Poland a Key Player in Booming Used Clothing Trade

Fueled by rising ecological awareness and a shift away from fast fashion, the second-hand clothing market is experiencing rapid growth, with Poland playing a surprisingly significant role on the world stage.

Poland’s Prominent Position

The global trade in used clothing is worth approximately $4.3 billion annually, with Polish companies holding a notable share. Poland’s domestic used clothing market is valued between PLN 5-6 billion each year. In 2023, the country ranked ninth worldwide for clothing imports, capturing 2.7 percent of the market.

Strategic Role in Global Clothing Value Chain

Poland serves as both a substantial importer and exporter of used clothing. The dynamics observed in the used clothing sector move beyond simple consumption, as “we buy to wear,” suggesting that Poland holds a strategic position in the international clothing value chain, especially in the realm of used garments.

Thrifting on the Rise

More and more Poles are embracing second-hand clothing stores. Data indicates that nearly a third of the population, exceeding 10 million individuals, shops for used clothes. A 2022 study revealed that 69 percent of Poles have made purchases at second-hand shops.

Interestingly, roughly 40 percent of Polish respondents admitted that half of their wardrobes consist of second-hand items, putting Poland among the leading European countries in this regard, alongside Germany, France, and Great Britain.

Beyond Price: Motivations Evolving

Consumer motivations for buying used clothing have changed. In the past, lower prices were the main draw, but today, consumers prioritize quality, material composition (favoring natural fibers like cotton, wool, and cashmere), well-made and branded clothing, and unique vintage styles. Environmental concerns are also a factor, with almost 30 percent of Polish respondents citing it as a reason for buying used clothing.

For example, purchasing one pair of used jeans saves roughly 11,000 liters of water and reduces the carbon footprint linked to production and transport. In fact, extending the life of clothing by just nine months could reduce its environmental impact by 20-30% (WRAP, 2012).

Key Industry Players

Poland’s used clothing industry is comprised of over 100,000 people and approximately 14,000 shops. Key importers and wholesalers play a vital role in shaping the market:

• Angora export-import: A leader in used clothing and outlet sales, considered Poland’s largest warehouse.
• TEXLAND: A major direct importer of used clothing sourced from England, Ireland, Scotland, and France.
• Pamarhurt: A direct importer of used clothing for more than a decade, specializing in wholesale of premium and cream sorted clothing, mainly from England.
• American: Specializes in direct imports of US clothing since 2005, supplying small and large stores, chains, and wholesalers throughout Poland.
• Vivetextilerecycling: Deals with textile recycling and wholesale/retail sales of sorted and unsorted used clothing, imported from Western Europe.
• Ecotex Group: Acquires clothing from Germany, England, and Scotland, operating primarily in Germany (Ecotex Germany, Helppack) and Poland (Ecotex Poland, Polstoff).

Industry Challenges

There’s a lack of precise official data for the entire second-hand industry. The costs of launching a professional used clothing warehouse are estimated at around PLN 100,000 (excluding real estate purchase), with approximately PLN 70,000 allocated to purchasing goods for resale.

Consolidation on the Horizon?

While the Polish used clothing market experiences dynamic consumer growth, the supply side may be undergoing consolidation and professionalization. This could lead to fewer small-scale businesses, as larger, specialized wholesalers and importers with established logistics and supply chains gain dominance.