If you often find yourself going through your closet to gather unwanted clothes to resell or donate, be proactive next time you go shopping for new outfits. The brands you buy matter, especially if the potential for a high resale value is important to you. And, if you're splurging on luxury brands like Gucci and Chanel because you think you'll get most of your money back in resale or consignment value, think again.
Mid-tier, affordable brands are the most sought-after secondhand clothing, often because they have the best resale value, according to a report from the world's largest online thrifting platform, ThredUp. The top 10 include:
- Torrid
- Lululemon Athletica
- Madewell
- Zara
- Free People
- Patagonia
- Reformation
- Urban Outfitters
- Everlane
- Vuori
Other popular brands include big names like Levi's, Anthropologie, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Lane Bryant. Lululemon is the most popular brand among shoppers with the tightest budgets. According to the report, 82% of Gen Z shoppers consider a clothing item's resale value before purchasing, with 42% of the same demographic less likely to buy apparel if it doesn't have a good resale value.
When it comes to specific apparel, Patagonia vests, Dr. Martens boots, SKIMS tank tops, and GAP overalls are some of the most coveted resale items.
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Resale isn't just practical from a budgeting perspective, either. In 2022 alone, U.S. consumers purchased 1.4 billion secondhand items, which was up nearly 40% from 2021. The increase has encouraged more than one-third of retailers to admit that if the value of resale programs proved lucrative, they would slash their production of new apparel, potentially achieving a more sustainable fashion footprint.
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