eBay Australia: Pre-Loved Fashion Has Gained Mainstream Popularity

According to a recent survey conducted by eBay Australia, pre-loved fashion has emerged as the latest trend among Australians.

The survey found that 30% of Australians stated that half of their wardrobe consists of pre-loved fashion and accessories, signaling a significant shift in their buying and selling habits.

Furthermore, the research demonstrates that pre-loved fashion has gained mainstream popularity, with 45% of Australians reporting an increase in their purchases of pre-loved fashion over the past two years.

The primary reasons cited for shopping for pre-loved fashion included the ability to find unique items while saving money (70%), expressing one’s individual style (55%), and supporting the circular economy (40%).

When it comes to luxury fashion items, 40% of surveyed Australians shop for pre-loved luxury as a means of affording luxury brands. And over half of the respondents have either already purchased or intend to purchase a luxury pre-loved fashion item, highlighting the growing dominance of pre-loved luxury in Australia.

This data from eBay Australia underscores the popularity of pre-loved fashion. In 2022, Australian luxury brands like Camilla, Scanlan Theodore, and Zimmermann were among the most sold on eBay Australia.

International brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Prada were also frequently purchased on the platform. Popular searches on eBay Australia included Aje, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Scanlan Theodore, and Zimmermann items.

Noteworthy fashion items on eBay Australia included the Aje Capucine T-Shirt, Camilla & Marc Marquez Maxi Dress, and Zimmermann dresses, which garnered the most views.

Additionally, the platform facilitated high-value transactions for pre-loved fashion, such as a Chanel PVC Patent Calfskin Patent Lambskin Small CC Vanity Case Pink, selling for over $4,500, and a Chanel Resort 2016 collection Multicolour Embellished Tweed clothing item, selling for over $5,500.

Brooke Eichhorn, eBay Australia’s Head of Fashion, emphasized that wearing pre-loved fashion is no longer a compromise on style. Australians are now investing in pre-loved luxury items made from high-quality materials, and eBay is committed to making sustainable luxury accessible to all.

“With 16 million pre-loved fashion items listed for sale on eBay.com.au in previous years, fashionistas with a passion for hunting unique, vintage pieces to help express their individual style can get access to a vast range of items from our sellers. eBay Australia is a proud champion of pre-loved fashion, making way for greater accessibility and sustainability,” added Eichhorn.

The survey also revealed that Australians spend a substantial amount on fashion and accessories, estimating the combined value of wardrobes nationwide to be around $76 billion.

Gen Z emerged as the biggest spenders, with their wardrobe items valued at an average of $8,003, more than double the national average of around $3,860.

eBay Opportunity: Selling Unused Fashion

Interestingly, despite the significant value of their wardrobes, respondents estimated that they wear less than two-thirds of their clothing, suggesting a potential $29 billion worth of unworn fashion items.

Selling these items can be lucrative, with individuals who sell clothes they no longer wear making an average of $1,231.

“With Australians increasingly buying and selling pre-loved luxury, now is the time to make the most of your garments’ journey from creation to consumption. Declutter and give your pre-loved clothes a second chance to shine, while playing your part in driving circularity forward. You could be sitting on the one item someone wants to complete their look,” added Eichhorn.

“We know that trust remains paramount when buying luxury items, and with eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee on luxury handbags and wallets valued over $350, and sneakers valued over $150, buyers can have confidence that they are buying the real deal – just look for the blue tick.

“Buying pre-loved fashion has never been easier. With eBay’s Money Back Guarantee, if the item received does not fit the description on the listing, we’ll give you your money back, no problem.”

To promote the range of pre-loved luxury fashion available on eBay.com.au, the platform is hosting the eBay Pre-Loved Runway at the Afterpay Australia Fashion Week this week.

Attendees will have the opportunity to try on iconic luxury pre-loved items from international and Australian designer brands, immersing themselves in the joy of dressing in stylish luxury pieces.

In line with its commitment to supporting pre-loved circularity and revolutionizing the fashion industry, eBay Australia has become a proud patron of the Australian Fashion Council.