Skip to content
lookup.sg

Shopping

The Rise of Online Thrift Stores in Singapore: Growth and Trends

Secondhand fashion is growing worldwide, and Singapore has a busy preloved scene. What is driving it, global data, and tips for buying online.

  • By the Lookup team
  • Updated
  • 2 min read

Buying and selling preloved clothes online has become a regular part of shopping in Singapore. This article looks at what is behind the trend, what the global data says, and how to buy secondhand online with fewer surprises.

The global picture

According to ThredUp's 2026 Resale Report (built with GlobalData, released April 2026), the global secondhand apparel market is projected to reach US$393 billion by 2030, growing about 9% a year from 2025. The report says secondhand makes up roughly 10% of global apparel spend, and that online resale is expected to nearly double by 2030, from US$29.7 billion in 2025 to US$48.3 billion. It also says Gen Z and millennials will drive more than 70% of resale growth through 2030.

The earlier version of this article cited the ThredUp 2023 report's forecast of US$350 billion by 2027. That has been replaced by the newer report above.

Singapore

We could not find reliable, published figures for the size or growth of Singapore's online thrift sector, so we do not give one. What can be said:

  • Singapore has a long-running mix of physical and online secondhand options, including consignment platforms such as Refash.sg, charity shops such as New2U (run by the Singapore Council of Women's Organisations, with proceeds funding its programmes), flea markets, and peer-to-peer marketplaces.
  • We have not verified current store counts, fees or opening hours for any of these. Check each platform's own site. Reported fees for selling on consignment platforms vary, so read the terms before you list.

What is driving the trend

  1. Sustainability: Buying preloved extends the life of clothes and reduces waste.
  2. Price: Secondhand pieces can cost much less than new.
  3. Variety: Online lets shoppers find one-off and vintage items without travelling.
  4. Convenience: Browsing, payment and delivery are all online.

Challenges for online thrift

  • Trust and condition: Buyers cannot try on or inspect items, so photos and honest descriptions matter.
  • Sizing and fit: Sizes vary across brands and years.
  • Authenticity: For branded items, be cautious about fakes.
  • Returns: Many sellers do not accept returns, so check the policy before paying.

Tips for buying

  1. Check clear photos of the front, back, label and any flaws.
  2. Ask for measurements instead of relying on the size label.
  3. Use platforms with buyer protection where possible.
  4. Check seller ratings and recent reviews.
  5. Compare to the retail price, since some preloved items are priced close to new.

Sources

  • ThredUp Resale Report 2026 (ThredUp, with GlobalData).