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Ukay-Ukay: An Urban Second Hand Clothing Retailer

Global Team

11 Aug 2024 - 6 min read

Jeans jackets and retro shirts on second hand market

The name "ukay-ukay" comes from the Filipino word "hukay" which means "to dig". Ukay-ukay refers to the common retail practice in the Philippines where surplus, secondhand or pre-owned clothing is sold at a discount. Fashionistas and budget conscious shoppers can now get unique and beautiful items without breaking the bank thanks to this trend in shopping.

This site will explore the history, appeal and practicality of ukay-ukay shopping, buyer tips, cleaning instructions and where to find these second hand stores.

What is Ukay-Ukay?

Ukay-ukay's story kicks off in the early '80s. The US and Europe shipped second hand threads to the Philippines as charity. These donations were eventually sold at street markets and bazaars and thus the birth of thrift stores. In the 1990s, ukay-ukay grew in popularity as more ukay-ukay stores opened in major cities and areas. Ukay-ukay is now booming and caters to all types of customers from young fashionistas to practical shoppers.

The Appeal of Ukay-Ukay

close up of a hand, looking on a flea market for clothes.

The unique shopping experience offered by ukay-ukay stores combines affordability, sustainability, and the thrill of discovering hidden gems.

Affordability: Compared to new products, ukay-ukay firms offer a wide range of apparel at much lower prices. You can change your outfits without breaking the bank because of this.

Unique Finds: Many ukay-ukay items are rare or one of a kind. You can get unique items that you won’t find in big stores.

Quality: Many ukay-ukay items are high quality even if used. They are from reputable stores and designers.

Variety: Ukay-ukay stores offer a diverse range of clothing styles, including vintage, retro, and modern.

Some Tips for Ukay-Ukay Shopping

If you go ukay-ukay shopping with the right mindset and strategy, it can be fun. Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your ukay-ukay shopping trip:

Plan your visit: ukay-ukay stores can be overwhelming. Give yourself time to visit; if possible, go during the week or early morning when the stores are less crowded.

Wear loose-fitting: clothes that allow you to move freely and try on items without hassle. Wear slip on shoes and bring a crossbody bag so you can shop better

Set Your Budget: Before you go in, set how much you’re willing to spend. Ukay-ukay shopping is fun but setting a budget will help you stay within your means.

Examine everything: Check each item for rips, stains, missing buttons and other flaws. Serious damage may not be worth fixing but small flaws are.

Keep an open mind: Be willing to try new styles and sizes while keeping an open mind. The main purpose of ukay-ukay shopping is to find surprises so don’t stick to specific brands or categories.

Know Your Sizes: Because many things are imported from countries with different size standards, get to know your own measurements and the conversions between international sizes.

Bargain Wisely: Some ukay-ukay stores often welcome bargaining particularly those in street markets. A friendly negotiation can help you get better prices - just keep it respectful.

Visit Often: Ukay-ukay stores shuffle their stock regularly. returning on a regular basis increases your chances of discovering new and exciting goods.

How to Wash Ukay-Ukay Clothes

What to wear second hand concept

Have you ever noticed that 'thrift shop smell'? If you enjoy 'digging' at Ukay-ukay stores, you should know how to properly wash them before wearing them. Even though some retailers assure that the garments are sanitary and fit for sale, it is best to avoid unpleasant situations by washing the clothes thoroughly to ensure that they are clean, safe, and ready to use. Follow these steps to effectively wash your thrifted items:

Sort clothes by fabric and colour: Separate your garments into piles based on fabric type and colour to avoid bleeding and damage while washing.

Inspect and Pre-Treat Stains: Check each item for stains and pre-treat with a special cleaner or mix up some water and gentle soap. Rub it in easily then let it sit a bit before you toss it in the machine.

Soak in Disinfectant Solution: Fill a basin with water and add disinfectant solution or vinegar to eliminate bacteria and odours. Soak the garments for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Wash with light Detergent: Apply a light detergent appropriate for the fabric type. Hand wash delicate goods and machine wash more durable textiles on a mild cycle.

Rinse Thoroughly: Make sure all detergent and disinfectant residues are completely washed out. Heavy dirty goods may require many rinses.

Air Dry: Hang your garments to dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunshine to avoid fading. Lay fragile fabrics flat to dry. Iron and Store: Once dry, iron your clothes to remove wrinkles and any remaining bacteria. Store them in a clean, dry place to keep them fresh and ready to wear.

