eBay released its latest trend Watchlist for the 2026 spring and summer season on Wednesday.
Curated by eBay’s resident stylist, Brie Welch, the report identifies trends and bestsellers from the platform’s vast network of over 136 million buyers and approximately 2.5 billion listings. The online secondhand retailer also enlisted celebrity stylist Harry Lambert, who offered insights based on his experience in music and red carpet styling.
Lambert stated, “Whether I’m pulling for a red carpet, styling for an album, or just down a rabbit hole late at night, I’m usually scrolling on eBay. Pre-loved pieces just make things more interesting. They take away the pressure for everything to feel perfect or overly styled. Spring and summer always stand out to me. Style feels more spontaneous, more open to mixing, reworking, and reimagining what’s already out there. They also reflect what makes pre-loved fashion so powerful: the ability to remix, rediscover, and create something entirely your own from what already exists.”
A key finding from eBay’s report is the continued dominance of legacy luxury brands in the resale market. From January to March 2026, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Burberry, Chanel, and Prada remained among the most globally purchased brands. However, a notable shift occurred compared to the October to December 2025 period: Hermès dropped from the top spot, replaced by Dior. This surge in Dior’s popularity is attributed to the appointment of Jonathan Anderson and the accompanying buzz, with eBay specifically highlighting his fresh creative energy as a driver of brand momentum.
Between January and March 2026, several brands experienced significant growth in global listings. Brioni led this expansion with 59 times more listings, followed by Rhude (43 times), Steve Madden (23 times), Birkenstock (11 times), Damson Madder (10 times), Polene (6 times), Blancpain (5 times), Tommy Hilfiger (3 times), Marine Serre (3 times), and Borsalino (3 times). The report’s authors specifically highlighted a substantial increase in listings from widely accessible and popular brands like Steve Madden and Birkenstock.
The resale market is also witnessing an unprecedented surge in value, with many brands experiencing a significant increase in average sales prices globally on eBay from January to March 2026. Rodarte recorded a remarkable 721 percent increase, while Raf Simons saw a 348 percent rise, Aupen 317 percent, Blumarine 298 percent, Andre Laug 200 percent, Timex 170 percent, Jude Shoes 145 percent, Maria Lucia Hohan 144 percent, Zenith 141 percent, and Eckhaus Latta 126 percent.
Accessories, particularly handbags and watches, remain central to the resale market. eBay noted that top handbags for the season are distinguished by strong design codes and recognizable styles, which drive their resale value. Globally, listings in the women’s bag category collectively rose by 20 percent. Bags demonstrating significant average price growth on the platform include the Gucci Padlock bag (530 percent growth), Gucci Giglio bag (428 percent growth), Saint Laurent Y tote (253 percent growth), Bottega Veneta Arco tote (177 percent growth), Chanel 25 small bag (77 percent growth), and Gucci B bag (73 percent growth).
Watches are increasingly seen as both style statements and long-term investments. In the secondhand market, Cartier’s enduring presence on eBay, alongside Patek Philippe, underscores the sustained demand for timeless, culturally relevant pieces. Notable watches experiencing global average sales growth include the Patek Philippe Nautilus (up 154 percent), Cartier Demoiselle (up 80 percent), Cartier Tank Américaine (up 43 percent), Cartier Tank Française (up 39 percent), Cartier Baignoire (up 21 percent), and Cartier Ballon Bleu.
The “Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy effect” is evident, amplified by the upcoming 2026 biopic “Love Story,” starring Sarah Pidgeon and Paul Anthony Kelly. In March alone, eBay recorded over 3,800 global searches per hour for Calvin Klein. To emulate the CBK look, users actively seek items such as the Prada Spazzolato (518 percent growth), Selima sunglasses (747 percent growth), Levi’s 517 jeans (78 percent growth), and the L.L. Bean boat and tote (40 percent growth).
Cultural moments also influenced searches; Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime show debut with his Adidas BadBo 1.0 sneakers generated over 50 percent global search increases on the day of the event. Similarly, Lady Gaga’s surprise performance, featuring her custom Luar dress, prompted search spikes exceeding 160 percent.
Looking ahead, Brie Welch outlined five key trends for the upcoming season: color interruption, slightly unsettled, weightless drama, drenched in disruption, and quiet confidence.
Color interruption involves clashing tones and retro palettes to create a distinct, spontaneous visual energy that disrupts traditional neutrals. This trend features bold patterned accessories, athletic references, and dynamic colorblocking, particularly with aqua and teal hues.
The ‘slightly unsettled’ trend embraces imperfection and unfinished aesthetics in clothing. Designer pieces are intentionally styled to appear undone or incomplete. This look combines items like quarter zips, skirt overlay pants, and asymmetric blazers with unexpected sneaker styles for an unconventional appeal.
‘Weightless drama’ emphasizes sheer layers and kinetic textures, creating dramatic flair through delicate trims and soft frill details. Silhouettes are designed to evoke movement, incorporating elements such as feathers, scarf halter tops, silk organza, capes, and lace. Layered novelty prints and metallic finishes add an expressive, bold dimension.
‘Quiet confidence’ highlights exaggerated blazers and rounded outerwear, focusing on intentionality while maintaining a lived-in feel. Handbags embodying ease, structure, and a slight slouch offer a modern interpretation of nostalgia.
Welch concluded, “Resale is no longer orbiting the fashion cycle, but embedded within it, moving at the same speed, and at times, even setting the pace. As trends continue to remix the past, eBay’s pre-loved selection remains a primary source for fashion lovers around the world.”
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