If you have ever thought about selling your gently used clothes, now is a very good time to look at what is going on in the resale world. A major new report says secondhand clothing is growing at a pace regular clothing stores can only dream about, and the way shoppers find used items has changed in a big way.
The findings come from the ThredUp 14th Annual Resale Report, released April 2, 2026 with GlobalData. The report includes a survey of 3,268 US adults conducted in January and February 2026.
The headline numbers
According to the report, the US secondhand market grew nearly four times faster than the broader retail clothing market in 2025. In plain terms, while regular clothing retail inched along, used clothing raced ahead.
Looking down the road, GlobalData projects that the US secondhand market will reach $78.8 billion by 2030. Globally, the secondhand market is about $393 billion, which the report puts at roughly 10 percent of apparel spending.
The report also looks at who is driving the growth. Gen Z and Millennials are projected to account for 71 percent of growth through 2030. That means younger shoppers are carrying much of the momentum, which is worth knowing if you are deciding what to sell and where.
Shoppers are finding used items on social media
Here is the number that may change how you sell: nearly 50 percent of shoppers find secondhand items through social media and creators. Not so long ago, many people discovered used clothing by walking into a thrift store or checking a classified ad. Today, nearly half of shoppers are discovering items through their phones, often by scrolling past someone showing off a find.
For sellers, that is both a chance and a challenge. The chance is that your items can reach a large audience without a storefront. The challenge is that more sellers are fishing in the same pond, and shoppers are used to seeing pictures that look polished.
What this means for you as a seller
If you are decluttering your closet, a growing market is good news. It suggests there are plenty of buyers looking for what you no longer wear. But growth also draws more sellers, so a little effort goes a long way.
- Take clear, bright photos. Use natural light and a plain background so buyers can see color, fabric and condition.
- Be honest in your descriptions. Mention flaws, sizes and measurements. Honest listings mean fewer returns and happier buyers.
- Think about where your buyers are. If nearly half of shoppers find items on social media, it may be worth sharing your listings there too, not only on the resale site where you post them.
- Sell by season. Winter coats sell best as the weather turns cold, and light dresses do better in warm months. List early.
- Group similar items. Bundles can appeal to shoppers looking for a lot of something, such as kids’ clothes in one size.
- Price fairly. Look at what similar items are going for before you decide.
Why the growth matters to everyday sellers
When a market grows nearly four times faster than the rest of clothing retail, it tells you something about how people shop now. Shoppers are open to buying used, they are comfortable doing it online, and many of them are more interested in finding something unique than in walking into a regular store. Every one of those shifts works in favor of someone with a closet to clean out.
It also means the habit is no longer tied to one age group or one kind of shopper. Parents hunting for outgrown sizes, bargain lovers, people who like vintage looks and younger shoppers watching their spending all have reason to shop secondhand. If you have clothes in good condition, there is likely a buyer out there for them.
Do not let competition scare you
More sellers can feel intimidating, but most people never get past the first step of actually listing something. Those who take decent photos, write clear descriptions and respond quickly to questions already stand out. You do not need a fancy setup. A phone, a window with good light and a few minutes are plenty to get started.
The shift toward social media discovery also means you can think beyond a single listing page. A short post showing an outfit, a closer look at the fabric or a note about why you loved it can catch the attention of someone who was not even searching. Keep your posts friendly and honest, and let the item speak for itself.
For the buyers in the room
The same trend helps shoppers too. A larger secondhand market means more choices and more competition on price. If you are watching your budget, buying used clothes for yourself or your kids can stretch your money, especially for items that will be outgrown quickly. Just remember that discovering things on social media can make it easy to impulse buy, so a budget and a wish list help.
A market worth watching
The big takeaway is that secondhand is no longer a niche. A market projected to reach $78.8 billion in the US by 2030 is big business, and everyday people are part of it. If you have a closet full of clothes that no longer fit your life, you are sitting on something that younger shoppers in particular are eager to buy.
Start small. Pick a handful of items, photograph them well, write honest listings and see what happens. You may find that clearing out your closet turns into extra cash, and that the shoppers are already looking for you.
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