Has Social Media Ruined Ukay-Ukay Culture? Netizens Share Their Experiences
Feb 28, 2023 • Edgardo Toledo
Feb 28, 2023 • Edgardo Toledo
There’s something so fun about thrifting. Whether you’re a pro at it or not, there’s nothing like the rush of excitement you get whenever you spot a chic piece at an unbelievably low price. But has social media changed ukay-ukay culture for the worse?
A few days ago, a Twitter thread went viral after asking people to share their hottest takes on fashion that would possibly get them into ~*trouble*~. One user retweeted it and expressed their views on thrifting, which started a new discourse on how Pinoys do ukay-ukay these days.
“The popularity of thrifting has ruined the essence of thrifting. People buy second-hand clothes because they’re cheap and accessible, but now, you can barely find anything good for less than 150 pesos. And yet, you’ll see IG stores reselling thrifted things as ‘vintage’ for 1k+,” the user wrote.
They also said that they saw second-hand clothes sold online that cost more than double their selling price. Yikes!
the popularity of thrifting has ruined the essence of thrifting. people buy second hand clothes because theyre cheap and accessible, but now u can barely find anything good for less than 150 pesos… and yet ull see ig stores reselling thrifted things as “vintage” for 1k+ https://t.co/WFPLVymYXU
— trina (@tinakun69) February 24, 2023
So, has it really become that bad? Many thrift store enthusiasts weighed in and shared their experiences.
wala na halos maganda don sa fave ukay place ko kasi hinohoard na ng online sellers 🥲
— 🦄🦄 (@pipermcleaaan) February 24, 2023
Imagine going to your favorite thrift store, excited to cop the newest arrivals, only to find out that you’re left with a hodgepodge of scraps. The saddest part? Online sellers are usually the ones who get the best pieces, and they sell them for so much higher. Not cool!
i also hate the idea of mine steal grab basis or even bidding!! for example, i encountered a von dutch hat (thrifted & not orig) and they have been bidding it for 2k+
— rinrin (@rinaunnie) February 24, 2023
It looks like thrifting has entered a new age, too! Some netizens pointed out they don’t like having to “mine, steal, grab, or even bid” to get an item they want.
missing the days i could get tops from palengke ukay ukays for 5 pesos that would be sold for 150 nowadays 😮💨
— A 🌸🌿| empty (@GabAlainaRuiz) February 24, 2023
Can you still buy clothes for less than PHP20? Asking for a friend.
Luh i dont agree with this, nsa set up ng ukay yan, others tlgang vintage pieces kaya mahal, also, kayo nag ru-ruin ng essense ng ukay andaming SMALL PHYSICAL UKAYS na available sa cities nyo pero online kayo nag uukay? mlamang sasamantalahin ng OL sellers kasi convinient
— orange milk (@orange_milku) February 25, 2023
“I don’t agree with this, nasa set up ng ukay yan, others talagang vintage pieces kaya mahal,” one user replied. They also said people should look more into physical thrift stores in their cities instead of online thrift shops.
The sad part of it too is that it won’t be long before we start seeing she*n stuff in ukay ukay
— An Drawer, Elden Lord🦑Hoonter🐀 (@MissAnDrawer) February 25, 2023
Although you’ll find every brand there is in thrift stores, people are somewhat worried that more fast fashion items might dominate the racks soon.
parang gusto kong mang-gatekeep ng ukay-ukay. nakakapagod na
— lowan (@pluvillion) February 25, 2023
Maybe we should start gatekeeping our favorite ukayans. Just kidding!
What’s your take on this? Share your comments below!
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Edgardo loves to write. When he's not busy staring at a blank document, you can find him drawing illustrations or eating fried chicken.
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