EDITORS DESK
The secondhand fashion market, driven by the push for sustainability, is finally taking its rightful place in the spotlight, gaining momentum over the past few years. It has grown so significantly that it is now shaping the future of fashion.
As reported by the World Economic Forum, global pre-owned clothing sales “reached $211 billion in 2023, a 19 percent increase from the previous year.” This data, from resale platform ThredUp, projects that the market will grow to $350 billion by 2027.
Much of this shift is rooted in the increasing awareness of circular fashion—a system that focuses on extending the lifespan of garments, reducing waste, and promoting more responsible production and consumption. According to Reconomy, an international circular economy specialist, a circular approach “seeks to extend the lifecycle of products, reduce waste, and regenerate natural systems by shifting from a linear ‘take, make, dispose’ model to a more regenerative approach.”
Unlike traditional fast fashion, where clothing is often designed for short-term use before being discarded, circular fashion is designed for longevity, allowing them to be worn repeatedly and reintroduced into the production cycle. A closed-loop system maximizes a product’s lifespan, reducing overall waste.
As data shows, fast fashion takes a heavy toll on the environment. UniformMarket reports that “the industry is responsible for 10 percent of the global annual carbon footprint, which is more than the emissions from all international flights and maritime shipping combined. Beyond carbon emissions, fast fashion consumes vast amounts of resources, using 141 billion cubic meters of water annually and contributing to 35 percent of microplastics polluting our oceans.”
The secondhand market is no longer limited to everyday thrift finds—it now includes vintage luxury, from designer bags and shoes to clothing and accessories. This expansion not only makes high-end fashion more accessible but also strengthens the circular economy by keeping these pieces in circulation for longer, reducing waste, and promoting more sustainable consumption.
With the rise of mindful consumerism, Filipinos are also embracing the secondhand market. More thrift shops are opening across the country, while platforms like TikTok and Instagram are seeing a surge in live-selling of vintage items. These spaces, once dominated by fashion brands showcasing the latest collections, are now thriving hubs for pre-owned fashion.
According to market intelligence firm 6Wresearch, the Philippine secondhand market “is primarily driven by cost-conscious consumers looking for affordable clothing options. Secondhand or thrifted clothing offers budget-friendly choices while also contributing to sustainable fashion practices.”
This is echoed by the 2022 Carousell Recommerce Index, which found that respondents from Southeast Asia, including Filipinos, cited sustainability as a key motivation for buying secondhand items. The report also highlights that many respondents purchase pre-owned goods due to climate change concerns and a desire to reduce their environmental impact.
As the market continues to expand, it’s a movement worth embracing. While “ukay-ukay” once carried a stigma, it might just be one of the things that helps secure a more sustainable future for fashion — and for the planet.
(Rey Robes Ilagan is the editor of Manila Bulletin’s Environment and Sustainability section.)