It’s no secret that the rise of secondhand fashion in Europe continues to accelerate. A recent study by the Circular Fashion Federation, conducted with consulting firm KPMG, projects that the resale apparel market across Europe will grow from €15.9 billion in 2024 to €26 billion by 2030. This reflects an average annual growth rate of 8.5%, fueled partly by supportive policy initiatives at both the European Union and national levels.

France currently leads the market, accounting for 26% of Europe’s secondhand fashion revenue in 2024—equivalent to €4.1 billion. By 2030, that figure could rise to €6.3 billion, even as France’s share adjusts to 24% of the continental total. The country’s projected annual growth rate stands at 7.4%.

Spain is expected to show the fastest growth over the ten-year period from 2024 to 2034, with an average annual increase of 8.1%. This surge is driven mainly by younger generations embracing resale. Italy follows with a 7.4% yearly growth rate, thanks to its robust e-commerce infrastructure. Germany is expected to grow at a slower pace—5.4% annually. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom, which has a mature resale ecosystem, is projected to see a 4% annual decline in secondhand fashion sales over the next several years.

Employment across the European secondhand market is also poised to grow. Approximately 119,000 people are currently employed in the sector, and the study estimates an additional 75,000 jobs could be created by 2030. Notably, the vast majority of secondhand purchases—81%—are made in physical retail environments, such as thrift stores or branded resale corners. Only 19% of sales occur online, via secondhand platforms or brands’ dedicated resale sections.

According to the study, European consumers are motivated by both price and environmental impact when purchasing secondhand clothing. “Reuse is a key lever for reducing environmental impact: buying a secondhand garment extends its lifespan by an average of 2.2 years, which can reduce its carbon, water, and waste footprint by up to 73%,” the study notes.

Another segment gaining attention is clothing rental. Although it currently makes up just 0.3% of the global apparel market and remains challenging to quantify, rental services are expected to gain traction—especially in children’s clothing. However, widespread consumer behavior shifts would be necessary to accelerate adoption, as notable barriers to rental usage still exist.

Apparel and footwear repair services are also on the rise, particularly in France. A national incentive program launched in late 2023 has helped generate momentum. The repair market across Europe has grown from €2.2 billion in 2020 to €2.7 billion in 2024, with a 5.5% average annual growth rate.

Sneaker and shoe repairs are forecast to be the fastest-growing category in this segment. The study notes that repairing an item instead of replacing it can “reduce CO₂ emissions by 30% and extend its lifespan by 70%.”

French apparel repair market set to grow 7.4% annually through 2030

The apparel repair market in France is projected to grow by 7.4% annually. Across Europe, this segment could reach €3.7 billion by 2030, continuing its 5.5% average growth rate. France’s contribution is expected to rise from €1 billion in 2024 to €1.6 billion within five years—approximately 40% of the total European contribution. About 10,000 new jobs could be created across the region in the same period, including 3,000 in France alone.

“For brands, offering repair services enhances after-sales experience, reduces product returns, and provides valuable insights on actual garment wear, helping optimize initial design,” the report explains.

Textile recycling—excluding footwear—shows more modest growth prospects. Without additional public incentives, expansion will remain limited. The European market is projected to grow from €1.4 billion in 2024 to €1.6 billion by 2030. France’s share is expected to be near €249 million within that timeframe. Despite technical and infrastructure-related challenges, over 3,500 new jobs could be generated in this segment.

Taken together, all circular fashion sectors—including resale, repair, rental, and recycling—represent a €20 billion market in Europe in 2024. By 2030, that figure could grow to €31.3 billion, reflecting an average annual growth rate of 7.7%. France, currently valued at €5.4 billion, is projected to reach €8.2 billion by the end of the period.

The Circular Fashion Federation emphasizes that circular business models should no longer be considered niche alternatives. “They offer brands concrete tools to meet consumer expectations, enhance environmental performance, anticipate regulatory requirements, and unlock new avenues of growth,” the organization explains. However, it adds that meaningful transformation requires a coordinated effort from brands, retailers, policymakers, and consumers.