Filipinos embrace secondhand fashion for savings, sustainability

The shift to secondhand clothing has reduced carbon emissions by 2,544 tonnes.

Pre-loved shopping has become a key lifestyle choice in the Philippines, driven by a growing desire for affordability and environmental responsibility, according to Carousell's “Year-in-Secondhand” insights.

Women’s fashion emerged as the top secondhand category on Carousell across Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, with the Philippines accounting for over 30% of regional transactions.

Thrifted fast-fashion brands are popular amongst Filipinos, reducing carbon emissions by 2,544 tonnes—equivalent to washing 552,048 loads of laundry.

Moreover, Filipino sellers earned an average of ₱39,000 from secondhand sales this year, positioning the Philippines among the top three markets in regional earnings. This highlights Carousell’s role in providing Filipinos with an avenue to declutter and earn extra income while also benefitting the planet.

Popular searches on Carousell include “dress,” “Zara,” “Uniqlo,” and “bag,” reflecting a strong interest in stylish yet affordable fashion alternatives. There is also a growing demand for affordable luxury items, with brands like “Coach” and “Kate Spade” leading the way, showing that Filipinos are increasingly seeking to own high-end goods without the hefty price tag.

Clothing is also the most frequently given-away item, fostering a sense of generosity within the Carousell community. Notably, shopping activity in categories like women’s fashion, men’s fashion, and hobbies & toys remains consistent throughout the day.

There is also a surge in interest amongst Gen Z users for 2000s digital cameras, with searches for “digital camera” outpacing “iPhone” in 2024, reflecting a revival of the Y2K aesthetic.

Filipino users are most active on Carousell from 9 to 11 p.m., engaging in browsing, chatting, and transacting after office hours. Sellers, on the other hand, tend to be most active around 2 p.m., using the afternoon to refresh their wardrobes and homes.

The report also revealed a growing interest in collectibles, with fans of Sonny Angel and Labubu turning to Carousell to find rare items, with both names trending in the top searches.

“Seeing the Filipino community embrace pre-loved options as part of the circular economy is inspiring—they’re making impactful choices that are good for both their wallets and the planet," said Shine Resurreccion, business director and market representative at Carousell Philippines.

"By choosing secondhand, our Filipino community has reduced environmental impact equivalent to 8,067 years of watching Netflix non-stop," she said.