TWICE BUT NICE | A group of determined and fashion-conscious entrepreneurs is facilitating the rise of thrift shopping in Bangladesh.

Thrifting is one of the most sustainable ways to consume fashion as it keeps clothing in the cycle of consumption much longer than fast fashion. This alternative shopping option reduces the cost of producing new clothing. Thrifting has become a popular fashion trend amongst the youths who are more concerned about their life choices. Along with thrift shops, second-hand vintage clothing has become very accessible today.

Why should you thrift?
  1. It Reduces Water Waste
    Water is used in almost every stage of clothing production. Thrifting reduces water footprints and harmful chemical discharges.
  2. Thrifting is a Cheap alternative
    Thrifting is cheaper and affordable for people from the poor and middle class who cannot afford fast brands.
  3. It creates Thoughtful Consumption
    People who thrift are more thoughtful about their consumption. They are more aware of fashion wastage and its harmful impact on the environment. Thrifting helps to give back to the community

By opting for thrifting you are giving back to society. Most of the thrifts and second-hand stores run the charity with the profit earned from their sales. Thus the meteoric rise of thrift shopping and collaborative clothing consumption approach is growing popular amongst people who are interested in sustainable consumerism, who care about the environment, and are willing to make changes to help make the world a better place.

Studies have shown that the primary motivation for renting clothes is to reduce overconsumption. Collaborative consumption focuses on staying up to trend through fashionable renting rather than adding more volume to one’s wardrobe. It enables more people to share a variety of choices and maintain a net lower consumption rate at the same time. The proliferation of the fast fashion industry around the world has largely contributed to the existential climate threats that we are facing today. Buying and owning have become a marker of aspiration and status mobility for some time now. However, the new generation is responding to this threat.

Greater economic instability and rising expenses are also some of the factors that have caused these changes in the shopping habits amongst many Bangladeshi urban zoomers. The rising prices of rent, education, and other commodities are skyrocketing. This instability has been fueled by the ongoing pandemic which is why many young adults are struggling to find a foothold and looking for more sustainable ways to live.

Moreover, young adults are experimental and creative in their fashion choices. The idea of thrifting provides a chance for more unique self-expression. They are more focused on usage rather than ownership. This not only helps to increase the products’ life cycle but also to reduce waste and at the same time meet the consumer’s needs for variety. The sustainable benefits of thrifting and renting also give a perception of one’s contribution to environmental protection and fill their desire to try a new and unique trend. Looking at the response of the young generations facing existential climate threats is a barometer of how unsustainable the culture of consumption has been. We are in a dire need of change and sustainable fashion is a huge leap towards positive change.

In Bangladesh, a group of determined and fashion-conscious entrepreneurs is gradually empowering a thrift community. More people are leaning towards thrifting and taking collaborative consumption approaches for their uniqueness and reliability.

 


Photograph: Courtesy of Bangladesh Thrift

“Bangladesh Thrift has grown considerably well since I started eight months back. I have had my best time building it and communicating with my followers regularly. Even though the thrift community is booming now, we still have a long way to go when it comes to influencing the people of our country to take sustainable fashion seriously. And I believe it’s essential that no matter how many thrift items you’re selling now, you must spread awareness of what your store stands for.”

Brand: BANGLADESH THRIFT
Owner: Sunayra Subha Pushpita
instagram.com/bangladeshthrift


Photograph: Courtesy of Vintage Ziana Model: Naziatun Saba Ziana

“Starting an online thrift store in Bangladesh was a dream of a young heart. Numerous shows on the topic greatly inspired me. But as time passed, this taught me about self-employment, sustainable and budget-friendly clothing. I always have a corner for fast fashion, but vintage clothing created its statement. Apart from sustainability and budget, trying something different is bold and fun. It’s a versatile fashion district now.”

Brand: VINTAGE ZIANA
Owner: Naziatun Saba Ziana
instagram.com/vintageziana

 

 


 

Photograph: Courtesy of Thriftethics Model: Fatema Tuz Zohra

Being a thrift shopper myself, I always wanted to introduce it to the young generation of Bangladesh as it wasn’t so popular across the country. I’ve been thrift shopping for almost four to five years now, and it has always been reasonable yet fashionable. The quality you get compared to the price you pay is unbelievably good! Besides being budget-friendly, thrifting prevents fast fashion, too, as Shopping sustainably by shopping at thrift stores is a viable option to reduce reuse and recycle clothes. I try to promote thrifting by selling second hand clothes on my Instagram page Thriftethics. The ultimate goal of Thriftethics is to provide the best quality thrift pieces at the most affordable price. Lastly, it feels perfect to see that the young generation is supporting and loving the new thrift world, and every day two or three new online thrift shops are being opened.

 

Brand: THRIFTETHICS
Owner: Maha Marzia
/instagram.com/thriftethics


Photograph: Courtesy of Vintage Baby BD Model: Tashrifa Hossain

The story of Vintage Baby BD started back in August 2020. One day, I came across some thrift shops on Instagram and was amazed by the whole concept of thrifting. So I started this shop just like that, with no prior experience running a business, and I haven’t looked back ever since. Although this is still an ongoing learning process for me, I’d say since I’m educating myself more and more about sustainability every day. I’ve always been curious about fashion, and the concept of thrifting has brought a new aspect to that!

 

Brand Name: VINTAGE BABY BD
Owner: Marjia Hossain Tumpa
/instagram.com/vintagebaby.bd