Online platforms are giving secondhand fashion a new life, with livestream shopping, AI-powered search tools, and digital resale apps making thrifting faster, more fun, and easier to access than ever before.

But while buying pre-owned clothing is generally better for the planet than purchasing new, experts warn that it isn’t a free pass to overconsume. Buying more than you need still adds to textile waste—and online orders bring their own footprint through packaging, shipping, and server energy.

So how can you enjoy secondhand fashion responsibly while keeping your wardrobe fresh and long-lasting? Industry insiders and fashion enthusiasts share their tips.

The rise of the digital resale market

Platforms like eBay, ThredUp, The RealReal, and live-auction apps such as Whatnot have seen record growth this year. eBay reports that secondhand items now make up around 40% of its fashion sales, while livestream runway events let shoppers snag designer pieces in real time.

Yet experts caution that the resale boom can also encourage wasteful habits. “People who buy secondhand often purchase more clothes than others and discard them sooner,” said Meital Peleg Mizrachi, a researcher at Yale University.

In reality, only about 20% of donated clothes end up being resold in charity shops; the rest are downcycled, exported, or simply thrown away.

Choosing quality over quantity

Sustainable secondhand shopping starts with choosing well-made pieces. Look for natural fabrics such as cotton, silk, or bamboo, and check for signs of craftsmanship—like sturdy stitching, lining, and reinforced seams.

Older garments, particularly those made before the mid-1990s, often offer better durability and tailoring. Narrowing down searches with specific terms (like “linen blazer” or “vintage Levi’s 501”) can also help you find unique, high-quality pieces that last.

Care for what you own

A little care goes a long way. Use garment bags, store clothes in breathable muslin covers with lavender to ward off moths, and air-dry whenever possible. Spot-clean instead of frequent washing, and repair minor flaws—like missing buttons or loose hems—to extend each item’s life.

Every repair keeps your clothes in circulation a little longer and saves them from the landfill.

Closing the loop

Being sustainable also means thinking beyond the purchase. Donate responsibly—to local community stores, women’s shelters, or verified organisations. Many brands now offer take-back programmes; eBay, for instance, partners with Marks & Spencer for in-store returns that are resold online.

Ultimately, true sustainability in fashion isn’t just about what you buy—it’s about how little you buy. As Mizrachi reminds, “We cannot purchase our way out of the climate crisis. Making overconsumption unprofitable is the only way to change the fashion industry.”