Why ‘Second-Hand’ Clothing is Dominating Fashion

Welcome to the 195th insertion of DEMUR®, an analytical series highlighting the intricacies of the artistic world and the minutiae lying within. In this episode, we decode the future of fashion’s consumeristic habits, explaining the philosophy behind wearing ‘dirty’ clothes, why second-hand is out-competing the apparel industry, and how you can profit from it all.

Interest in shopping second-hand has skyrocketed in the wake of sustainability and individualism. As youth desperately try to get their hands on the perfect pair of Carhartt or Dickies denim, we’ve witnessed a growing shift from desperate Supreme-centric shoppers to lines outside of Value Village. While seemingly backwards, in a saturated market, one-of-one fades, band tees and distressing have become increasingly appealing to adolescents, prompting a rise in recycled purchases.

As of January this year, the second-hand marketplace was predicted to grow 127% by 2026. If true, we’d be looking at an approximate market evaluation of $218 billion, out-competing the global apparel industry growth rates by 3X. Prompting many to change their single-use ways, these statistics are undeniable, proving an evolution in not only the way we shop but in the way we think.

This shift is, by all accounts, a win for the local flea markets and the Earth itself. However, it’s not to say these ideals are being entirely accepted, as many push against the idea of ‘dirty’ clothes. Despite being disproven repeatedly, it’s no doubt many opt for a brand-new alternative, guaranteeing a sense of function, cleanliness and connection. After all, these consumeristic habits have been ingrained into our psyche since the beginning of time.

Now, this isn’t to say buying new is necessarily bad, as when it comes to underwear and socks, perhaps we’ll stick to Walmart. The moral dilemma lies in the surplus of textile waste sitting beneath the racks of Louis Vuitton and Sheinaz alike, for no matter how beautifully crafted or innovative, resources are being used to create unneeded products. So, many turn to their closets selling pieces to buy ‘new’ old products, in hopes of attaining a guilt-free rarity.