Vestiaire Collective Elevates Menswear to New Frontier in Luxury Resale

While discussions around luxury fashion resale often center on womenswear, the significant, untapped potential within the menswear segment is increasingly gaining recognition. This evolving landscape has prompted one of the global leaders in resale, France’s Vestiaire Collective, to formally launch menswear as a dedicated new category, coinciding with the release of its inaugural report on men’s circular fashion. This strategic move is integral to the business’s broader development, aiming to elevate menswear from its long-standing presence on the site to a starring role, reflecting its growing importance.

The decision to prioritize menswear comes as the category has experienced remarkable growth on the platform, with its assortment expanding by an impressive 88% over the past three years, making it one of Vestiaire Collective’s fastest-growing segments. Since its inception in 2009, Vestiaire Collective has established itself as a major player in luxury fashion resale, though traditionally with a strong lean towards womenswear. However, the company now identifies menswear as “a new frontier in resale,” attracting a rapidly expanding and notably younger demographic. Data reveals that 59% of its male customers are Millennials or Gen Z, a higher percentage compared to 50% for women, indicating a crucial demographic shift that positions men as key drivers of the next wave of circular fashion.

Vestiaire Collective’s comprehensive report offers a deep dive into the “fast-evolving dynamics of men’s luxury resale.” It meticulously uncovers the shopping and selling habits of men in the pre-owned fashion market, highlighting the brands and cult pieces they prioritize, and mapping out global menswear style trends. A striking revelation from the report is that a significant 70% of men consider resale potential when purchasing luxury fashion, underscoring a forward-thinking approach to their wardrobes.

The report further elaborates on the multifaceted reasons why men opt for the resale route. Value and affordability emerge as the primary motivations, with 74% of men citing “good deals and affordability as their top motivation.” Beyond mere savings, men are also actively seeking exclusivity. The platform notes an increasing demand for “rare, unique, and limited-edition pieces,” ranging from distinctive items like Balenciaga’s AW2021 ‘Armor’ gloves to high-value watches such as a new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance in yellow gold, all available through the platform.

Sustainability also plays a role in men’s purchasing decisions, though it ranks lower than value, with 39% of men citing environmental benefits as a key driver. However, the growing trend of buying with resale in mind significantly contributes to circularity; the aforementioned 70% of men also report that “they care for their items knowing they might resell them, turning their wardrobe into a dynamic, circular asset.” In terms of what men are actively seeking secondhand, Louis Vuitton bags and Rolex watches are among the most viewed items. Meanwhile, brands like Ami (+300%), Zegna (+260%), and Jean Paul Gaultier (up 200% year on year) are experiencing a rapid surge in popularity. The top categories sold on the platform come as no surprise, encompassing jackets, sneakers, and sweaters—items recognized as “the pillars of the modern male wardrobe.”

Maximilian Bittner, CEO of Vestiaire Collective, commented on this pivotal development: “Menswear has become one of our fastest-growing segments, reflecting a fundamental shift: men are now intentional luxury resale participants who value exclusivity, accessibility to luxury at better price points, and investment potential. This launch reinforces our multi-category strategy and positions us to capture this significant market opportunity.”