Stat: Curation and vintage resale influence audiences to shop circular fashion

US – New data from luxury resale platform The RealReal reveals a growing appetite for second-hand fashion that blends environmental intent with elevated curation. Since its founding in 2011, the platform has helped keep more than 40m items in circulation – equivalent to 23,000 metric tons of clothing and accessories.  

According to its latest Resale Report, 56% of items sold on the platform in 2024 contained synthetic or semi-synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon and spandex – extending the life of non-biodegradable pieces that might otherwise end up in landfill. The platform also currently lists more than 30,000 items that are over 20 years old – including vintage designers. 

Alongside its environmental impact, The RealReal is influencing consumption habits. Some 69% of shoppers say the platform helps them curate their wardrobe, while 31% are now focused on buying fewer, more special luxury pieces. In 2024 alone, 433,370 consumers made their first purchase on the site.  

In The Overconsumption Mindset, we delve into the psychological factors that lead to environmentally destructive consumer behaviour and the strategies that conscious fashion brands and resale platforms should take to appeal to new audiences.