Secondhand Chic: Shopping in 2025

If you’re still thinking secondhand shopping means digging through musty bins in a dusty thrift store, think again. In 2025, thrifting is a booming industry, a lifestyle choice and—let’s be honest—a bit of a treasure hunt. And estate sales? They’re your secret weapon.

Welcome to the golden age of resale, where shopping smart means saving money, styling sustainably and scoring serious finds.

The resale revolution is very real. According to ThredUp, the global secondhand apparel market is set to hit $367 billion by 2029. In the U.S. alone, resale is growing five times faster than traditional retail, with nearly 1 in 3 clothing purchases now secondhand.

Whether you’re surfing up estate sales, flea markets or scrolling online, your part of a major cultural shift.

Consumers on a Budget for Pre-Loved Treasures

With inflation, tariffs and shaky economic vibes still lingering, it’s no surprise more people are turning to secondhand. Tariffs—especially on imports from China—are driving up prices, making domestic resale options more attractive than ever.

Let’s not forget the planet, stylish sustainability. Secondhand shopping isn’t just easy on your wallet—it’s a statement against fast fashion and landfill waste. Rocking a thrifted outfit or furnishing your home with vintage finds says you care about upcycling and aesthetics. From retro denim jackets to lovingly restoring antique dressers, resale is where eco-consciousness meets great taste.

Younger shoppers are leading the charge—about 86% of Gen Z and Millennials bought or sold something secondhand last year. With platforms like Depop, Poshmark and eBay, many are flipping finds into side hustles. That trendy estate sale vase? Someone’s probably already photographing it for a profit.

Resale isn’t just for closets anymore. Yelp reports a 42% jump in searches for estate sales and antique markets, pointing to a new obsession: second-hand home decor. Think: crystal chandeliers from estate sales, 80s glassware, boho rattan and even vintage tech. Your dream living room might be hiding in someone else’s hoard.

So, what’s a savvy secondhand shopper to do?

Be patient. Thrift aisles are more competitive now, especially with resellers in the mix. But hidden gems do exist—especially at estate sales and vintage-only pop-ups.
Use the apps to verify authenticity.
Think big. Clothes are just the beginning. From furniture to gadgets, the resale market is vast and full of surprises.
Shop with purpose. Every secondhand item you buy keeps another piece out of a landfill.
Know your value. Some thrift finds (think vintage electronics, designer bags, collectible art) increase in value.

Final Take

Secondhand shopping in 2025 isn’t just a trend—it’s a cultural, economic and environmental movement. Fueled by a growing taste for sustainability, todays’ shopper is redefining how we buy, style and reuse.

Whether you’re restoring furniture or refurbishing vintage items, you can do amazing things with easy DIY tips and strategic interior design placement. Then there are those who create outfits from pieces of used clothing, even the ability to take a dress and emerge with two separate dresses!

Hunting for designer deals or one‑of‑a‑kind furniture, the era of conscious consumption is here—and it’s secondhand.