markets. Global expansion means brands can unlock ROI across diverse regions. Sustainability movements and affordability both drive the market upward. The consistent trajectory makes resale a reliable long-term growth sector.
Outfit Resale ROI Statistics #8 – U.S./Canada Market $24.8B In 2025, 12.9% CAGR To 2035
The U.S. and Canadian secondhand market is valued at $24.8 billion in 2025. It is expected to grow at nearly 13% annually, reaching $83.3 billion by 2035. Such a compound growth rate signals a decade of strong ROI opportunities. Regional focus shows North America remains a powerhouse in resale adoption. Investors and retailers can confidently expect sustained returns in this region.
Outfit Resale ROI Statistics #9 – Thrift Shoppers Save $1,760 Per Year
On average, thrift shoppers save around $1,760 annually by buying secondhand. This consumer benefit ensures steady demand for resale platforms. High savings create loyalty and repeat purchasing behavior. As consumers save more, they reinvest in other parts of the fashion economy. For sellers, this translates into reliable turnover and resale ROI.
Outfit Resale ROI Statistics #10 – Average Online Thrift Spending $665 In 2024, $788 In 2025
The average U.S. online thrift shopper spent $665 in 2024, projected to rise to $788 in 2025. This increase shows that resale shoppers are spending more over time. Higher spend per user improves profitability for resale businesses. It also suggests rising consumer trust in buying secondhand online. The consistent growth in spend supports stronger ROI year over year.
Outfit Resale ROI Statistics #11 – Resale Equals 7.4% Of U.S. Apparel E-Commerce
Resale now accounts for 7.4% of U.S. apparel e-commerce sales. This market share indicates resale is no longer marginal but significant. A dedicated share of e-commerce demonstrates consumer normalization of resale. It also proves brands can achieve ROI comparable to traditional retail. The figure highlights resale’s role as a vital retail channel.
Outfit Resale ROI Statistics #12 – 45% Of Gen Z And Millennials Prefer Secondhand Online
Nearly half of Gen Z and Millennials prefer secondhand shopping online. This demographic is driving the bulk of growth in resale adoption. Younger buyers see resale as stylish, affordable, and sustainable. Their preference ensures resale demand will keep rising. This generational trend makes resale a high-ROI strategy for the future.
Outfit Resale ROI Statistics #13 – 16–18% Of Americans Shop Thrift, 10% Global Apparel By 2025
Between 16% and 18% of Americans shop thrift stores, while resale is expected to make up 10% of the global apparel market by 2025. These figures show how deeply resale is embedded in shopping culture. Widespread adoption reduces stigma around buying secondhand. This normalization creates a stable consumer base. It also secures ROI for resale businesses long term.
Outfit Resale ROI Statistics #14 – U.S. Resale Grew 550% Since 2018, Thrift Only 26%
Since 2018, U.S. resale has grown 550%, compared to just 26% for traditional thrift and donations. This massive differential proves the strength of resale platforms. Structured resale delivers far better ROI than traditional thrift models. The growth indicates consumers prefer branded and online resale channels. For businesses, resale is clearly the higher-return strategy.
Outfit Resale ROI Statistics #15 – Clothing Resale Grew 15× Faster Than Retail Apparel In 2023
In 2023, clothing resale expanded 15 times faster than overall retail apparel. This performance gap shows resale’s dominance as a growth driver. Traditional fashion retailers are struggling, while resale thrives. Faster growth means higher turnover and faster ROI for sellers. It positions resale as one of the strongest investment categories in retail.
Outfit Resale ROI Statistics #16 – Vintage Resale Growing 21× Faster Than Traditional Retail
Vintage resale is expanding 21 times faster than conventional apparel retail. Vintage items offer unique style and scarcity that retain value. This makes vintage resale especially profitable for sellers and collectors. The rapid growth proves vintage is a niche with exceptional ROI. It also highlights consumer appetite for fashion history and sustainability.
Outfit Resale ROI Statistics #17 – High-Demand Sneakers Resell For 10× Retail Price
Sneakers in high demand can fetch up to 10 times their original retail price. Limited releases and brand collaborations fuel this explosive ROI. Sneakers are a top resale category due to their cultural cachet. Collectors and enthusiasts drive bidding wars that boost value. This makes sneaker resale one of the most lucrative segments of the fashion market.
Outfit Resale ROI Statistics #18 – Pre-Owned Luxury 33% More Cost-Effective, 90% Lower Environmental Cost
Pre-owned luxury is about 33% more cost-effective than buying new, while also saving 90% in environmental costs. This dual benefit appeals to both budget-conscious and eco-conscious consumers. Luxury resale also holds value longer, ensuring high returns for sellers. The environmental savings add an extra ROI dimension in sustainability marketing. Luxury resale is both profitable and socially responsible.
Outfit Resale ROI Statistics #19 – 59% Consumers, 69% Millennials Choose Secondhand As Prices Rise
As tariffs and inflation raise prices, 59% of consumers—69% of Millennials—turn to resale. This shows resale benefits from macroeconomic shifts. Consumers seek affordability, making resale more resilient than retail. Millennials’ high participation guarantees future growth. For investors, this consumer trend ensures ROI even in downturns.
Outfit Resale ROI Statistics #20 – Resale Firms’ Shares Rose (31% And 22%) On Tariff News
Resale companies saw stock gains of 31% and 22% after tariff announcements. This market reaction demonstrates investor confidence in resale. The gains reflect expectations of stronger demand under economic pressure. Public market support underscores resale as a high-ROI sector. It confirms that resale thrives even when traditional retail faces challenges.
Final Thoughts On Outfit Resale ROI Statistics
Looking at all of these outfit resale ROI statistics together, it’s clear that this market is more than just a passing trend—it’s a movement that combines profit, sustainability, and style. The growth we’re seeing isn’t accidental; it’s fueled by real consumer demand and a shift in how people value their clothing. For me, the biggest takeaway is that resale isn’t just about numbers, it’s about creating new life and new stories from pieces we once thought were finished. Whether it’s sneakers, vintage finds, or luxury labels, the return on investment is both financial and emotional. If you’ve been hesitant about resale, now might be the perfect time to take the leap and see the benefits firsthand.
Sources
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https://sustainablebrands.com/read/74b-opportunity-apparel-resale
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https://capitaloneshopping.com/research/thrifting-statistics/
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https://theluxurycloset.com/blog/2025/07/04/investment-pieces-luxury-apparel-that-holds-its-value
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https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/usa-and-canada-secondhand-apparel-market
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https://www.treet.co/post/key-takeaways-from-thredups-2025-resale-report
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https://www.purelondon.com/pure-london-blog/retailers-invest-resale-market
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_sustainability_of_vintage_fashion