The size of the GCC secondhand apparel market is expected to be USD 1.3 billion in 2025 and is anticipated to expand at an 11.6% CAGR during 2025 to 2035. The industry is expected to reach USD 4 billion by 2035.
One of the major drivers for this spectacular growth path is increasing consumer consciousness regarding sustainability and environmental aspects, compelling more customers to opt for pre-owned fashion as an environmentally conscious option. This industry is transforming at a fast pace, driven by a cultural shift towards minimalism, higher penetration of digital resale platforms and the uptake of circular economy principles.
Consumers throughout the GCC, particularly the younger generation, are increasingly adopting preloved fashion not just because it is cheap but also as a means of ethical consumption. The area's wealth, combined with a growing fashion-aware middle class, is driving demand for high-quality used clothing that is both fashionable and affordable.
Digital transformation is also transforming the way the secondhand fashion industry operates. Resale websites, peer-to-peer industry sites, and AI-based apparel authentication technologies are building trust and convenience and lowering friction in the purchasing experience.
This digitization not only increases consumer access but also optimizes logistics, allowing for an increased volume of transactions with greater efficiency. Fashion brands and retailers are riding this wave by incorporating resale models into their platforms, either through collaborations or their own resale channels. These initiatives are bolstering brand loyalty while also meeting ESG objectives-a key driver of industry sustainability in the GCC's increasingly environmentally aware retail industry.
Despite cultural differences across regions, the secondhand clothing industry is slowly breaking free from stigma by employing strategic marketing, influencer campaigns and more emphasis on product curation and quality. With changing consumer attitudes, the GCC's secondhand clothing ecosystem will come of age, presenting long-term prospects for local players and international platforms to tap into this high-growth industry.
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Among the GCC secondhand apparel, consumer trends are being increasingly driven by rising interest in sustainable products and fashionable yet affordable clothing. Demand by eco-friendly consumers and fashion-forward consumers seeking value without compromising on coolness is highest. The convenience of use and product variety provided through digital platforms is driving uptake by many groups of users.
Accuracy and sensitivity in classifying and presenting secondhand garments are important. Websites with precise descriptions of products, high-quality images, and product authenticity verification instill more confidence in consumers. Integration with mobile-first experiences, AI-driven style recommendations, and simplicity of returns are becoming the benchmarks of customer satisfaction.
While cost sensitivity remains moderate due to a relatively affluent consumer, regulatory compliance and quality control measures are being put on the front. Platforms and brands must ensure hygiene, authenticity, and transparency, especially with GCC nations imposing more streamlined policies on textile waste and regulation of e-commerce.
The GCC secondhand apparel industry, while on a high growth curve, has various risks that might hinder long-term growth. One of the major challenges is the cultural and social stigma surrounding used clothing in certain regions of the GCC, which might delay adoption despite increased sustainability trends. To overcome this, there is a need for regular consumer education and brand positioning that equates secondhand fashion with lifestyle and status.
The other risk factors are the disintegrated logistics and supply chain infrastructure that supports the resale industry. The enforcement of quality control, authentication, and on-time delivery on cross-border resale platforms is difficult and vulnerable to disruption, particularly in cases of regulatory inconsistency across the GCC countries. This calls for enhanced regional cooperation and platform standardization initiatives.
There is also a risk of industry oversaturation and price war with additional players in the secondhand marketplace. In the absence of differentiated value offerings and brand equity, new entrants cannot establish trust or maintain profitability. To address this, firms must innovate along the product lifecycle-from sourcing through resale-delivering greater customer experiences and sustainable margins.
Between 2020 and 2024, the secondhand fashion industry within the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region began to observe a quiet transition. Heretofore led by an unrelenting affinity for luxury and novelty fashion, there was a budding cultural shift taking hold on the back of youth, environmentally conscious consumers, and a rise in eco-awareness.
Resale-oriented online marketplaces and thrift-leaning social media helped normalize second-hand fashion among young urban consumers. The economic burden of the pandemic also pushed consumers to embrace value-based shopping in greater numbers. Although there continued to be second-hand stigma for clothing in pockets of the nation, there also was a narrative about upcycling, vintage style, and sustainability that caught on.
Forward to 2025 to 2035, the GCC secondhand apparel industrywill be more mainstream and organized. It will be propelled by online websites selling certified reselling, influencer-backed thrift lines, and government-supported sustainability programs advocating circularity in the fashion world. As global fashion brands continue to make inroads into the resale space, collaborations with local retailers and online sites will further boost visibility.
