Some 64% of consumers that purchase second hand clothes online are motivated by the ability to ‘save money and get better deals’, a new report by fast fashion operator SHEIN has found.
SHEIN’s 2024 Global Circularity Study sought to examine how consumers are engaging with sustainable fashion practices.
It found that among those that purchase second-hand clothes online, 32% say that they ‘enjoy the shopping experience’, 30% ‘care about sustainability and circular fashion’, and 31% cite ‘more variety’.
Financial considerations are also top of mind for those wishing to sell unwanted clothing online, with 43% saying that they do so to save money, followed by 38% that sell clothes online to ‘clean out my closet’, and 20% to be ‘more sustainable’.
‘These insights reinforce that circular fashion solutions can gain traction when they are aligned with economic value for customers,’ SHEIN said in its study.
Long-term use
One of the key takeaways from the study is that SHEIN customers are prioritising long-term use of the garments they purchase through the platform, with 19% saying they wear such items 50 times or more, and 22% between 31 and 50 times.
Notably, it also found that lower-income shoppers were more likely to wear their clothing for longer than those in higher-income brackets – 21% of median to lower-income households wear SHEIN items 50 times or more, compared to just 16% of higher-income respondents.
It also noted strong engagement with circular fashion activities, with 62% of respondents saying that they donate old clothing, 57% share clothing with friends and family, and 51% have bought or sold second-hand items online.
However, barriers still exist, with around 30% of respondents citing a ‘lack of interest’ around engaging in circular fashion.
About the study
The study surveyed 3,500 customers aged 18 to 45 across six countries – the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Poland – and was conducted in partnership with research firm Alchemer.
‘The study highlights that SHEIN’s customers are becoming more intentional in how they shop and what they wear,’ it added. ‘These insights affirm that convenience, access, and affordability are critical factors in encouraging greater participation in circular fashion.’ Read more here.
