Not long ago, buying second-hand clothes was something people rarely spoke about openly in Bangladesh. Today, however, thrifting has become a growing trend, especially among Gen Z, who see it as both a way to express individuality and a step towards sustainable fashion.
While flea markets and stock-lot products have been around for decades, the culture of thrifting has gained serious momentum in recent years. Popular hotspots like Gausia Market and Hope Market in Dhaka now attract a sea of shoppers every weekend. Rows of vendors call out prices, haggle with buyers, and display racks full of branded shirts, jackets and trousers priced anywhere between Tk 200 and Tk 1,000.
Saiful Islam, 42, who has run a thrift store in New Market for over 15 years, has witnessed this shift firsthand. “In the last few years, I’ve noticed more young people visiting my shop. Many are regular buyers, and I even send them photos on WhatsApp if I come across something unique,” he said. Explaining how he sources his products, Saiful added, “We buy clothes in bulk. Some pieces are damaged and go to waste, but the rest sell well. Business is best in winter.”
For many young shoppers, thrifting is more than just affordable fashion; it’s about finding a personal style beyond what fast fashion offers. Unlike mass-produced clothing, thrifted pieces give buyers something unique while being easier on the wallet.
According to Ahnaf Rahman, 24, a Dhaka University student, “As a student, affordability matters, and I’ve found amazing quality at great prices. A friend introduced me to thrift stores about a year ago, and now they’re my go-to. My best find was a Carhartt jacket for Tk 800. A similar one outside would cost over Tk 3,000. The only challenge is the hunt-you never know if the piece you like will be in your size.”
The rise of online thrift stores has also played a big role in popularising the trend. Instagram pages like DhakaiyaThrift and BangladeshThrift with more than 74,000 followers have become go-to places for young people seeking unique, affordable clothing.
Ismail Hossain, 22, the founder of the online thrift store Gamcha, told Times of Bangladesh, “I started Gamcha to make stylish clothes affordable and accessible for young people. Most of my customers are students and young professionals who love fashion, especially old-money and Ralph Lauren-inspired styles.”
Thrifting is no longer just about saving money-it’s about conscious choices, individuality and redefining fashion culture in Bangladesh. For a generation that values both self-expression and sustainability, thrifting isn’t just a passing trend; it’s a movement shaping the future of style.