As sustainability has become a lifestyle desire for young generations, secondhand fashion will be a valid and even desired choice, especially as logistics facilitated by technology ensure access and delivery to be convenient.
Comparative Market Shift Analysis (2020 to 2024 vs. 2025 to 2035)
| 2020 to 2024 | 2025 to 2035 |
|---|---|
| Early youth adoption, with social and cultural stigma still present | Universal acceptance, especially among Gen Z and millennials |
| Development of niche online platforms and peer-to-peer resale | Mainstream retail and luxury brand integration of resale |
| Social media authority and mobile-enabled thrift apps | AI personalization, virtual try-ons, and authenticated resale platforms |
| Growing concern about fashion waste and the planet | Strong connection with circular fashion and climate action goals |
| Cultural mindsets, thin organized resale channels | Need for robust infrastructure and transparent quality assurance |
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | 11.2% |
| UAE | 10.8% |
| Qatar | 10.2% |
| Kuwait | 9.8% |
| Oman | 9.4% |
The Saudi Arabian industry is predicted to grow at 11.2% CAGR during the forecast period. Driven by shifting consumer attitudes and growing interest in sustainable fashion, the pre-owned apparel industry is witnessing unforeseen growth. The Kingdom's youth population is spearheading the trend, adopting online resale platforms and meticulously curated thrift stores as gateways for fashion and sustainability.
Increased smartphone and internet penetration have accelerated the uptake of mobile apps and online platforms dealing in preloved fashion, resulting in rapid industry expansion. Cultural acceptance of Western fashion trends, coupled with attempts to diversify shopping experiences, has rendered secondhand clothing acceptable.
Government strategies that encourage sustainability in Vision 2030 also enhance the potential of the industry. Local designers and influencers are pushing secondhand fashion as trendy and ethical, further modifying the mindset. The affordability of secondhand clothes is also appealing to budget shoppers and expatriate groups. As urbanization continues and awareness campaigns gain strength, the Saudi industry is likely to be the best hub for secondhand clothing growth in the GCC.
The UAE industry will expand at 10.8% CAGR during the forecast period. A progressive shopping space and increasing consciousness of eco-friendly fashion is transforming it into a rich soil for secondhand apparel in the UAE. The nation's shopper's paradise image has enabled a plethora of branded and high-end garments, much of which is finding a second life in reselling routes.
High penetration of smartphones and a digitally aware consumer base are propelling the popularity of online consignment shopping websites and mobile apps dedicated to preloved products. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are particularly seeing a wave of carefully curated vintage stores and online-based consignment websites, offering consumers designer and vintage fashion products in mint condition.
Increased environmental consciousness among Gen Z and millennial consumers is driving the shift towards circular fashion. Sustainability goals and projects driven by the government, such as Dubai Sustainable Fashion Days, are increasingly making secondhand shopping mainstream across all socio-economic segments.
Secondly, the flow of expats and tourists supports a successful culture of resale. The UAE is well-positioned to take the lead in fashion re-commerce with technology, infrastructure, and a customer base that is values-and-ethics-oriented.
The Qatar industry is expected to register growth at 10.2% CAGR during the study. Qatar's high-income consumer demographic and growing pattern towards sustainability are fueling demand for secondhand clothing. Cultural value shifts and the pattern of popularization of international fashion influences are making secondhand fashion trendy, especially for younger consumers and expats.
Online platforms with luxury and middle-range fashion are on the rise, supported by a digitally trained and fashion-sensitive customer base. The effect of global events held within the nation, such as the FIFA World Cup 2022, has helped to introduce local consumers to global lifestyle patterns, including environmentally friendly fashion behaviors.
Local NGOs and schools are driving green campaigns to raise awareness of the carbon impact of fast fashion, which in turn helps facilitate the adoption of secondhand garments. While physical thrift stores are limited, online distribution is taking over with ease and diversity. With government support for sustainability and e-commerce entrepreneurship, Qatar's secondhand apparel industry will continue to grow steadily throughout the forecast period.
Kuwait's industry is expected to progress at 9.8% CAGR over the study years. Growing affinity towards minimalism and sustainable consumption is influencing purchasing behaviors concerning apparel in Kuwait. Young consumers are actively participating in the circular fashion economy through online channels, social media resale accounts, and boutique consignment stores.
Openness to Western fashion and deep penetration of high-fashion luxury have provided a popular platform for the resale of secondhand luxury products. While traditional retailing forms dominate the apparel industry, digital innovation is reshaping access to secondhand fashion.
