Your Guide to The Pre-loved Fashion Trend. Plus, Brands & Influencers You Can Follow For Pre-loved Inspiration
In recent years, pre-loved fashion has emerged as a transformative force within the fashion industry. The movement is redefining our relationship with fashion — making us consider how we view our clothing consumption and the impact it has on our planet.
But what does pre-loved fashion mean? And which are the brands and influencers advocating for this sustainable trend? In this article, we answer all your burning questions about pre-loved fashion or secondhand fashion.
What is Pre-loved Fashion?
Originating from the idea of secondhand or vintage garments, the term "pre-loved" emphasizes the value and history behind each piece.
Pre-loved fashion refers to clothing and accessories that have been previously owned and are now being resold or repurposed. This can include items found at thrift stores, vintage shops, online resale platforms, or clothing swaps.
As conscious consumerism continues its steady rise, many are turning to pre-loved items for their sustainability benefits — which includes reduced textile waste and lower environmental footprint.
Recent studies reveal that the global secondhand market is projected to reach $77 billion by 2025. This clearly reflects a growing preference for eco-friendly choices among ethical shoppers who prioritize both style and sustainability.
Brands to Shop for Pre-loved Fashion
Ready to dive into the world of pre-loved fashion?
Here are 8 brands and platforms that specialize in offering stylish second-hand clothing and accessories:
1. ThredUp
ThredUp is one of the largest online consignment and thrift stores, where you can shop thousands of pre-loved and thrifted items from various brands. It’s super easy to navigate, and you can filter by size, brand, and style. Plus, they offer a variety of categories, from everyday wear to high-end designer pieces, so there’s something for everyone.
2. Depop
Depop is a social shopping app that's popular among young fashionistas. It allows users to buy and sell thrifted or second-hand clothes, making it a great platform to find unique and trendy items. Follow your favorite sellers and get inspired by their styles. You’ll often discover one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect your personal taste.
3. Poshmark
Poshmark is another online marketplace where you can buy and sell new or gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories. With a wide variety of brands available, from fast fashion to designer, it’s easy to curate a wardrobe that fits your style.
4. The Luxe Closet, India
This online Indian platform specializes in curated luxury secondhand fashion, offering a range of high-end brands at accessible prices. The Luxe Closet emphasizes sustainability and encourages fashion enthusiasts to give designer pieces a new life while reducing the environmental impact of clothing waste.
5. Relove, India
Technology startup Relove aims to transform the circular fashion economy in India, enabling customers to resell clothing through brand websites. With a peer-to-peer resale marketplace and takeback programs, the online platform is helping make second hand shopping the first choice for shoppers.
If you’re looking for high-end or designer items, Vestiaire Collective is the perfect platform. This marketplace specializes in authenticated luxury second-hand and vintage fashion, making it a reliable source for finding coveted designer pieces at a fraction of their retail prices.
ASOS Marketplace is home to independent boutiques and vintage sellers. You can find a fantastic selection of vintage and pre-loved clothing from around the world. This platform is perfect for discovering unique styles that aren’t available in traditional retail stores.
8. ShopGoodwill
ShopGoodwill is the online auction site for Goodwill, where you can find a variety of thrifted and presale items, including clothing, accessories, and even home goods. The auction format can lead to some incredible deals, so keep an eye out for items you love!
Originally founded with the idea of making "thrifting a regular trend," Amalfi has grown into one of the leading thrift shopping and sustainable e-commerce platforms in the country. The site features a range of thrifted and preloved items from global mainstream brands and high-end labels such as Zara, H&M, Gap, Mango — as well as local labels from Indian cities. Plus, they donate most of their annual profits to charity.
Preloved fashion offers curated experiences both online & offline.
6 Influencers Making Waves in Pre-loved Fashion
With a community of influencers advocating for this movement, the journey towards a more conscious wardrobe has never been easier.
Looking for advice, inspiration, or tips on incorporating second-hand clothing into your wardrobe? These seven fashion influencers are here to guide your pre-loved journey!
1. Kristina Bazan (@kristinabazan), Paris
A fashion blogger, artist and entrepreneur, Kristina advocates for sustainable fashion and frequently shares her thrifted finds on social media. Her chic styling tips demonstrate how to integrate vintage pieces into contemporary outfits.
2. Hannah Simone (@hannahsimone), Los Angeles
Known for her role in "New Girl," Hannah is an advocate for ethical fashion and regularly promotes pre-loved shopping. She showcases the importance of sustainability with her conscious wardrobe choices and chic thrifted looks.
3. Aja Barber (@ajabarber), London
Aja is a writer, stylist and pre-loved connoisseur who speaks openly about the issues of fast fashion and promotes second-hand shopping on her Instagram page. Her insights into sustainable fashion practices and personal style encourage others to embrace pre-loved pieces.
4. Drew Scott (@imdrewscott), New York
A dedicated thrifter, Drew shares his journey through thrift shops and vintage stores. His engaging content inspires followers to explore second-hand options and showcases how to style thrifted finds.
5. Leah Faye (@leahfaye)
A vintage fashion enthusiast, Leah shares her curated collections and styling tips through her blog and social media. Her passion for pre-loved fashion inspires her followers to think creatively about their wardrobe choices.
6. Aashna Shroff, Mumbai
Aashna is a popular Indian influencer known for her chic style and commitment to sustainable fashion. With over 1 million followers, she often shares her love for thrift shopping and pre-loved finds on social media, inspiring her followers to embrace eco-friendly choices in their wardrobes.
Tips for Shopping Pre-loved Items
To make the most of your pre-loved shopping experience, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Know Your Size:
Sizing can vary between brands and eras, so be sure to check measurements before making a purchase. Many online platforms provide size guides to help you find the right fit.
- Inspect the Condition:
When shopping online, pay attention to the item description and photos to ensure you’re aware of any flaws or wear. If you’re shopping in-store, take a close look at the condition of the item before buying.
- Be Open-Minded:
You might not find exactly what you’re looking for on your first try, but being open to different styles and pieces can lead to surprising finds.
- Experiment with Styling:
Don’t be afraid to mix and match pre-loved items with your existing wardrobe. Pre-loved fashion encourages you to think outside the box. Mixing vintage items with contemporary pieces to create a fresh, eclectic look. Be creative and have fun experimenting with different looks!
Influencers embrace Hybrid Styling with Pre-loved and existing items.
The Future of Pre-loved Fashion
The future of pre-loved fashion is bright. It plays a crucial role in advancing circularity within the industry. By purchasing second hand garments, we reduce waste, extend the lifespan of products, and lower the demand for new resources. This shift promotes sustainable consumption, all while reshaping the fashion landscape towards a more circular model.
As consumer attitudes evolve, the ultimate goal of circular fashion — where materials and products are perpetually reused, repaired, and recycled — becomes closer to reality.
With innovation and growing awareness, the pre-loved trend will continue to drive positive change, making sustainability the core of the fashion industry's future.
