Colombia: The second-hand fashion market in Colombia’s Caribbean is rising, driven by economic growth and environmental benefits. Key cities like Barranquilla and Cartagena contribute to significant sales and resource conservation, with millennials and women leading the consumer trend towards sustainable fashion.

The second-hand fashion market in Colombia is experiencing significant growth, particularly in the coastal region of the Caribbean. According to recent data from GoTrendier, the leading platform for buying and selling second-hand items in Latin America, the Caribbean region contributes 13% of the country’s consumption of second-hand clothing, placing it third behind Cundinamarca at 57% and Antioquia at 18%.

Ana Jiménez, Country Manager of GoTrendier, highlighted the dual benefits of this trend, noting that the reuse of garments not only mitigates environmental pollution but also offers a source of income from clothing that might otherwise remain unused in closets.

Key cities driving this second-hand fashion trend include Barranquilla and Cartagena, which represent 3% and 2% of national consumption, respectively. The popularity of second-hand clothing in these cities has resulted in considerable financial gains, with Barranquilla sellers achieving over $1.045 million in sales in 2024, while those in Cartagena reached $652 million.

In addition to the economic implications, the environmental benefits of this market are significant. The efforts made in the past year in reusing clothing have led to the conservation of approximately 463,420,000 litres of water. Furthermore, the initiative has helped to prevent the emission of 6.4 million kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO?) and has avoided generating 429,100 kilograms of textile waste, showcasing a concrete impact on the environment.

Demographically, the millennials make up the predominant buyers in the sustainable fashion sector, accounting for 33% of the market, while Generation Z follows closely at 28%. Women represent a remarkable 79% of purchases, establishing them as the leading demographic in this consumer shift, compared to men at 13% and children at 9%. Jiménez noted that, “Women are the main consumers of sustainable fashion in the region, accounting for 79% of purchases.”

Looking to the future, the second-hand market in the Caribbean is expected to continue its upward trajectory, reinforcing its vital role in promoting sustainability and the circular economy within the region. Overall, the momentum behind second-hand fashion in Colombia’s Caribbean suggests a robust potential for economic growth and environmental protection, reflecting broader global trends in consumer behaviour.

Source: Noah Wire Services