Most Filipinos don't really spend too much money on clothes. We would rather save it or have it invested in some kind of business so that the money would grow. But for some Filipinos like me, if shopping doesn't seem to fit in my budget I would look for options to still shop without spending the same amount of money as what I usually spend in malls or botiques. Best option? Ukay-Ukay (Thrift shop). For the knowledge of others, Ukay-ukay is a store that sells preloved apparels like clothes, bags, shoes and such at insanely cheap prices. Most of these clothes came from US, Japan and Korea to name a few.
I never really like the thought of wearing something that has been worn by somebody else but when one of my friend took me to an Ukay ukay shop back when I was a teenager, I was amazed to see that they sell limited edition and high quality apparels from Forever21 to H&M to Levis etc. I even scored a bunch of trendy clothes and since then, once I'm out of budget and I feel the need of buying new clothes, there's no other place to go.
To serve as your guide, make sure that you know how to do the tricks for you to have a satisfying Ukay-Ukay experience.
Know your budget. You have to think how much money you will be spending in going to the Ukay-Ukay shop. If you are a budget conscious shopper you can still minimize your budget by going through those racks with a discount sign._
Patience is a virtue. You will see thousands of clothes and bags in an Ukay-Ukay shop which are not arrange according to size, color or style. There are a lots of ugly clothes mixed with the wearable ones so you need to take your time in picking the right ones for you. You need to dedicate time when going to an Ukay-ukay if you want to go home satisfied. Be very patient.
Make sure to fit the clothes. Some people who would go to an Ukay-Ukay shop would not prefer to fit the clothes as some if it may look untidy or has a smell. In my case, I would really prefer to try it on to make sure that it fits me, because the sizes of the clothes vary since it came from different countries. You would not like to waste a penny if it doesn't fit you. Don't be ma arte!
Haggle! Haggle! Haggle! You're Ukay-ukay shopping experience will not be complete if you don't haggle the price. If you are already a regular customer for a specific shop, befriends with the saleslady or whoever is in charge. Buying in bulk will also help you get more discount. But if your budget is tight, just be nice and if you can see minor defects on the clothes you've chosen, that's the time that you can haggle like there's no tomorrow. Be very clever!
If you are shopping in bulk, it would be very helpful if you have a separate bag. In most Ukay-Ukay shops, they would just use a plastic or a thin paper bag. It would be best if you have like an Eco bag that can carry the clothes all together.
Make sure to sanitize. After trying on the clothes that you've picked, make sure to sanitize yourself by using an alcohol or sanitizer. Those clothes have gone through a lot for God's sake! Make it a habit to take a shower after going to an Ukay-Ukay shop. This is a must!
Wash the clothes thoroughly. For some they would even soak the clothes in hot water before washing it with a detergent. You may also want to use a fabric conditioner to get rid of that Ukay-Ukay signature scent. If you know what I mean. :)
photo credit: google images
Keeping up with fashion isn't always about money, it does not depend on the price point of what we wear from head to toe. For practical people adding a treasure trove of stunning clothes at an extremely low price is very rewarding. It may take time and effort going to an Ukay-Ukay shop, but keep in mind that great things are not served on a silver platter. For you to find that perfect piece you need to sweat and be prepared to haggle your ass off.