New research from eBay has revealed a significant shift in Australian shopping habits, with a marked decrease in fast fashion purchases and a rise in the popularity of pre-loved fashion. Over the past three years, 21% of Australians have reportedly reduced their fast fashion purchases, with 10% reporting a significant decrease.

The report found that 31% of Australians are now buying pre-loved fashion in an effort to avoid contributing to the fast fashion industry. This shift in consumer behaviour has seen the average yearly returns for pre-loved fashion sellers increase by 25% between 2022 and 2023. Australians are now making $1,231 versus $1,538 respectively.

The research also found that 70% of Australians now own a pre-loved fashion item, and 90% intend to buy the same amount or more pre-loved fashion in the future.

In response to these trends, eBay has created the Pre-Loved Fashion Covet List, a style guide predicting the biggest fashion trends of 2024. The Covet List includes four key trends for 2024: Elliot Garnaut's 'Elevated Outdoor', Maggie Zhou's 'Patterns Galore', Jessica Pecoraro's 'Classic Dressing', and Jessica Alizzi's 'Cuffed Denim'.

eBay has also partnered with designer ANNA QUAN to include pre-loved styles in the Resort 2025 show, marking the first time pre-loved fashion has been featured on a major runway as part of a new collection.