The RealReal’s 2025 Resale Report arrives at a time of economic uncertainty, where pressures like inflation and rising luxury price tags are driving shoppers to rethink their approach to fashion. Today’s consumers aren’t just searching for style, they’re looking for smart, strategic investments that offer lasting value and flexibility.
The resale market has rapidly evolved from a creative alternative to a powerful financial tool, with nearly one-third of all U.S. apparel purchases now secondhand and 47% of buyers weighing resale potential before committing to high-dollar items, according to The RealReal Report.
Deep dive into TheRealReal 2025 Report
Let’s uncover the top insights with retail expert Jeanel Alvarado’s analysis of The RealReal’s 2025 Resale Report, which delivers essential business insights for retail professionals.
Here’s the Top Luxury Insights from The RealReal
1. Customers now see secondhand as a strategic investment
• The secondary market has become a common starting point for many shoppers, with 1/3 of clothing and apparel purchases over the past year being secondhand.
• 58% of consumers prefer shopping secondhand, driven by both sustainability concerns and the hunt for unique vintage fashion statements.
• Consumers prioritize investment value: nearly half now assess how well an item will retain value before purchasing, especially as luxury price tags continue to soar.
2. Iconic Brands and Double-Digit Growth
• Searches and resale sales for luxury brands like Louis Vuitton (Speedy bags up 110%), Coach (searches up 160%), Tiffany & Co. (accessory value up 280%), and The Row (up 50%+) are surging.
• Coach’s comeback solidifies its status as “affordable luxury,” with robust secondhand demand affirming the enduring appeal of previous collections.
• Rolex, Hermès, and Van Cleef & Arpels remain star luxury investment pieces, posting double-digit year-over-year increases in resale value, making them reliable “investment assets”.
3. Handbag, Charm, and Accessory Trends
• Demand for handbags and bag charms is driving new sales momentum—signature styles with identifiable locks, buckles, or playful charms headline growth.
• Fendi Baguette, Birkin, Balenciaga City Bag, Chloe, and other “it” bags have seen major jumps, often fueled by nostalgia and Y2K trend revivals.
• Bag charms, accessories, and brooches (340% spike) are hotter than ever, suggesting retail buyers should embrace the growing appetite for personalization and statement-piece additions.
4. Vintage Searches and Designer Disruption
• The market saw a dramatic spike in vintage searches, inspired by nostalgia and celebrity fashion moments, such as the Kendrick Lamar Super Bowl appearance (963% surge for Celine Flair jeans).
• American brands and emerging designers like Diotima showcase triple-digit sales growth, upending the dominance of heritage houses and expanding opportunities for newer labels.
• Jewelry leads in resale momentum: 18k gold up 53%, yellow gold resale maintains nearly half its original retail price, and cocktail rings, bangles, and chain necklaces are back in style.
Jeanel’s deep dive makes clear: secondhand and resale are rewriting the rules of luxury, investment, and fashion discovery for the US market in 2025.
