What Your Preferred Method of Secondhand Shopping Says About You

Amongst all that is either bad or good right now in the world, one thing is for certain, and it is overall a good thing: Resale is growing as a first-choice channel for clothing shopping.

ThredUp posted its 2026 resale report a few months ago with this statement:

“A circular handoff is emerging as Gen X and Millennial supply meets Gen Z nostalgia demand, establishing resale as the bridge between heritage archives and the next generation of trendsetters”.

Because of its popularity amongst Gen Z, there’s an inadvertent circular system being cranked out. Granted, not circular enough to see a visible decrease in production of new clothes, but it’s worth noting how the “trend” that is secondhand is spawning cyclic behavior and styles. I’m not one for trends, but if secondhand can turn into the norm and the default for everyone, as an embedded behavioral transition instead of a temporary micro trend, I’m all for it.

In the meantime, while we wait for that to happen long enough to see tangible change in consumption, aren’t you dying for me to tell you what YOUR preferred method of shopping secondhand says about you?

Secondhand is ubiquitous enough now for multiple archetypes to have arisen; it no longer assumes just a singular type of person. The way that consumers have arrived at the choice of secondhand, used or vintage varies, with a range of different motivators.

So let’s break the archetypes down. (Generalized and for fun, this is extremely unserious).

According to the market research survey ThredUp conducted on 3,268 U.S. adults, 58% of those Gen Z and Millennials said they check secondhand before buying new.

Why? Better value, easier access, more individuality and discovery. Secondhand and vintage are defining the culture, so you better hop on board or get left behind.

You value affordability first. HOWEVER, you also have the admirable ability to flip clothes or upstyle the ordinary into something far more clever and unique to your personal style. You have patience and enjoy the thrill of the hunt, because those stores these days are often oversaturated, unorganized, and cluttered. With some patient digging, hidden gems can be uncovered, hiding within the chaos.

You have an exceptional eye for seeing the potential in a garment beyond how it appears on the surface. You pull off clothes in ways other people wouldn’t expect to be stylish. But then a friend or random person walks past you and duly notes the undeniably cool distinction of your style.

You can mend, bleach, dye, cut, sew, all of the above. You’re taking a granny blouse and making it midsummer chic, you’re turning grandpa’s old jeans into a Levi’s baggy dad jean dupe. This isn’t just mindless thrifting, you are finding the holy grails that only you could’ve made work.

“62% of Gen Z shopped secondhand in 2025, switching from lots-of-item hauls to holy grail finds.”

You enjoy boutique-type clothing, something slightly classier. Maybe you’re not always at a consignment store, but you see the value for certain occasions.

You like slow, intentional shopping, but still whimsy and girly. I’m thinking picnic in the park vibes, she loves floral and rocks a sundress better than most. She’s also invited to a lot of weddings.

You appreciate the hunt without an overload of chaos, and you’re especially tuned into fine details that make a single garment really special, because you shop for long-term value as well.

“49% of younger generations have reduced purchases of low-quality items because they cannot be resold.”

You are a highly social person who loves a good side hustle. The online community aspect of these platforms draws you in, it’s a source of inspiration, sort of like Pinterest. You’re savvy with marketing and selling and have that entrepreneurial, creative spirit.

To remain committed to the hustle, you stay on top of trends and what the Gen Z style demands are by browsing what other respectable thrifty people are selling and wearing. Thrifty, alternative style goes hard with these people. Think the coolest girl you know who always wears pieces you’ve never seen before. Her outfit is secondhand head to toes, you know she’s got on those lightly used Doc Marten platforms, the quintessential Y2K look, somehow always wearing an outfit that would fit in perfectly for any occasion or event.

“57% of shoppers resell items for income (more than 2x from last year). 52% Gen Z and Millennials try to resale more than half of their closet.”

We are more creative than ever to earn extra money, that’s what that indicates! Sign of loving resale or sign the economy is on fire, idk!

