Litex Ukay-Ukay: A Paradise for Fashionista on a Budget
Online live selling of preloved clothes has become very popular over the years. Some sell their personal clothes while others purchase second-hand items from suppliers. This comes in bales that are mostly from different countries such as China and Hongkong.
The term “ukay-ukay” refers to both the activity of shopping and searching through piles of discarded or gently worn clothing until one discovers a gem. It also refers to businesses that sell used clothing and accessories here in the Philippines.
It is way convenient to shop online but nothing beats the experience of going through a bunch of ukay-ukay until finding the perfect one. Not to mention, it is still a lot cheaper when you buy in-store. Among all the thrift shops that I’ve been to, the one that I always recommend is Litex Ukay-Ukay Paradise which is located in Litex Market, Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City. The clothes here are as cheap as ten pesos and there are so many stalls to choose from. I doubt you’ll end up with an empty hand.
We have been a ‘suki’ of this place since 2017 but it shut down during COVID-19 lockdown and later on, it went through renovation. It reopened in 2021 and noticeably, there are more people shopping than before. One factor why it gained more popularity was due to viral posts featuring this ‘ukay’ spot. In a post from a Facebook page called Diary Two, she mentioned that this place has been an extension of her closet as this is where she shops for travel outfits.
Sustainable Fashion
We’ve all heard before that we don’t have to spend a fortune to dress up nicely. By thrift shopping, you’ll save hundreds while helping the environment at the same time. The act of purchasing second-hand clothes is more eco-friendly than patronizing fast fashion because this way, you can keep these garments from going into the landfill which contributes to air and water pollution.
Ukay-ukay allows us to enjoy dressing up while being on a budget, all the while, considering fashion’s environmental impacts. Best of both worlds, right? You just need a little extra effort looking through and you might also sweat a lot in the process but that’s the least that you should worry about. By the time you get your hand at that gem, I’m sure your eyes will sparkle with joy! So, what are you waiting for?
