Seeking out second-hand clothes will sound strange to some people in Yangon, but those who find it fun and thrifty enjoy a shopper’s haven in Kyimyindaing Township.
Family-run stalls line Zay Gyi Street with their staff—mostly the mum or dad—shouting for the attention of passersby. Each shop is known only by its seller’s name and most of the garments come from Japan.
Prices range from 200-100,000 kyats (US$0.13-65), which attracts everyone from young women and middle-aged men to clothes retailers, and the offerings include shirts, dresses, bags and hats.
“Why would we spend loads of money on branded clothes?” asked one shopper in her mid-20s. “I prefer spending 10,000 kyats on 10 items of second-hand clothes over one branded blouse.”
U Soe Gyi, who has run a popular stall for 15 years, said some stiff competition from cheap and new China-made clothes has been countered by an increasing number of shoppers from the countryside.
“The only reason we are running these shops is that we want working class people to wear what others are wearing,” he said.
Though some people may turn their noses up at used clothes, “we take good care to make sure they are clean,” he said.
Some frequent visitors to the market count combing through the stock for haute couture as a hobby.
“I’ve befriended some of the sellers,” said one of them. “They ring me whenever new items arrive and I come here to pick out my favourites among the pile. If I’m lucky enough, I can find clothes from famous brands.”
Customers are not only landing bargains but also tackling waste in the garments industry, making a visit to the market a sustainable practice that will stay fashionable for a long time to come.
Visit the second-hand clothes market on Zay Gyi Street in Kyimyindaing Township from about 2pm-7.30pm every day. Be prepared for big crowds during the festival holidays.
