The sustainability and sustainable consumption trend became crucial for businesses when governments started actively setting goals to reduce pollution and implement green initiatives.

Unfortunately, due to recent crises and geopolitical conflicts, sustainability has dropped to the fourth place on the list of business priorities, now behind customer acquisition, profitability, and AI adoption.

Sustainable development remains relevant only in the long run, while businesses today are focusing on immediate survival and growth. This shift will inevitably set back the global progress of sustainable initiatives in the fashion industry, which is the second-largest polluter in the world.

However, many people forget that even at the consumer level, we can already make a difference by making more conscious purchasing decisions. One of the easiest ways to do this is by shopping for pre-loved items. Below are five reasons why you can start buying pre-loved items and contributing to sustainability right now.

First Reason

Buying pre-loved items is the first step toward sustainable consumption. 53% of eBay shoppers said fast fashion is environmentally harmful and contributes to unfair labor practices, 64% surveyed feel re-commerce improves the planet’s health.

Unlike new items, secondhand pieces don’t hold the same psychological exclusivity, making them easier to resell when no longer needed. This explains why resale sustains itself: we buy pre-loved items based on our current needs and then sell them when we lose interest, continuing the cycle.

This approach allows us to maintain a flexible and actual wardrobe while giving new life to items that no longer reflect us and our style.

At WEE, we’ve chosen to focus on fashion categories, recognizing their significant potential. Our category breakdown is as follows: Women’s skirts&dresses (53%), Accessories (14%), Women’s jeans, trousers, shorts (14%), Women’s outerwear (12%), Others (7%).

Second Reason

Choosing pre-owned items over new purchases helps reduce overproduction. Even if it seems like an individual decision has little impact, it’s important to remember that in 2023, the secondhand apparel market was valued at $197 billion (ThredUp and GlobalData analysts estimate the secondhand goods market could reach $350 billion globally and $70 billion in the U.S. by 2027). This means billions worth of fashion items were resold instead of being newly manufactured.

In the U.S. each year, some 11.3 million tons of textile waste, or 85% of all textiles, are sent to landfills, according to Earth.org. ThredUp also ventured that if retailers produce one fewer item for every used item someone buys, it could curb apparel production by nearly 8% by 2027.

Third Reason

Research on the resale market highlights treasure hunting as a key motivator for consumers. Many people describe their experiences at vintage markets or resale platforms as a hunt for hidden gems — which aren’t necessarily expensive items but often have unique histories. These finds offer a sense of exclusivity and remind us that fashion has a rich past waiting to be rediscovered

At WEE, customers visit the platform in search of unique pieces that hold both aesthetic and investment value. Some standout finds include:

HERMÈS Crocodile Jige Clutch (Rare Cocoan Color)

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• This ultra-rare Cocoan-colored crocodile clutch is a collector’s dream.
• Originally designed in 1975 as a wedding gift by Jean Guerrand (son-in-law of Émile Hermès), the Jige clutch remains a symbol of understated luxury.
• Exotic leather versions, especially in limited shades like Cocoan, are highly sought after in the resale market.

COACH Pillow Tabby Shoulder Bag (Pale Pistachio)

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• COACH has surged in popularity, ranking as the 5th Hottest Brand in The Lyst Index for Q4 2024.
• The Pillow Tabby is one of the key pieces driving this resurgence, particularly among Gen-Z consumers.
• Thanks to its increasing demand, this model has become an excellent investment piece in the resale market, with its value expected to rise as the brand continues to grow.

MIU MIU Gold Tie Necklace

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• Miu Miu is currently experiencing a major resurgence, with demand for its archival pieces skyrocketing.
• Vintage and pre-revival accessories like this gold tie necklace are particularly appealing, as they represent the brand’s rich history before its recent mainstream success.
• Items from previous seasons often become even more desirable as new fans explore the brand’s archives.

Forth Reason

On a more practical level, the two main reasons to buy pre-owned items are price and quality. In the luxury segment, finding the balance between the two has become increasingly difficult. Luxury prices are rising while quality is declining, as brands prioritize margins and cost-cutting, often at the expense of production quality. Many consumers report that brand-new luxury items are not as well-made as they once were, yet their prices continue to increase each year.

To buy the entire assortment of WEE’s offerings new, you would need to spend approximately $250,000. However, on the pre-owned market, the same items are available for around $160,000, offering customers the opportunity to purchase luxury goods at more attractive prices.

For example, a Dior Tote Bag at WEE costs $2,300, while similar bags on the official Dior website start at $4,700. Dolce & Gabbana Black logo-buckle belt 65 CM at WEE costs 222$. The same new belts on the official website cost — 425$.

Fifth Reason

The resale industry is set for continued growth — experts agree on this. But what truly convinces me of its future potential is the role of emerging markets.

For example, China and the Middle East are just beginning to explore pre-owned fashion. Given their massive luxury consumption, they are likely to make a significant impact on the resale market in the near future. As demand increases, so will prices, making early investment in pre-owned pieces a strategic move.

Why am I so sure? Because Japan followed a similar pattern. Before its “lost decade,” Japan had an enormous demand for luxury goods. Later, it became one of the most attractive markets for vintage fashion. If history is any indication, China and the Middle East may soon follow the same trajectory. If history repeats itself, China and the Middle East will drive the next wave of growth in the pre-owned sector.

This shift means now is the time to act:

✔ Prices are still relatively low — as demand rises, resale values will follow.

✔ More rare pieces are available — before these markets fully mature and competition intensifies.

✔ Sustainability is becoming mainstream — owning pre-loved fashion aligns with a growing global movement toward responsible consumption.

The circular economy is expanding fast, and those who get involved today — whether as buyers, sellers, or investors — will be ahead of the curve. Don’t wait until pre-owned becomes the new norm — start now and experience the best of what resale has to offer.

Ira Batukaeva, resale industry expert and consumer behavior researcher. This article was prepared in collaboration with WEE.ae.