This could overlap into other categories as well, but I see this one as a stand-alone, mostly because I identify with this method the most. It’s affordable, widespread, and offers something for everyone without having to go too deep into the hunt, and without being too nichely vintage or statement-bold that it takes a certain person to succeed. Plus, you make some money from your old clothes, which keeps you coming back. (Me to my neighborhood Plato’s Closet).

You are either on the older side of Gen Z or a Millennial, mostly because this is a pricier choice than the others. You like to dress nicely for all occasions, not frumpy, more sophisticated, like what you’d wear to a corporate job. Maybe you live in NYC or SF or London. Your style is contemporary minimal, but you also know how to add elevated flares to your fits to give them that secondhand edge.

You also love the hunt of finding previously expensive designer brands for less, you have an eye for luxury and class. I bet your hair always looks nice too, you’ve perfected the slicked back pony and the effortless layered bouncy blowout look.

Shoe game is always strong, won’t catch you in sneakers, you’re probably wearing flats or some type of heel - ballet flats, Mary Janes, Tabby’s.

These girls know how to navigate a luxury bargain. You’ve had your eye on the Celine leather mules and have diligently been stalking the Real Real until you find them at half their original price. The vibe is elegant, but every so slightly lived in, to add to its character and appeal. This is approachable luxury. Grounded splendor.

On the other side of purchasing these higher-end secondhand items is the guaranteed higher resale value they’ll retain later on. Again, we’re thinking of longevity here, not just an immediate gratification of having the “designer” piece. These are investment pieces that will either last forever or be worthwhile in their third (or fourth or fifth) life.

“39% of consumers say they’d buy new clothes if they know it has a high resale value.”

If you regularly shop brand-specific resale, then you likely have certain brands that you remain loyal to. Maybe you’re consistent in your style, and stick to specific items over long periods of time, and you have that ol’ reliable brand whose jeans you KNOW you love, so why switch it up?

The alternative is maybe you're not so much brand loyal, but rather an aspirational consumer of a brand that usually falls out of your budget. UNLESS you opt for their equally gratifying resale shops. These offer a more accessible price point.

“60% of shoppers say integrated resale immediately strengthens trust with the brand.”

Oh, you’ve got an EYE I am jealous of. This turns into more of a hobby of collecting, curating, archiving, knowing what’s valuable and archival, and what’s not. You could have your own side business or pop-up booth at a flea market showcasing your curated finds.

You’re an old soul, love historical sentiment, and truly know what makes a piece timeless - not just trendy timeless but CLASSIC timeless. You are a frequent flyer at your neighborhood estate sales and local antique stores/markets. To you, it’s not only about the clothes, but the whole process of vintage is emotive. You want to feel a connection to the story of your things, you want your body to be clothed in a heartfelt narrative told by heirloom pieces. A well-worn leather jacket is your staple, embracing and rocking its warm patina.

You shop for furniture the same way you shop for clothes, brushing your fingertips along the surface to discover and relish all its imperfections, textures, and fine details. You’re curious about items and where they’ve been, who they’ve been with. You find pleasure in the intentional craft of something that may now be becoming obsolete. Scuffed up, scratched, or snagged, it doesn’t bother you, it actually makes it a better fit for your collections. Home interior, all eclectic and devotional and curatorial within the walls of your early 1900s Tudor-style home.

Nothing about your style or aesthetic is sterile or modern. It’s wholly soulful and penetratingly rustic.

“The next generation of resale will be won by platforms that turn inspiration into curated discovery.”

This mode could be via social media, community gatherings or swaps, friend to friend, Facebook marketplace, or any other socially engaging shopping experiences. This person is a social butterfly, an activist, a community leader.

Maybe this isn’t your typical sustainable fashion warrior, but her values by default fall into sustainability, ethical, and overall anti-overconsumption. She volunteers at the farmers market, loves to dress colorfully, and is the change-maker your local community needs and loves.

“46% resale discovery happens outside of resale-specific platforms, part of your community.”

Wow, so many different vibes of people, but all resorting to the same choice to shop secondhand, a direct act against overconsumption. I love all of them, we need all of them.

Which one would you say you are? Did I miss any? I probably did. Let me know!!!

Xoxo