The vintage aesthetic is booming by and large when it comes to fashion and design in all its aspects, with consumers worldwide shifting towards anything that imbibes nostalgia and charm of the bygone eras.
Pinterest’s new Fall Trend Report points towards a major style shift that is quickly sweeping the globe – searches for thrift-related ideas are soaring, fuelled majorly by Gen Z users who are now reimagining how they shop, style and decorate not only their wardrobes, but also their surroundings.
As the leading destination for fall trends and inspiration, Pinterest empowers people to personalise their style, home and life with what is in store next, giving an insight into what lies ahead and right now, that means embracing thrifting like never before. Gen Z momentum on Pinterest continues to grow, with this generation now representing more than 50% of global monthly active users on the platform.
Interestingly, the report finds India leading the APAC region in thrift growth, with searches climbing up by 127% Y-o-Y. Key rising trends include ‘dreamy aesthetic vintage’ that is up by +580%, ‘thrift flips’ up by +486%, ‘dream thrift finds’ up by +550% and ‘vintage fall aesthetic’ that has soared up by +1074% – all strongly driven by the Gen Z cohort.
The thrifting habits are not only limited to the wardrobe but extend beyond it with searches for ‘thrifted kitchen’ also witnessing a climb of 1012% and ‘thrifted décor’ up by 283%, showing that vintage style is making its way into every corner of the home.
This trend is not limited to women, but extends to include Gen Z men who are also stepping up their vintage game. Searches for ‘men thrift outfits’ have grown by 31% globally, and interest in ‘vintage watch for men’ has witnessed a jump of 65%, proving that the appeal of unique finds resonates across styles and genders.
In this scenario, the thrift revival presents a strategic creative and commercial opportunity for fashion retailers as well as home-focused brands in the months to come. Brands and designers can ride this wave and make the most of it by offering vintage-inspired collections, initiating a conversation around upcycling ideas or launching resale and donation programs that help consumers give pre-loved items a second life, thereby doing their bit in giving back to the planet – an emotion that scores high amongst this set of customer base
A Global Phenomenon
This global momentum is reflected across APAC, where thrift-related searches continue to climb in key markets. India witnessed searches that went up by a meteoric 127% year-over-year, while Japan saw a 55% increase. Korea recorded 31% growth and searches in Singapore climbed up by 33%, underscoring the region’s growing appetite for unique, second-hand finds.
These four markets, combined, saw a significant year-over-year rise in thrift searches such as ‘thrift flips’ up by 486% and ‘thrift finds’ up by 93%. Vintage-related terms and phrases also saw a consolidated increase through searches such as ‘dreamy aesthetic vintage’ which went up by 580%, ‘vintage style outfits’ which went up by 109% and ‘retro vintage outfits’ which were up by 100%.
“What we’re seeing in APAC is more than just a fashion trend, it’s a mindset shift,” Ayumi Nakajima, Senior Director, Content Partnerships, APAC for Pinterest said. She further added, “Gen Z are embracing thrifting not only for its style potential but for its creativity, sustainability and individuality. On Pinterest, they can visually explore endless ideas, curate boards with their favourite finds and turn inspiration into action through product Pins.”
“Pinterest delivers personalised inspiration that’s perfect for thrifting. Across APAC, Gen Z are turning to the platform to find, plan and shop for the best in vintage and second-hand, uncovering fresh ways to express their individuality in a sea of sameness,” she added. By analysing billions of data points and by utilising their visual search technology, Pinterest can spot emerging trends even before they go mainstream, enabling brands to stay ahead of Gen Z’s (or any consumer cohort for that matter) evolving tastes. It is amongst the top platforms to discover one-of-a-kind finds and unique inspiration from around the world.
The Trends
Fall Fashion is looking towards incorporating statement layers and vintage twists, bringing new life to thrifted pieces. Preppy looks continue their reign with a bold comeback, with elements such as classic navy stripes to Gen Z’s fresh take on southern prep gaining momentum. Neutral ‘caffeine-inspired’ shades are the next big thing following in the footsteps of the latte dressing trend that took over last season. Accessories get their moment too, as Gen Z men elevate every fit with vintage watches and classic timepieces.
Gen Z users are curating unique spaces and personalising their styles with pre-loved treasures, proving that sustainability and creativity go hand-in-hand. From 2000s preppy style to Art Deco decor, the Pinterest’s 2025 Fall report shows that this new wave of style is less about following the crowd and more about finding one-of-a-kind pieces that tell personal stories all the while keeping planet and budget in mind.
Nighties as Dresses Channel The Babydoll Aesthetic
Breaking free from their boudoir influences, lacey dresses inspired from nighties emerge as the new outerwear option serving as perfect transitional day-to-dinner pieces. Designers and brands can tap into this trend by reimagining slip-inspired silhouettes in luxe satins, adding lace trims, delicate straps, sheer accents or babydoll hemlines that nod to the 1960s babydoll aesthetic while keeping the pieces versatile for layering.
| Gen Z are embracing thrifting not only for its style potential but for its creativity, sustainability and individuality. On Pinterest, they can visually explore endless ideas, curate boards with their favourite finds and turn inspiration into action through product Pins.
Ayumi Nakajima, Senior Director, Content Partnerships, APAC |
Patchwork Clothes
Patchwork injects the maximalist vibe into everything from jeans to jackets and tees to sweatshirts, rendering homespun charm into a DIY revival. Brands can unlock this trend by combining contrasting textiles, repurposed fabrics or visible stitching together, offering upcycled-inspired pieces that highlight craftsmanship and give every garment a one-of-a-kind statement feel that dances on the border of self-expression and nostalgia.
Classic Preppy Outfits
Navy stripes, cotton rugby shirts and a sweater tossed effortlessly over the shoulders bring back 2000s college-chic with a modern twist. Designers and brands can incorporate this trend by introducing preppy codes into sharp yet relaxed silhouettes, updating rugby polos in lightweight yet warm fabrics and blending collegiate details with contemporary fits.
Caffeine-Inspired Outfits
Coffee culture spills its beans into fashion with espresso-toned co-ords, latte-layered knits and cappuccino-hued trousers that mirror barista orders gaining momentum. Neutral ‘caffeine-inspired’ shades emerge as a defining colour trend for the season, following in the footsteps of its predecessor ‘latte dressing’ trend that took over last season. Brands can tap into this trend by introducing a rich brown colour story that spans across shades like mocha to matcha, offering mix-and-match separates, tonal layering pieces and accent accessories.
Polka Dot Aesthetic
Spotted across scarves, blouses and dresses, classic polka dots remain timeless yet trend-forward for Fall 2025. Designers and brands can ace this trend by experimenting with scale, from oversized spots to micro-dot prints and by reworking the motif across accessories and layering pieces for a playful yet polished update.
