Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

Fashion Brands Are Missing Out on the Resale Opportunity

As secondhand sales soar, brands are finding reselling their own items is an increasingly attractive proposition even as operational hurdles remain, according to the BoF-McKinsey State of Fashion 2026.

A phone held above a denim shirt takes a picture of the garment. — Customers are spending more on secondhand fashion in the search for value as prices continue to rise in the primary market. (Shutterstock)

15 January 2026

Resale continues to outperform the broader fashion and luxury market. Looking ahead, the secondhand market is expected to grow two to three times faster than the first-hand market from 2025 to 2027. Online resale marketplaces make up the lion’s share of sales, accounting for 88 percent of resale spending in the US in 2024. US online resale is forecast to grow 16 percent annually, reaching $34 billion by 2027.

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The State of Fashion 2026: When the Rules Change

The 10th annual State of Fashion report by McKinsey & Company and BoF Insights, The Business of Fashion’s data and advisory team, reveals how changes in trade, technology and consumer behaviour will challenge businesses in 2026. Download the full report to understand the 10 themes that will shape the industry and opportunities for growth in the year ahead.

The RealReal’s Plan to Capitalise on the Luxury Resale Boom

With more shoppers priced out by luxury's rising costs turning to secondhand goods, CEO Rati Sahi Levesque opens up in the BoF-McKinsey State of Fashion 2026 about how the resale player is welcoming them with open arms.

In This Article

Topics

Retail:Resale & Rental

Series

The State of Fashion

The Debrief | Why Some Retailers Are Ignoring the Internet

As the global luxury e-commerce engine stalls, BoF correspondent Austin Kim discusses his look at independent boutiques finding that the right strategic move is to stay offline.

How Some Founders Are Redefining Fashion’s Idea of Success

As the pipeline to scaling a fashion business grows more precarious, some designers are ditching the pursuit of global prestige in favour of a slower approach to growth they say is more sustainable — and more fulfilling.

As Brands Get Tariff Refunds, What Do They Owe Their Customers?

Brands are finally able to apply for refunds, but now they also have to decide how to deal with the customers who paid higher prices on their products, some of which are filing lawsuits against retailers demanding compensation of their own.

Retail Sales Rise in Britain After Iran War Prompted ‘Panic at the Pumps’

Textile, clothing and footwear stores reported a 1.2 percent month-on-month sales increase, while department stores recorded a 1.1 percent sales rise.

Adwoa Beauty to Enter Liquidation

A Texas court ruled that the hair-care label’s bankruptcy filing be converted to Chapter 7.

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As the French couture giant cruised into Biarritz this week, surging interest in its revamp under designer Matthieu Blazy scored it the top spot on the Lyst Index. But could Blazymania go too far?

Building Connection Through Luxury’s Sensory Evolution

Luxury fragrance house Amouage, together with The Business of Fashion, convened leading creatives for an evening of open dialogue on the evolution of the luxury industry — from visual symbol to deeper emotional connection.

The BoF Podcast | Inside Dries Van Noten’s Venice Manifesto

After stepping back from his namesake brand, Dries Van Noten has opened a foundation in a Venetian palazzo dedicated to craft, beauty, and the things made by hand and soul. BoF's Tim Blanks speaks with the designer about why, in ugly times, making something beautiful is the only real form of protest.

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