Taiwan Second-hand Apparel (Thrift) Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecasts 2031

Key Findings

• The Taiwan Second-hand Apparel (Thrift) Market is witnessing rapid expansion as consumers embrace affordability and sustainability.

• Rising environmental concerns are driving demand for circular fashion models in Taiwan.

• Digital resale platforms and peer-to-peer marketplaces are fueling online thrift sales.

• Younger demographics, especially Gen Z, are leading adoption due to eco-consciousness and fashion diversity.

• Strategic partnerships between resale platforms and global fashion brands are legitimizing the thrift market.

• The growing demand for luxury resale is reshaping perceptions around second-hand fashion.

• Economic uncertainty is pushing more consumers in Taiwan to choose affordable thrift options.

• Offline thrift stores continue to thrive alongside e-commerce channels, particularly in urban regions.

Taiwan Second-hand Apparel (Thrift) Market Size and Forecast

The Taiwan Second-hand Apparel Market is projected to grow from USD 5.2 billion in 2025 to USD 17.9 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 22.8%. This growth is supported by increasing environmental awareness, affordability, and the popularity of online resale platforms. Younger generations are reshaping consumer behavior by normalizing thrift shopping as a lifestyle choice rather than a necessity. In Taiwan, fashion-conscious consumers are turning to second-hand platforms not only for budget reasons but also to access unique, vintage, or branded items. The shift from fast fashion to sustainable fashion models is creating long-term growth potential for the thrift market.

Introduction

Second-hand apparel, also known as thrift fashion, refers to pre-owned clothing and accessories resold through physical stores, online platforms, or peer-to-peer marketplaces. In Taiwan, the thrift market is evolving rapidly as sustainability and affordability drive consumer demand. Unlike past stigmas associated with used clothing, second-hand fashion is now viewed as trendy and environmentally responsible. Online marketplaces and mobile apps have further expanded the accessibility of thrift items. As a result, the market is no longer limited to lower-income groups but is increasingly attracting middle- and upper-income consumers as well.

Future Outlook

The future of the Taiwan second-hand apparel market will be defined by increased digitization, sustainable practices, and collaborations with mainstream fashion retailers. Technology-driven resale platforms will enhance customer trust by ensuring product authenticity and quality verification. Luxury resale will continue to gain traction, opening new growth avenues. Circular economy initiatives and government regulations promoting sustainability will further legitimize the sector. By 2031, thrift shopping will become a mainstream fashion channel in Taiwan, with both online and offline ecosystems thriving.

Taiwan Second-hand Apparel (Thrift) Market Trends

• Growing Popularity of Online Resale Platforms
  Online resale platforms are revolutionizing the thrift market in Taiwan, making second-hand apparel easily accessible to broader audiences. Consumers value the convenience of browsing thousands of items on mobile apps and websites, while integrated payment and shipping solutions simplify transactions. Digital authentication tools are also helping to build trust among buyers of branded or luxury goods. This digital shift is particularly popular among younger consumers who are highly active online. The trend illustrates how technology is modernizing the traditional thrift sector.

• Sustainability as a Core Value Proposition
  Environmental sustainability is emerging as one of the strongest trends driving thrift adoption in Taiwan. Consumers are increasingly aware of the ecological damage caused by fast fashion, including carbon emissions and textile waste. By choosing second-hand apparel, buyers reduce their environmental footprint while still enjoying fashion diversity. Brands and resale platforms are capitalizing on this narrative, marketing thrift as a sustainable and ethical choice. This trend shows how environmental consciousness is reshaping consumer fashion decisions.

• Rise of Luxury and Branded Resale
  In Taiwan, luxury resale is experiencing remarkable growth as consumers seek affordable access to high-end fashion. Verified resale platforms are offering authentication services, ensuring originality and building trust among buyers. This has helped eliminate the stigma around used luxury goods, making second-hand purchases aspirational. Younger and middle-income groups are driving demand for accessible luxury through resale. This trend highlights how thrift is evolving from basic affordability to premium value.

• Increased Acceptance Among Gen Z and Millennials
  Younger demographics in Taiwan are embracing thrift as a lifestyle aligned with affordability, individuality, and sustainability. Thrift stores and apps are especially popular among Gen Z, who view second-hand shopping as a way to stand out with unique fashion choices. Social media platforms amplify this trend, with influencers showcasing thrift finds as stylish alternatives. This demographic shift ensures long-term adoption of resale markets. The trend emphasizes the role of youth culture in mainstreaming thrift fashion.

• Blurring Lines Between Retail and Resale
  Mainstream fashion brands and retailers in Taiwan are beginning to partner with resale platforms or launch their own second-hand initiatives. This reflects a growing acknowledgment that resale is not competition but an extension of the fashion ecosystem. Retailers benefit from engaging sustainability-conscious consumers while extending the lifecycle of their products. These hybrid business models are legitimizing thrift in the fashion industry. The trend demonstrates how resale is becoming a core part of retail strategies.

Market Growth Drivers

• Affordability and Rising Economic Pressures
  Thrift shopping is gaining momentum in Taiwan as consumers seek budget-friendly alternatives amid inflation and rising living costs. Second-hand apparel provides an affordable entry into branded and premium fashion categories. Consumers are turning to thrift not only as a necessity but also as a smart financial choice. This economic driver is expanding the market across multiple income groups. Affordability ensures consistent demand regardless of broader economic cycles.

