Second-Hand Fashion to Attract 73% of Mexicans by 2025

The second-hand market is growing rapidly worldwide, driven by rising consumer demand for sustainable practices and economic factors making new goods less affordable. According to GoTrendier, an online marketplace for pre-owned fashion, 73% of Mexican consumers are expected to opt for second-hand clothing by 2025, utilizing both physical and digital platforms.

The shift toward second-hand shopping is largely due to increasing awareness of the environmental impact of fast fashion. A study by the Universidad Iberoamericana found that 65% of Mexican consumers are concerned about fast fashion’s ecological footprint, while 70% are willing to pay more for ethically and sustainably produced clothing, as reported by Greenpeace.

GoTrendier’s data reflects this trend, showing a 4% increase in second-hand clothing transactions during 2024. The platform reported a rise in sales from 900,000 to 1 million garments between January and October of the same year. Cecilia Ollero, GoTrendier’s Country Manager in Mexico, attributes the growth to dissatisfaction with fast fashion and a shift toward sustainable options. “If businesses continue adopting these models, the second-hand fashion industry could become highly profitable, particularly in apparel and accessories,” Ollero said.

Second-hand shopping is especially popular among millennials, who account for 26% of Mexico’s online second-hand market, compared to 14% for baby boomers and just 1% for Generation Alpha. Geographically, Mexico City leads in both buying and selling second-hand items, followed by the State of Mexico, Jalisco, Nuevo Leon, Guanajuato, and Puebla.

Globally, economic conditions are also driving second-hand market growth. Proposed tariffs on imported goods, such as those suggested by US policymakers, could increase the cost of new products, making pre-owned items more appealing. For instance, a potential 60% tariff hike on Chinese imports could push consumers toward platforms like eBay and Etsy for cost-effective alternatives.

Platforms such as ThredUp and The RealReal have capitalized on consumer interest in sustainability and affordability. The RealReal specializes in luxury resale, while ThredUp focuses on everyday clothing. Their success demonstrates how the circular economy model—prioritizing reuse and recycling—resonates with consumers and helps companies thrive despite broader economic challenges.

The second-hand market is poised for continued expansion, with projections estimating it will reach US$48 billion globally by 2027.