A new report from Garson and Shaw highlights the environmental and economic benefits of the US second-hand clothes industry. It emphasizes that reusing unwanted clothing is the most effective way to reduce the environmental impact of textiles. The industry is projected to save around 20 trillion gallons of water in the next decade by offering an alternative to producing new clothes.
The second-hand clothing market in the US has significant growth potential, with the average American adult owning 6.2 unworn items of clothing. The industry generated $25.6 billion in retail sales in 2023, with projections of reaching $75.5 billion by 2033. Additionally, the sector created $2.5 billion in tax revenues in 2023 and supports around 342,000 jobs, with opportunities for further expansion in the future.
The report highlights the disparity in overconsumption between younger Americans and older generations, with Gen Z discarding wearable clothing at a much higher rate. This behavior leads to a significant amount of textile waste, with 11 million tons ending up in US landfills annually. Additionally, around 5.5 million tons of reusable clothing is thrown away each year, amounting to 10.4 billion pieces of clothing or 4,000 truckloads weekly.
The American public overwhelmingly supports political backing for the second-hand clothes sector and increased efforts to combat the negative impacts of fast fashion. Key findings include that 68% believe government and political leaders should support the second-hand clothing sector, 63% see investing in the second-hand clothes market as essential for a sustainable future, and 62% believe there should be more education about the harms of fast fashion.
Additionally, 59% view the second-hand clothing market as crucial for the US economy, and 53% agree on the need for more government investment to support industry growth. Furthermore, 80% want wearable but unwanted clothes to be reused or sent abroad for a second life, with only 15% supporting landfill disposal.
