Vinted’s growth in the UK
- Recent market data shows that Vinted’s platform now has around 17 million users in the UK — more than almost every traditional fashion brand in the country. This reflects a rapid shift toward used, sustainable fashion in consumer behaviour. (LS:N Global)
- Vinted’s rise in popularity has helped it become one of the largest fashion retailers in the UK market, ranking behind Primark and Next, despite being a resale platform rather than a traditional retailer. (LS:N Global)
- These figures represent a substantial increase: previous reports noted around 16 million UK users, so current data points to continued growth. (The Times) Why demand for second-hand fashion is booming
Several factors are driving the surge in interest in Vinted and similar services:
- Cost-of-living pressures
Many shoppers turn to second-hand fashion to save money as prices for new items rise. Second-hand marketplaces give people a way to shop stylishly while sticking to a budget. (Insider Media Ltd) - Environmental and sustainability trends
Resale aligns with growing awareness about climate impact and reducing waste — buying pre-loved clothes means extending the life of garments and cutting down on fashion waste. (Shout Out UK) - Cultural shifts among younger shoppers
For Gen Z and Millennials especially, thrifting and second-hand shopping have become cool and socially acceptable rather than something to hide, partly because they can find unique styles and brands. (Shout Out UK) - Market momentum
The wider second-hand apparel market is booming globally and making serious inroads into traditional fashion sales — with estimates that it could reach significant portions of overall fashion spending. (Shout Out UK)
Vinted’s broader performance and strategy
- Vinted’s revenue and profitability have grown strongly: it reported significant increases in revenue and profits in recent financial results, reflecting not just more users but more transactions and wider market appeal. (The Times)
- The company has also expanded its services (e.g., logistics via Vinted Go and in-app payment features) and begun exploring broader markets — including plans to grow in the U.S. and beyond. (Lietuvos Radijas ir Televizija)
- A potential corporate share sale could value the business at around €8 billion, underlining investor confidence in its long-term growth. (FashionUnited)
What this means for the fashion industry
Vinted’s growth to 17+ million UK users highlights a larger shift in how people shop: second-hand is no longer niche — it’s mainstream. Consumers today care about price, sustainability, and individuality, and digital marketplaces have made it easier to buy and sell preloved fashion than ever before. (Insider Media Ltd)
Here’s a case-study and comment-rich breakdown of how Vinted has grown its user base to around 17 million in the UK amid the booming second-hand fashion market — including real examples, trends, industry analysis, and community feedback:
Case Study 1: Vinted overtakes traditional fashion reach in the UK
What happened:
Recent market data shows that Vinted now has approximately 17 million customers in the UK — making it one of the biggest platforms for fashion engagement in the country, behind only major high-street brands like Primark and Next in terms of customer volume. (retail-week.com)
Why it matters:
This isn’t just “lots of users” — compared to traditional retailers, a peer-to-peer resale app now reaches as many people as global brands. It signals that second-hand isn’t niche any more — it’s mainstream retail behaviour. (InternetRetailing)
Industry viewpoint:
Analysts see Vinted’s growth as a symbol of circular fashion’s rise in Europe — where reuse and resale become core consumer choices rather than fringe alternatives to new clothes. (InternetRetailing)
Case Study 2: Strategic expansion supports sustained growth
Expansion moves:
To build on its European popularity, Vinted has been expanding operations — notably in the U.S. market, starting with New York — and continues to broaden its footprint beyond the UK and Europe. (FashionUnited)
What this means in practice:
- Users are no longer limited to their local market — some can buy and sell internationally.
- This growth strategy not only brings in more buyers and sellers but also boosts brand familiarity, helping the UK user base grow even faster. (FashionUnited)
Community & User Comments — What People Say (Positive and Negative)
Positive real-world user experiences
Savings & value:
A frequent user on Reddit says that many people enjoy big savings and discovering unique items on Vinted, especially compared to fast fashion prices. The trend toward second-hand has also helped reduce stigma around used clothes — shoppers now view preloved finds as smart style choices rather than last resort options. (Reddit)
Wardrobe variety:
Some users share that second-hand clothes have become a regular part of their wardrobe, with many saying they prefer thrift finds that reflect their individuality rather than mass-produced fast fashion. (Reddit)
Negative experiences and challenges
Scams and fraud concerns:
Multiple users report experiences that highlight fraud risks: fake tracking numbers, scam listings, and impersonation of brands. One Reddit user described avoiding listings that used “custom shipping” methods because they ended up being fraudulent. (Reddit)
Algorithm and quality issues:
Others complain that as Vinted’s user base has grown, item discovery and search relevance have worsened, making it harder for genuine sellers to reach buyers. Some feel the platform now resembles large marketplaces like eBay, but with poorer protection against misleading listings. (Reddit)
Reseller dynamics:
There’s frustration from some sellers who feel resellers inflate prices — buying items and relisting them much higher, which can dilute the original idea of affordable second-hand shopping. (Reddit)
Customer support complaints:
Users have described instances where support was unhelpful or automated, especially when dealing with disputed returns or issues that arose after a sale. (Reddit)
Expert Industry Comments
Market forces:
Observers point out that second-hand fashion’s growth is partly economic — driven by cost pressures — and partly cultural — driven by sustainability and individuality. Vinted’s tools and ease of use have helped normalise buying used clothes among younger shoppers. (LinkedIn)
Changing retail landscape:
Some analysts say the rise of platforms like Vinted (alongside others like Depop and eBay’s resale initiatives) shows a structural shift in fashion retail — with resale and circular models increasingly important alongside traditional new-item sellers. (businessgreen.com)
What This All Means
For buyers
Wider choice and big price savings
Chance to find rare or unique pieces
Must be vigilant about scams and misleading listings
For sellers
Earn money that might otherwise be stuck in your wardrobe
Low barriers to entry (no fees for selling basic items)
Competition from resellers and price squeeze pressures
For the fashion industry
Vinted’s growth reflects a major consumer shift — from fast fashion dominance to circular, sustainable fashion behaviours. It’s now part of how both consumers and brands think about clothes, resale, and the lifecycle of garments. (InternetRetailing)