Patagonia Worn Wear Program

Patagonia runs a program called Worn Wear where you can trade in used gear and buy refurbished pieces at a discount. The model makes financial sense even if you don't care about sustainability. A used Better Sweater that retails for $140 new sells for $60-80 on Worn Wear, and the condition is usually good because Patagonia products are built to last multiple owners. Knowing your jacket has resale value changes how you treat it. You handle it differently than something disposable. However, the trade-in credit is modest, usually $15-40 in store credit, so the incentive is more symbolic than economic. The broader point is that Patagonia built a secondary market for its own products. Most brands want you buying new. That willingness to compete with themselves signals a genuine commitment rather than a marketing position.