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Building Your Sustainable Closet? Check Out These 8 Ukay Spots Around Manila

Building Your Sustainable Closet? Check Out These 8 Ukay Spots Around Manila

Mar 22, 2024   •   Chariza Crudo

There’s a special kind of satisfaction when someone admires your outfit and asks, “Saan mo ‘yan nabili?” and you can proudly reply, “Sa ukay!” Ukay-ukay (or thrift clothes) has been a fixture in the Philippines for a long time, even surging in popularity among the Gen Zs. It’s no surprise– ukay pieces are timeless, unique, and (most importantly) cheap!

And since we’re all for sustainability, don’t hesitate to join the bandwagon and visit these ukay-ukay places around Metro Manila.

 

Makati Central Square

Via Wikimedia: Judgefloro

Prepare for a shopping spree at Makati Central Square (formerly known as Makati Cinema Square), a place teeming with vintage finds and cheap options. MCS is a haven for regular ukay-goers as it houses lots of ukay-ukay shops where you can find clothes as cheap as PHP 80. Bring a tote bag for your haul (preferably huge, just in case) to avoid asking for plastic bags.

 

Cubao Expo


Cubao Expo is popular as a hotspot for all things antique – vinyl, trinkets, and collectibles. However, a vintage place like this would not be complete without one or two ukay shops. Before you enter the main street of Cubao Expo, you’ll notice several thrift stores like WCHA Fashion Haus, a two-story building filled with quality ukay finds!

 

Anonas Mall (Quezon City)

Via Flickr: Brian Evans

Put on your comfiest clothes and prepare to spend the whole afternoon at Anonas Mall. This place boasts of many ukay shops beloved by hardcore ukay shoppers. However, most of the items here are a bit on the pricier side. We recommend sticking to your budget and choosing your purchases carefully!

 

Taytay Tiangge

It’s no wonder the Garment Capital of the Philippines also has its line of ukay-ukay stores for shoppers on a *really* tight budget. Thrift clothing retailers buy their ukay at Taytay, hence most stores here sell wholesale. However, there are also shops where the clothes are already curated and considerably cheap!

 

Bambang Market (Tondo)

Bambang, Tondo is famous as a bagsakan of medical supplies, a go-to place for med students. Aside from this, the market also has a throng of thrift stores that are perfect for a shopping side trip, although the itemsare mostly expensive because they are branded and curated. Tip: Do not let the clothing tag fool you; check its authenticity and compare it with an original item by searching online!

 

Hidalgo Street (Quiapo)

Via Wikimedia: Judgefloro

Dubbed “Photographer’s Street,” this place is a photographer’s haven where people can get all things camera-related. Now they have a new rival – the thrifty fashionistas because this street also has hidden ukay gems that are extremely cheap. Saan aabot ang 20 pesos mo? In Hidalgo Street!

 

Monumento Station (Caloocan)

As you get off the LRT-1 Monumento Station, you can immediately begin your shopping as several huge ukay shops will greet you. The stores are air-conditioned, so you might find yourself (unintentionally) spending the whole day looking for the perfect fit.

 

BF Condominium (Intramuros)

Via Wikimedia: Judgefloro

The ground floor of BF Condominium in Intramuros hosts around three massive ukayans, each with an abundance of cheap finds guaranteeing you won’t leave empty-handed. Plus, photographer and famous ukay fashion influencer Shaira Luna approves of this place, so you should definitely check it out.

 

Where’s your go-to ukay?

 

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Chariza enjoys her free time doing things she loves, like writing in her journal, binge-watching shoujo animes, reading webtoons, or thinking of cute outfits. She is also known for her obsession with anything pink and green.

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