Ethical and vintage fashion: why secondhand clothing is becoming increasingly popular
01. 11. 2025

Secondhand goods are no longer a somewhat marginal Plan B :

they are now a real trend. People are buying secondhand without hesitation, whether it's clothing, furniture, toys, or accessories. In fact, according to Statista, 73% of French people say they buy secondhand at least once a year. In other words, it's no longer just about saving money, but also about the style and values that secondhand goods convey. And we see it everywhere.

Today, almost everything can be recycled or resold: in 2023 alone, more than 5 million French people resold a product online. Major retailers such as Kiabi, Decathlon, and Zara have launched secondhand sections or trade-in programs, and even more luxurious brands such as Isabel Marant, Maje, and Antik Batik are following suit. And when it comes to dressing children, it makes even more sense.

Babies grow so fast that their clothes are sometimes only worn once! Buying second-hand allows families to reduce their clothing expenses by up to 60%, while avoiding contributing to the 700,000 tons of textile waste produced each year in France. For many young parents, it has become obvious: dressing your child in second-hand clothes is both economical and ethical.

Buying second-hand means participating in a real collective movement against waste. Retro is making a big comeback; what seemed old-fashioned just a few years ago has become extremely trendy, and thrift stores are always busy. The 90s and 2000s are inspiring us.

Wearing vintage clothing isn't just about being fashionable, it's also a way to stand out and wear clothes with a history. According to ADEME (the French Environment and Energy Management Agency), whether through second-hand or thrift stores, extending the life of a garment by just nine months reduces its environmental impact by 20 to 30%. Renting an outfit for a special occasion, repairing your favorite pair of jeans, or buying a secondhand coat are all actions that are good for the planet and your wallet.

In 2025, circular fashion is no longer an option, it's a new way of consuming. Whether it's retro pieces or children's clothing, second-hand is becoming a way of life. More than just a trend, it combines style, savings, and respect for the environment.