The Amcorp Mall flea market in Petaling Jaya is tagged as one of the largest indoor flea markets in the country where buyers go for secondhand finds. — Photos: AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
In an era where trends seem to shift overnight, a growing number of individuals are embracing secondhand shopping as a sustainable and creative alternative.
No longer simply a way to save money, the practice has evolved into an expression of individuality and a conscious choice to reduce environmental impact.
Marissa Gaffor, 23, began secondhand shopping as a cost-saving measure when she was broke, but that quickly developed into a lifestyle.
"At first it saved me money," she recalls. "Every time I had an upcoming event, I could shop secondhand and don't have to feel guilty about buying a new outfit, since it's technically not new."
Her first secondhand find was a velvet dress she wore for her 19th birthday celebration. "It was a stunning dress with intricate beaded embellishments – something I’d never seen before – and it cost only RM20. I still keep it to this day," she shares.What started as a pragmatic way to avoid the guilt of overconsumption soon became her preferred method for all her fashion needs.
"Style fluctuates, so why be wasteful?" Marissa adds, pointing out the ecological benefits of recycling clothes and avoiding unnecessary purchases.
Marissa says she started secondhand shopping as a cost-saving measure when she was broke, but it developed into a way of life. — MARISSA GAFFOR
Sheanni Lim had a similar beginning with secondhand shopping.
The 22-year-old was first attracted by the affordability and the chance to find branded items in good condition.
However, a transformative moment occurred when she was shopping for an overseas trip and struggled to find long pants in retail stores.
"My boyfriend picked out a pair of secondhand jeans that fit perfectly, and that opened my eyes," she explains.
Since then, secondhand shopping has become a regular, almost weekly activity for them. The two have fallen in love with the idea of secondhand items and have never looked back.
"My boyfriend and I enjoy visiting thrift shops together. We both enjoy fashion, and it's a great way for us to bond," she adds."It’s fun to browse through the selections; we often pick out items for each other, and sometimes we choose pieces we wouldn’t normally go for."
Secondhand shopping, particularly for fashion, has experienced a notable surge in popularity both globally and in Malaysia. Despite inflation causing a rise in prices, the appeal of thrift shops remains strong for many.
This trend is driven by growing awareness of sustainability, affordability and the quest for distinctive, one-of-a-kind items.
Car boot sales at Kota Damansara where vendors sell their preloved items such as clothing, accessories, toys, kitchen utensils, fishing equipment and a variety of collector items. — Photos: Car Boot Sales Kota Damansara/Facebook
In Malaysia, this shift is part of a broader global movement where consumers are increasingly opting for preloved goods, not only as a cost-saving measure but also as a reflection of individuality and a commitment to reducing environmental impact.
The global secondhand apparel market is expected to reach a value of US$350bil (RM1.4tril) by 2028 as reported by GlobalData for resale specialist ThredUp.
By 2025, secondhand fashion is anticipated to make up 10% of the global fashion market, driven by the growing demand for sustainable and affordable alternatives, especially among younger generations.
Unlike traditional retail stores where clothing is mass-produced according to the current trends, secondhand shops give preloved items a second chance. "The excitement and feeling of reward is way different," says Lim.
The joy of finding something truly unique, combined with the sense of purpose that comes from making eco-conscious choices, creates a distinct shopping experience.On top of that, every secondhand purchase is an act of environmental stewardship.
For Lim, shopping secondhand feels like a "treasure hunt," where finding the perfect piece becomes a thrilling experience.
"It’s like this piece was meant for me," she says, highlighting the uniqueness of secondhand items compared to the ones in retail.
For many, buying secondhand items is a more sustainable way to shop.
Each item she buys represents a conscious choice to reuse, reduce waste and contribute to sustainability.
Marissa echoes this sentiment, tying her love for secondhand shopping directly to her passion for sustainability.
"There's really little to no guilt in secondhand shopping," she says.
"You're helping the environment, you can enhance your style, and you're paying a fraction of the price."
Marissa feels that the practice is about more than just finding new and exciting pieces – it's a way to actively participate in a more responsible fashion cycle.
"While financial savings are certainly a perk, the true reward lies in knowing that every purchase contributes to a more sustainable future," she says.
Lim says she struggled to find a pair of jeans for her trip until her boyfriend picked out one for her from the secondhand store. — SHEANNI LIM
Another exciting aspect of secondhand shopping is the freedom it gives to experiment with personal style.
Secondhand shops offer a wide array of choices from different eras, allowing shoppers to mix and match in ways that reflect their individuality.
"You get to be unique and creative," Marissa says. "You never really know what you're going to find."
The surprise element is a huge part of the appeal for her, as it makes every shopping trip feel fresh and exciting.
Whether she’s picking up something out of her comfort zone or finding a hidden gem, the spontaneity of secondhand shopping is hard to replicate in retail stores.
The Amcorp Mall flea market in Petaling Jaya is tagged as one of the largest indoor flea markets in the country where buyers go for secondhand finds. — Photos: AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
Lim also finds that secondhand stores align perfectly with her personal style, particularly her love for Y2K fashion.
"I like Y2K style, and secondhand shops give me that," she says.
Over time, she has curated Y2K-inspired pieces, each with a unique flair that stands out far more than mainstream retail fashion.
For her, the pieces she finds in secondhand shops feel "cooler" and more interesting, making each discovery feel special.
Marissa thinks that one of the common misconception about secondhand shopping revolves around the authenticity and origin of items. She admits that she doesn’t always scrutinise whether a piece is genuine, especially when it's available at a fraction of the original price.
However, early on, she did face doubts, with her father warning her about the "bad juju" associated with not knowing where the items came from. But for her, with proper cleaning and care, she finds these fears are easily dismissed.However, sizing can be a challenge when it comes to shopping for secondhand clothing.
From fashion to environmental reasons, secondhand shopping is getting more popular, especially among the young.
As Lim notes, "It's hard for bigger-sized people to find items that fit them in thrift stores." They often carry a limited range of sizes, which can be frustrating for shoppers who don’t fit into the average size range. However, for those who are willing to dig a little deeper and have patience, the rewards can be well worth the effort."It really is a treasure hunt," Lim adds.
In addition to shopping, many secondhand shoppers like Marissa have found joy in selling their own preloved items. In 2022, Marissa decided to set up a booth at local flea markets, and she was surprised by how easy it was.
"It was easy because you don’t need branding. I just gathered items worth selling, set them up on some racks, and priced them," she says.
Selling at markets has become a way for her to engage with the vibrant secondhand community while giving her clothes a new home.
"The community is also so inviting," she adds.
Despite the competition at these markets, she found success because "nobody has two of the same thing."
"The uniqueness of secondhand items makes them more desirable to buyers looking for something special," she concludes.