• Consumer Shift Toward Sustainable Fashion
  The sustainability movement is pushing more consumers in Taiwan to adopt thrift shopping as a conscious lifestyle choice. Younger generations, in particular, prefer thrift over fast fashion due to its lower environmental impact. Resale platforms and NGOs are raising awareness about textile recycling and waste reduction. This aligns with global sustainability goals and appeals to socially responsible consumers. The driver reflects how sustainability has become a strong motivator for thrift adoption.

• Digital Transformation of Thrift Ecosystems
  The rise of mobile apps and e-commerce platforms is democratizing access to second-hand apparel in Taiwan. Consumers benefit from advanced search filters, AI-driven recommendations, and digital payment systems that streamline the buying process. This convenience is attracting digitally savvy consumers and expanding the market beyond traditional thrift stores. Digitalization also provides new opportunities for resale startups to scale rapidly. The driver highlights how technology is the backbone of modern thrift growth.

• Influence of Social Media and Fashion Influencers
  Social media platforms are playing a critical role in popularizing thrift fashion in Taiwan. Influencers regularly showcase thrift finds as stylish and sustainable alternatives, inspiring followers to explore second-hand shopping. Viral trends around thrift hauls and upcycling are further boosting demand. Peer validation through social platforms reduces stigma and makes thrift fashionable. The driver underscores the cultural impact of digital communities on the thrift market.

• Expansion of Organized Resale Platforms
  Organized players in Taiwan are professionalizing the second-hand apparel market through quality assurance, authentication, and streamlined logistics. These platforms provide better experiences compared to unorganized thrift stores, attracting middle- and high-income customers. Organized resale also fosters trust by offering returns, warranties, and verified products. This driver is accelerating the formalization of the thrift industry. The expansion of organized platforms ensures greater scalability and market credibility.

Challenges in the Market

• Stigma and Cultural Resistance
  Despite growing popularity, thrift shopping still faces cultural resistance in certain parts of Taiwan. Some consumers perceive second-hand clothing as inferior or unsanitary, limiting wider acceptance. Overcoming this requires sustained awareness campaigns and influencer-driven normalization. Retailers must work to position thrift as trendy and eco-conscious rather than a compromise. This challenge illustrates how cultural perceptions can slow market penetration.

• Quality Control and Authenticity Issues
  Ensuring the quality and authenticity of second-hand apparel remains a challenge in Taiwan. Consumers worry about counterfeit products, particularly in the luxury resale segment. Lack of standardized quality checks can reduce trust in both online and offline platforms. Investment in authentication and grading systems is essential to overcome this barrier. This challenge highlights the importance of trust-building in the thrift ecosystem.

• Fragmentation of the Market
  The second-hand apparel market in Taiwan is highly fragmented, with numerous small players and informal stores. This makes it difficult to establish consistent standards in pricing, quality, and customer service. Consumers often face uncertainty about what to expect when shopping at different outlets. Consolidation and entry of organized players are needed to create a more unified market. This challenge reflects the structural complexities of the thrift sector.

• Logistical and Operational Barriers
  Managing supply chains, returns, and product verification creates logistical challenges for thrift platforms in Taiwan. Unlike new fashion products, second-hand apparel varies greatly in size, condition, and category. Handling these complexities requires strong operational infrastructure. Smaller players often lack the resources to manage such processes efficiently. This challenge emphasizes logistics as a key operational hurdle.

• Competition from Fast Fashion
  Affordable fast fashion brands remain strong competitors in Taiwan, offering trendy clothing at low prices. Consumers may prefer new products over second-hand alternatives despite environmental concerns. To compete, thrift platforms must emphasize uniqueness, sustainability, and value-for-money advantages. This challenge shows how fast fashion continues to be a barrier to thrift adoption.

Taiwan Second-hand Apparel (Thrift) Market Segmentation

By Product Type

• Casual Wear

• Formal Wear

• Luxury & Designer Wear

• Sportswear

• Accessories (Bags, Shoes, etc.)

By Sales Channel

• Online Resale Platforms

• Offline Thrift Stores

• Peer-to-Peer Marketplaces

By End User

• Men

• Women

• Children

By Price Range

• Low-Range Apparel

• Mid-Range Apparel

• Premium/Luxury Apparel

Leading Key Players

• ThredUp

• Poshmark

• Depop

• The RealReal

• Vestiaire Collective

• Vinted

• Regional Thrift Platforms in Taiwan

• Local Thrift Chains and Independent Stores in Taiwan

Recent Developments

• ThredUp announced partnerships with fashion retailers in Taiwan to expand its resale-as-a-service model.

• The RealReal expanded luxury resale operations in Taiwan, focusing on authenticated designer apparel.

• Depop launched social-commerce-based resale communities in Taiwan targeting Gen Z consumers.

• Vinted introduced localized shipping and logistics services in Taiwan to improve customer convenience.

• Regional thrift startups in Taiwan received new funding rounds to expand offline and online presence.

This Market Report Will Answer the Following Questions

1. What is the projected size and CAGR of the Taiwan Second-hand Apparel Market by 2031?

2. What cultural and social factors are influencing thrift adoption in Taiwan?

3. How are digital platforms and social media driving growth in second-hand fashion?

4. What challenges must thrift players overcome to build consumer trust in Taiwan?

5. Who are the leading international and regional players shaping the market?