Ukay-Ukay Locations in the Philippines

A vendor sells shoes and clothes at an ukay-ukay stall. At the Night Market along Harrison Road.

Ukay-ukay stores can be found all over the Philippines, from bustling urban areas to rural communities. Here are some notable sites with colourful ukay-ukay scenes:

Baguio City: sometimes known as the "Ukay-Ukay Capital of the Philippines," has a large number of thrift shops concentrated in neighbourhoods such as Session Road, Harrison Road, and Hilltop. These boutiques sell a diverse selection of apparel, from winter attire to casual ensembles, making them a favourite destination for ukay-ukay enthusiasts.

Anonas: in Quezon City: Anonas has a major ukay-ukay hub known as the "Anonas Ukay-Ukay Center." This multilevel thrift store has a large selection of apparel, shoes, purses, and accessories at reasonable prices. Shoppers can purchase both local and international items, appealing to a variety of fashion tastes.

Banawe, Quezon City: is famous for its car stores, but it also boasts a vibrant ukay-ukay scene. Stores in this region sell a variety of casual apparel, formal attire, and sportswear, drawing a wide range of customers.

Cubao, Quezon City: is another famous location for ukay-ukay shopping. Thrift stores in Farmers Plaza and Araneta Center are well-known for their low prices and diverse assortment of clothing.

Baclaran, Parañaque City: is known for its busy market scene, and ukay-ukay shops are no exception. These secondhand shops near the Baclaran Church sell a wide range of apparel, shoes, and accessories at low costs.

Pasig City: has various ukay-ukay stores, especially in the Pasig Mega Market region. These establishments cater to budget-conscious shoppers by offering a wide selection of apparel options, from casual to formal.

Cebu City: has a growing ukay-ukay culture, with various stores located across the city. Colon Street, Mango Avenue, and the Taboan Public Market are all popular areas. Customers can get an assortment of vintage and contemporary apparel at cheap pricing.

Davao City: is another popular destination for ukay-ukay shopping. Stores on San Pedro Street and Bankerohan Public Market sell a diverse range of apparel and accessories to suit various fashion tastes.

Iloilo City: has a thriving ukay-ukay sector, including stores in downtown districts such as Jaro and La Paz. These stores sell anything from casual apparel to formal attire.

Cagayan de Oro: often known as CDO, has multiple ukay-ukay businesses spread around the city. Divisoria and Cogon Market are renowned thrift shopping sites, with a wide variety of clothing available at reasonable costs.

Despite its popularity, ukay-ukay shopping is sometimes associated with common misconceptions. Here are some things you should be aware of if approached when shopping in Ukay-ukay.

Ukay-ukay Clothes Are Dirty or Dangerous: Although ukay-ukay clothes are secondhand, careful washing and disinfection may keep them clean and safe to wear. Many thrift businesses also clean their items before selling.

Ukay-ukay Is Only for Low-Income Shoppers: Ukay-ukay shopping attracts a diverse variety of customers, including fashion aficionados, sustainability advocates, and those looking for one-of-a-kind and economical apparel options.

Ukay-Ukay Stores Only Sell Outdated Clothing: Ukay-Ukay stores sell a wide variety of styles, including vintage, retro, and modern clothing. Shoppers can find stylish and fashionable things that match their preferences.

Ukay-ukay shopping is time-consuming and exhausting: While ukay-ukay shopping can be time-consuming, planning your visit and adopting efficient shopping practices

Afterall, Ukay-ukay has become an important aspect of Filipino shopping culture, providing an economical, sustainable, and fun method to discover unusual fashion items. Whether you're a seasoned thrifter or fresh to the world of secondhand shopping, ukay-ukay stores provide limitless opportunities to discover hidden treasures and express your individual style.

You may maximise your thrift shopping experience by following practical advice for buying and washing ukay-ukay clothes, as well as visiting notable spots throughout the Philippines. As the industry evolves, ukay-ukay continues to reflect the Filipino people's inventiveness, resourcefulness, and fashion-forward mentality.

So, if you're ready to 'dig', grab your suitcase and travel to the Philippines! Book your hotels, flight tickets and other tourist attractions via Traveloka. Experience a hassle-free, wonderful trip!

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