UK Resale Market Surges as Pre – Loved Knitwear and Y2K Staples Take Centre Stage

The UK resale market is heading into its strongest winter season yet as consumers increasingly swap fast fashion for pre-loved, premium and nostalgic pieces. New October-vs-September data from global resale platform Fleek (www.joinfleek.com), which connects secondhand wholesalers with sellers, reveals dramatic spikes across vintage winterwear, quiet-luxury essentials and early-2000s favourites.

Across both menswear and womenswear, Q4 demand is being driven by recognisable brands, timeless fabrics and a growing preference for durable, provenance-rich clothing, a clear shift toward more sustainable and style-led shopping.

Fleek’s womenswear wholesale order data shows a dramatic 460% surge in unbranded knitwear, marking the standout trend of the season. As the weather cools, buyers are prioritising slouchy silhouettes, neutral tones and high-quality natural fibres.

“This season’s knitwear is about effortless silhouettes and quiet textures,” says Caoimhe, Fleek’s Womenswear Lead. “We’re seeing demand for slouchy shapes, neutral palettes, and 100% wool. Provenance matters again — ‘Made in England’ or ‘Made in USA’ tags are performing best. And the Y2K revival continues to power denim and miniskirts, led by icons like Miss Me.”

Key womenswear lifts include:

• Unbranded knitwear: +460%
• Miss Me jeans: +200%
• Denim mini skirts: +133%
• Party dresses: +150%
• Lululemon leggings: +35%

The combination of comfort, nostalgia and premium craftsmanship is proving irresistible for resale shoppers seeking alternatives to fast-turnover high street ranges.

For menswear and unisex categories, outerwear and iconic heritage sweaters are driving growth. Montbell puffers saw an impressive 133% jump, while staples from The North Face, Ralph Lauren and Lacoste continue to perform strongly.

“Shops are already building out holiday rails and gift displays,” says Freddy, Fleek’s Commercial Lead. “Chunky knits, festive patterns and trusted outerwear brands like The North Face are easy wins for resellers. And Montbell’s surge proves the gorpcore movement isn’t going anywhere — practical, lightweight puffers are the sweet spot between function and fashion.”

Key menswear/unisex lifts include:

• Unbranded sweaters (incl. vintage Christmas knits): +30%
• The North Face puffers: +78%
• Montbell puffers: +133%
• Ralph Lauren sweaters: +43%
• Levi’s mixed jeans: +96%
• Columbia fleece jackets: +82%
• Lacoste sweaters: +233%

These figures highlight a continued lean toward practicality and brand reliability, garments built for both warmth and longevity.

Fleek’s latest data paints a clear picture: UK buyers are opting for secondhand pieces that deliver quality, recognisability and nostalgia. Vintage knitwear, well-known outerwear labels and Y2K-era denim are surpassing demand for new-season fast fashion, especially as holiday gifting begins.

Resellers are capitalising by prioritising:

• classic silhouettes over micro-trends
• provenance-rich vintage with “Made in USA/England” tags
• premium outdoor brands aligned with gorpcore aesthetics
• high-performing nostalgic styles such as Miss Me denim and early-2000s skirts

With sustainability an increasingly urgent concern and the circular fashion movement gaining mainstream traction, pre-loved winter staples are becoming the preferred option for both conscious shoppers and style-driven consumers.

Images top by Markus Winkler, second down by Anastasiya Badun via pexels.com