Fashion isn’t disposable but the fast fashion industry has trained us to treat it that way. Cheaply made clothes, rapid style turnover, and constant marketing of “new arrivals” have created a linear model: buy → wear → toss. That model is not only unsustainable, it’s also outdated.
The answer? Circular commerce is a restorative approach that keeps products and materials in use for as long as possible.
A Trillion-Dollar Opportunity
Circular fashion is no longer a fringe idea. According to ThredUp’s 2023 Resale Report, the global secondhand apparel market is set to reach $350 billion by 2027 and could surpass $1 trillion by 2035 if current trends continue (ThredUp 2023 Resale Report).
In the U.S. alone, resale is growing 5x faster than the overall retail market. Consumers especially Millennials and Gen Z are embracing thrift, vintage, and pre-loved shopping, not just for price but for purpose. Over 60% of Gen Z shoppers look for secondhand options before buying new, and 2 in 3 consumers say they shop more sustainably today than they did five years ago (Statista).
Meanwhile, brands and retailers are catching up. Major players like Patagonia, Lululemon, and Madewell now run buy-back and resale programs as part of their circular fashion initiatives. Even policymakers are stepping in: bipartisan U.S. legislators recently proposed tax credits and incentives for businesses promoting resale and waste reduction in retail (WSJ article).
From Linear to Circular: A Fashion Revolution
The circular model doesn’t just reduce waste it reimagines ownership and value. Instead of being discarded, garments are:
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Reused through resale, rental, or swapping
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Repaired or altered to extend their wearability
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Recycled or upcycled into new designs or materials
This shift helps reduce the fashion industry’s enormous environmental impact. The textile sector is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions and 20% of global wastewater, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Extending the life of clothing by just nine extra months reduces its environmental impact by 20-30%, per the UK’s Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP).
The UNUMSHOP Commitment: Timeless, Not Trendy
At UNUMSHOP, we believe sustainability starts with timeless design and mindful consumption. Our curated collections are selected for their quality, longevity, and versatility pieces that can be loved for years, not just seasons.
We’re actively exploring the launch of a resale and buy-back program, giving our customers the opportunity to return gently worn items in exchange for store credit. These items will be resold, repurposed, or donated through responsible, local partnerships.
Our goal? To keep fashion in circulation, support ethical consumption, and reduce textile waste one garment at a time.
How You Can Embrace Circular Fashion
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Shop consciously: Choose items you’ll wear again and again
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Buy pre-loved: Give existing garments new life
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Repair before you replace: A small fix goes a long way
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Resell, donate, or swap: Pass on what no longer serves you
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Support brands like UNUMSHOP that are working toward a circular future
Sustainability Is Circular And So Is the Future of Fashion
Fast fashion may be fast, but circular fashion is lasting. By investing in pieces that are made to endure and building systems to keep them in use we create a fashion future that respects both people and the planet.
At UNUMSHOP, we’re proud to be part of this shift. And we’re excited to bring you along on the journey.