Conscious consumption is reshaping the luxury market.
Farfetch’s new report “Decoding Luxury: The 2025 Consumer Edit,” reveals how luxury consumers are increasingly prioritizing versatile pieces that justify their cost through repeat wear and timeless practicality.
Based on a consumer survey of 1,935 respondents in the U.K., the global luxury fashion online marketplace found that 89 percent of luxury shoppers prioritizes versatility when buying high-end fashion, favoring pieces that can be styled and worn in multiple ways.
Accessories offer the most versatility and practicality. Farfetch found that footwear accounts for the most owned luxury items, followed by handbags and accessories. “These categories also lend themselves to longevity, making them natural choices for consumers building smaller, more intentional collections,” the report states.
Coats were the most common apparel item with 33 percent. Jeans and tops account for 18 percent, respectively, followed by dresses, knitwear, shorts and skirts.
Less is more when it comes to luxury item ownership. Farfetch found that most luxury wardrobes are relatively small and carefully curated, with 79 percent of those surveyed owning five or fewer high-end fashion items.
“This pattern aligns with broader trends toward intentional consumption, where each item is expected to justify its place through longevity, versatility, and repeat wear,” the report states.
In comparison, 9 percent said they own more than 10 luxury products. Notably, consumers aged 25–34 are the most likely to own larger luxury wardrobe, with 20 percent owning more than 10 luxury fashion items. Farfetch attributes this to the demographic in a “phase of active wardrobe building,” whereas older consumers are more likely to consolidate their closets.
While luxury products balance between being consumers’ financial investments and emotional purchases, sustainability is increasingly weighing on their decisions. Farfetch found that 71 percent of consumer say sustainability influences their purchases. The topic is especially important to shoppers aged 18-24 and 25-34.
“This suggests that sustainability is less about abandoning luxury altogether and more about applying greater scrutiny to what is purchased and why,” the report states.
Farfetch expects these evolving consumer behaviors to continue reshaping the luxury fashion landscape into one defined by intention and purpose.
“Luxury fashion isn’t becoming less relevant; it’s becoming more deliberate,” said Doralice Belli, Farfetch head of merchandising. “Consumers are still engaging with high-end fashion, but they’re doing so with greater intention than in the past. We’re seeing a clear shift towards versatile pieces that can be worn regularly, alongside a growing focus on longevity and long-term value.”