You could be scrolling aimlessly online until you stumble on an Instagram baddie rocking oversized blazers, pants that flatter her silhouette, and accessories that look like she stepped out of a Pinterest mood board. Don’t be surprised your favorite fashionista is shopping from Aswani or Yaba.
Thrift clothes have been around for decades, but welcome to a new wave of Nigerian women turning “bend-down select” into bold fashion statements. Gone are the days when thrift clothes were seen as “for poor people.” In a country where the price of pepper is competing with sneakers in the market, thrift clothes have become a survival tactic and creative trend.
How Thrift Clothes Are Taking Over the Streets of Lagos
Social media and thrift haul videos have added glamor to the pre-owned fashion culture. Wearing okrika is no longer a taboo, but it is now seen as stylish and penny-wise. The economy is not smiling. Buying new fashion items can be daunting. Shein shopping carts keep piling up with no checkout in view. So, thrift becomes the next best option. The shame attached to thrift clothes has vanished with the last generation.
Beyond affordability, the rise of thrift queens is a movement towards sustainability, creativity, and individuality in an unstable economy. There are pages on Instagram and TikTok that will post combos of thrift clothes that will make Vogue editors blink twice. Wearing thrift clothes is no longer about what you can afford but what you can create.
Who is a thrift queen?
She is not your regular shopper!
She’s a fashionista who knows that you don’t have to break the bank to look good. She operates a big imagination on a small budget. She’s a treasure hunter navigating Yaba or Katangua with precision and experience.
What sets a thrift queen apart?
- She has an eye for quality fabrics.
- She’s not afraid to DIY or recreate her treasures.
- She’s a curator that weaves confidence in her style whenever she shows up.
- She slays on a budget.
Sustainability and Fashion
Thrift supports the environment through the recycling and hand-me-down culture. Africans have been sustainable long before “eco-friendly’ became a thing globally. From turning wrappers into cover clothes and restyling old jeans into shorts, we’ve always known how to extend the lifespan of fashion. When next you rock thrift clothes, you are not just being a fashionista, but you are doing the planet a favor too.
Inside Nigeria’s Thrift Ecosystem
The thrift world is a long-standing economy. Many Nigerian entrepreneurs are turning ₦50,000 capital into a booming business. Vendors are opening bales live on social media, and their audience rushes to buy before another payment validates the order.
- Yaba market in Lagos is the holy grail of thrift shopping. There are a variety of stylish accessories, from vintage jackets to chic dresses.
- Katangua market at Abule Egba is known for “bale opening,” where small retailers buy to resell.
- Aswani market in Isolo is famous for its Tuesday market, where sellers flock to buy thrift clothes, shoes, and second-hand electrical appliances.
Online thrift stores are helping women fulfill their fashion wish lists.
The Not-so Glamorous Side
Not all that glitters is gold, and this is applicable to thrift items as well. Buying thrift clothes comes with its own share of challenges. A buyer could buy a bale of thrift clothes that will be mixed with low-quality clothes disguised as “Grade A” and will only find out when opening the bale.
There is a hygiene concern when buying thrift clothes. It has a lingering smell and can even cause a skin reaction if not washed properly. When you buy thrift clothes, soak them in disinfectant and warm water before washing, then sun-dry them.
Another challenge is the import ban on thrift clothes by the government in an effort to promote local textile industries. This could cripple the thriving thrift economy.
Hacks to becoming a Thrift Queen
- Go early before the best items are picked. You know what they say about the early bird.
- Dress light and comfy for easy movement because you might be exploring deep in the market.
- Haggle confidently. Bargaining is part of our culture.
- Always disinfect your finds and resist the urge to try them on in the market.
Style has nothing to do with price tags. It’s all about your confidence and creativity. Thrift queens are teaching us that you can turn second-hand pieces into first-class fashion.
Are you a thrift queen, or are you still learning the ropes? Share your experiences in the comments.
