Once seen as a place for housewives and migrant workers to save money, the secondhand clothing market in Hanoi, Vietnam is now being redefined by young people. According to Vietnam Television (VTV), the Dong Tac secondhand clothing market in Dong Da District, adjacent to the Trung Tu residential area, has long been a familiar spot for thrift hunters; in recent years, students and young people have become an increasingly common sight there.

The market layout remains unchanged, but the customer base has clearly shifted. Vendor Mr. Tuan (stall 106A6) said he has been doing business here for ten years or more. In the past, most customers were older women, but now large numbers of young people and students flock here on both weekdays and weekends. Among the densely packed stalls, many people spend hours digging through piles just to find a shirt or pair of pants they like. E-commerce has made buying clothes increasingly convenient, but the experience of hand-picking a one-of-a-kind item is one of the key reasons young people are drawn to the secondhand market.

Aesthetic trends are also fueling the shift. The resurgence of Y2K style and 1990s retro fashion has brought old staples such as wide-leg pants, leather jackets, and classic knitwear back into popularity among young people. The appeal of secondhand goods also lies in their "uniqueness": each item is almost one of a kind, and those who want to express personal style and avoid wearing the same thing as others are more likely to find something here. The browsing process itself constitutes a unique shopping experience, and sometimes you can buy something you love at a price far lower than new items.

Ngoc Anh, a sophomore at Thuy Loi University, recalled that her older sister brought her here in her freshman year, and she immediately spotted a brand-name T-shirt priced at only 50,000 Vietnamese dong; after taking it home, washing it carefully, and ironing it, it looked great, and from then on she unconsciously developed a habit of buying secondhand clothes.

However, thrift shopping also consumes time and effort. Secondhand clothing shows signs of wear, and condition, material, and age vary widely; many stalls at Dong Tac Market also do not display prices clearly, so beginners lacking experience in comparison and bargaining may end up spending more than expected.

Young people choosing secondhand clothes reflects not only a pursuit of unique items but also concern about consumption patterns and product lifecycles—a piece of clothing no longer worn, rather than being discarded, can meet another person's needs, and reuse thus extends the life of garments and reduces premature disposal. Once regarded as a money-saving measure, secondhand buying is gradually becoming a popular consumption style among young people; the combination of low prices, individuality, and the experience of "treasure hunting" brings the act of re-wearing clothes closer to the trend of sustainable consumption.

Source: 젊은 세대가 중고 의류를 선호한다: 중고 의류가 새로운 소비 트렌드로 떠오르고 있다. · Originally published on 2026-09-11