Interest in thrift increases in Singapore

Thanks to Gen Z, who are getting into vintage style.

There is a growing interest in thrift-related ideas across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, with Singapore experiencing a 33% increase in the revival of vintage shopping and style.

According to Pinterest’s latest Trend Report, this trend in the city-state and the overall region reflects the “growing appetite for unique, secondhand finds.”

In other parts of of APAC, searches in India are up 127% year-over-year, whilst Japan has seen a 55% increase, and Korea a 31% growth.

“These four markets combined saw a significant year-over-year rise in thrift searches such as “thrift flips” (486%) and “thrift finds” (93%). Vintage-related terms also saw a consolidated increase through searches such as “dreamy aesthetic vintage” (580%), “vintage style outfits” (109%) and “retro vintage outfits” (100%),” Pinterest said.

This trend is being fuelled by Gen Z as their search for “dream thrift finds” on the platform jumped by 550%, whilst “vintage fall aesthetic” is up 1,074%. Aside from fashion, they are also looking into “thrifted kitchen,” which climbed 1,012% and “thrifted decor,” which is up 283%.

“What we’re seeing in APAC is more than just a fashion trend, it’s a mindset shift,” said Ayumi Nakajima, senior director, content partnerships, APAC for Pinterest. “Gen Z are embracing thrifting not only for its style potential but for its creativity, sustainability, and individuality.”

The analysis noted that thrift revival presents a strategic, creative and commercial opportunity for fashion retailers in the months to come. Brands can ride this wave by offering vintage-inspired collections, sparking upcycling ideas, or launching resale and donation programs that help consumers give pre-loved items a second life, it added.