Peer-to-peer selling apps and boutique online stores are giving fashion-conscious consumers a wide variety of cheap, branded products. Sustainability efforts led by local entrepreneurs and influencers are helping modify consumer behavior, making secondhand fashion acceptable. The cost factor of secondhand clothing also draws a big expat population. With consumers further prioritizing ethical choices and made-to-measure fashion, Kuwait's industry shall likely enjoy bright opportunities in the near term.
The Oman industry is also expected to grow at 9.4% CAGR during the study period. In Oman, the preloved apparel industry is gaining momentum as consumers are increasingly shifting towards sustainable and value-based consumption. A youth population, increasing digital literacy, and increased living expenses are prompting many to embrace preloved clothing as a fashionable and savvy option.
Although secondhand culture is still in its infancy, online media and social business are promoting early-stage development. Expatriates make up a significant percentage of secondhand consumers who search for quality fashion at affordable prices.
Government initiatives encouraging sustainability and reducing waste in the apparel industry are aligning with international environmental objectives, indirectly promoting the development of the resale industry. Local entrepreneurs are opening online stores and visiting pop-up shops to offer secondhand products.
As cities expand and awareness of fashion waste grows, Oman will become a major player in the GCC’s secondhand apparel industry. With continued efforts in education and online expansion, the industry has a strong foundation to grow during the forecast period.
In 2025, the GCC secondhand apparel market will be dominated by a 27.2% share, with evening and party wear always alongside. In contrast, formal dresses will hold a 15.3% share. Party, evening, and occasion wear continues to garner interest through demand for glamourized, individualized, and dressy attire worn especially once.
Second-hand party and evening wear add extra value to consumers, especially those wanting to buy designer items at highly reduced prices. The GCC region has the cliche of purchasing luxury brands during occasions like weddings, gala events, and festivals, where buying second-hand products will enable a consumer to tap into high-end fashion, they may find unaffordable otherwise.
Increased interest in sustainable fashion trends is geared towards eco-conscious consumers who want to reduce waste and emphasize sustainability. Some brands in this regard include Chanel, Gucci, and Prada, among others. Most consumers like to buy in the second category for a particular event's needs without tying themselves to a single-use item.
Formal wear is still a large component of the second-hand clothing industry, mainly relating to work, corporate functions, and other business occasions. This aspect has also witnessed an increased growth in the demand for second-hand formal wear because more companies and institutions encourage the business dress system.
Formal wear, which includes suits, blazers, and dresses, has thus attracted an increasing number of consumers. More and more people are going to these stores now that they are searching for affordable, high-quality options in their professional attire that can withstand a lot but are still chic.
Young professionals in GCC countries are increasing in number, and their buying power becomes more dependent on their pursuit of quality; thus, they tend to look more into the price of second-hand formal wear. With these observations, it is evident that in GCC countries, need-price relationships are established based on competitive prices for upscale brands such as Hugo Boss, Armani, and Zara.
The GCC secondhand apparel market is expected to become busy in 2025, with online marketplaces sharing a 35.8% contribution, followed by thrift stores and resale stores with a 22.4% share. Online marketplaces are expected to hold around 80% of the GCC secondhand apparel industry ever as consumers are being compelled to turn to e-commerce modes and pushed increasingly toward digital shopping.
ThredUp, Poshmark, and local GCC sites will flourish with heightened consumer engagement, and millions of second-hand clothing items, from designer pieces to high-street brands to unique items, will be made available easily to them. It will be easier for consumers to buy clothes while sitting at home, conveniently browse through categories, and compare prices, which dictates the conditions of second-hand fashion as the preferred channel.
The fact that also plays an important role in advocating the shift toward online shopping, even for second-hand products, is the proliferation of mobile apps as well as online payment methods, coupled with secure return policies. An entire industry has therefore been opened up for the online sector, particularly about the reach it can cover: an opportunity for shoppers to obtain products from various geographical locations and enjoy a wider variety compared to that offered by traditional physical stores.
Thrift stores and resale stores make up yet another important channel within the GCC secondhand apparel market. Some of these consumers still prefer to shop for their thrift and resale clothes in person. They are the customers who will seek premium and cheaper pieces while involving themselves in this more tactile shopping experience.
Old but newly popular are thrift stores and known local resale outlets in the GCC region, which have been drawing more consumers to their niche as their culture shifts toward sustainable fashion. These stores are also places where the community thrives, giving consumers a "treasure-hunting" experience that makes them feel they can find great, unique, rare items at reasonable prices. The main advantage of thrift stores over online platforms is that people can inspect their clothes before purchase, to try them on, and to assess their quality firsthand.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states that the secondhand clothing segment is burgeoning due to increased awareness among consumers regarding sustainability, increased disposable income, and an extensive change in purchasing behavior towards being more environmentally conscious.
In the region, VF Corporation is another important global player with its huge portfolio of brands, which include Vans and The North Face, creating secondhand industry interest in the region. VF is encouraging resale and circular fashion solutions as part of sustainability through partnerships with local platforms.
ThredUp and The RealReal are spread-internationally-focused-forays into premium-secondhand-and-luxury goods. These platforms cater to the increasing demand for high-quality, secondhand fashion in GCC markets, where consumers are increasingly valuing the authenticity and sustainability of secondhand luxury items.
One other marketplace akin to these two is called Poshmark, where large audiences come to share an experience of buying and selling pre-owned fashion while also focusing on social and user experience for a younger, tech-savvy population in the region.
In the GCC, local players like the Luxury Closet, My Ex Wardrobe, and Second Hand Dubai continue to carve niche offerings of curated luxury secondhand apparel in tandem with a growing base of affluent consumers who want specific exclusive high-end pieces at a more affordable price. Meanwhile, young platforms for buying and selling secondhand goods persist in popularity across the region, including Dubizzle, Olx, and Haraj for UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other GCC markets.
Market Share Analysis by Company
| Company Name | Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| VF Corporation | 15 to 20% |
| Thredup Inc. | 12-16% |
| The RealReal | 10-14% |
| Poshmark | 8-12% |
| The Luxury Closet | 6-10% |
| Other Players | 30-40% |
| Company Name | Offerings & Activities |
|---|---|
| VF Corporation | Resale initiatives for major brands; focus on circular fashion and sustainability. |
| Thredup Inc. | Online resale marketplace; specializes in secondhand fashion for all genders. |
| The RealReal | A premium resale platform for luxury goods, it offers authentication services for secondhand items. |
| Poshmark | Social marketplace for secondhand fashion includes unique selling and buying features. |
| The Luxury Closet | Luxury secondhand fashion is focused on high-end apparel with a global reach and a regional presence. |
Key Company Insights
VF Corporation (15 to 20%) has been strategically expanding its footprint in the GCC secondhand apparel industry, leveraging its strong brand portfolio. The company focuses on sustainability through resale initiatives and circular fashion, allowing it to tap into the growing demand for eco-conscious fashion. By aligning with local resale platforms, VF Corporation increases its presence in GCC markets, where interest in secondhand fashion is on the rise. Thredup Inc., with an estimated 12-16% industry share, has grown internationally by offering a vast marketplace for pre-owned clothing. Its user-friendly platform enables consumers to buy and sell secondhand items, appealing to the sustainability-driven consumer in the GCC region.
The RealReal, with a share of 10-14%, has gained significant traction by positioning itself as a premier platform for luxury secondhand goods. The company’s authentication service ensures trust, which resonates with GCC consumers who are increasingly seeking authentic, high-quality secondhand luxury items. Poshmark, holding an 8-12% industry share, offers a unique social marketplace that engages consumers with a community-driven approach. Its easy-to-use platform appeals to the tech-savvy demographic in the GCC region, where younger consumers are leading the charge toward sustainable consumption. The Luxury Closet, with a 6-10% share, has cemented itself as a go-to platform for luxury secondhand fashion in the GCC. Its strong focus on high-end brands and authenticity has built trust with affluent buyers looking for exclusive pieces at competitive prices.
Other Key Players
The industry is expected to reach USD 1.3 billion in 2025.
The industry is projected to grow to USD 4 billion by 2035.
The industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.6% during the forecast period.
Evening and party wear are key segments in the GCC secondhand apparel industry.
Key players include VF Corporation, Thredup Inc., The RealReal, Poshmark, The Luxury Closet, My Ex Wardrobe, Second Hand Dubai, Dubizzle, Olx, and Haraj.
By product type, the industry is segmented into party, evening, and occasion wear, formal wear, denim, ethnic wear, kids wear, casual wear, and lounge wear.
By consumer orientation, the industry is divided based on consumer orientation into men, women, and kids.
By sales channels, the industry includes thrift stores/resale stores, vintage clothing stores, online marketplaces, wholesale, consignment shops, and modern trade.
By region, the industry is segmented by region, including the United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait.
GCC Secondhand Apparel Market
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