https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/long-my-shopping-methods-in-hk-secondhand-thrifting-charity-shops-in-hong-kong Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:09:45 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/long-my-shopping-methods-in-hk-secondhand-thrifting-charity-shops-in-hong-kong/page/2#post-2129330 Wed, 24 Jun 2020 05:57:10 +0000 Zaeobi 2129330@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Thread Update:</b> For @shevia (&amp; anyone who's interested), I posted about my thrifted orange Crea Concept jacket to the forum: See what you think: <a href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hk-thrift-finds-2-outerwear" rel="nofollow">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....-outerwear</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/long-my-shopping-methods-in-hk-secondhand-thrifting-charity-shops-in-hong-kong/page/2#post-2129179 Tue, 23 Jun 2020 13:25:23 +0000 lyn67 2129179@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Zaeobi&amp; fabbers who commeneted from all over the world for the thread! I really&nbsp; loved to read about different second hands shopping cultures in the worl, I was not aware what a&nbsp; big industry this is, wow! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/long-my-shopping-methods-in-hk-secondhand-thrifting-charity-shops-in-hong-kong/page/2#post-2129128 Tue, 23 Jun 2020 02:48:42 +0000 Zaeobi 2129128@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow @Shevia that *is* a lot! Do you accept donations from your door or is it a more 'anonymous' method (like dropping things off into a clothing bin)? I feel like that no doubt has an effect on how mindfully people donate things - I've seen people 'donate' just one shoe before (missing the pair) because they felt it was 'better' than just throwing it out (read: more convenient than trying to separate out the different components for recycling). At least the items aren't going to complete waste... some of the charity shops I know in the UK are part of a chain (e.g. the same charity has shops nationwide), so they will move clothing from one location to another if they think it will sell better elsewhere (e.g. people in more affluent neighborhoods are less likely to buy polyester fast fashion pieces, or areas with more ethnic minorities generally favour longer &amp; more covered pieces. This is what I've been told, so I guess they do market research into this based on what sells best according to where). </p> <p>Yes I've seen some of those cloth recyclers here - you can even donate your clothing to them directly for cash (they will pay you by weight). It's possible that such 'donations' end up in the kind of charity stores that @Star mentioned exist in Bulgaria. I even went to a pop-up charity event where they sold their clothing by weight (you could fill up a bag with whatever you wanted to grab off the racks, &amp; they would charge you by the weight of your bag). So it could be a real bargain if you find a bunch of designer blouses &amp; skirts, but maybe less so for heavy coats &amp; shoes). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/long-my-shopping-methods-in-hk-secondhand-thrifting-charity-shops-in-hong-kong/page/2#post-2129123 Tue, 23 Jun 2020 02:37:00 +0000 Jaime 2129123@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Zaeobi - This is something I never realized until I worked in a charity shop, but a good 2/3 -3/4 of donations never get to the selling floor. In our case the excess was sold by weight to a cloth recycler, who came each week to pick up the stuff we bagged. That was my main job - sorting the wheat from the chaff so to speak. Mind you, this shop was TINY by American standards, more the size of a boutique than a Goodwill. We generally bagged 250kg of clothing a week! More so during certain seasons. The store was paid by the weight, so it added another bit of income to the charity, which really does good work like food for the poor, rehabilitation camps for underprivileged kids with different issues, help for women in need and so on.&nbsp;<br />Anyway that is a lot of clothes for a tiny, out of the way charity shop, which is not even the only one in town. It is mind boggling.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/long-my-shopping-methods-in-hk-secondhand-thrifting-charity-shops-in-hong-kong/page/2#post-2129122 Tue, 23 Jun 2020 02:25:23 +0000 Zaeobi 2129122@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah I see @Star that makes more sense - sorry I must have skimmed over that part! I guess what I'm trying to say is that, whilst such a charity is great to support, I know a lot of people from my little English town prefer to be able to 'see' where their money is going (i.e. they prefer donating clothing to local charities that help out our home community, rather than those proceeds going abroad). </p> <p>I'm personally OK with either model, but I know some people prefer more transparency around the supply model (e.g. to 'know' that the clothing they're buying has been donated by another local Bulgarian. Your situation is different because other people donate the clothing directly to the charity in question, but I know some employ resellers - who are of course making a profit from the donated clothing by selling it on to the company). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/long-my-shopping-methods-in-hk-secondhand-thrifting-charity-shops-in-hong-kong/page/2#post-2129005 Mon, 22 Jun 2020 17:52:14 +0000 Star (Lise) 2129005@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Zaeobi, I obviously have not been explaining very clearly.&nbsp; The shops I frequent are charity shops, HUMANA to be specific an International NGO.&nbsp; Proceeds from sales go to humanitarian projects around the world.&nbsp; Oh and yes definitely I wash all clothes before wearing and have dry cleaned jackets and winter skirts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/long-my-shopping-methods-in-hk-secondhand-thrifting-charity-shops-in-hong-kong/page/2#post-2128980 Mon, 22 Jun 2020 15:39:39 +0000 Zaeobi 2128980@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@runcarla Oh yes, there are so many different types of secondhand goods out there - something for everyone! My partner is the type that lives in oversized cargo shorts, so he likes army surplus stores for that matter (not just for clothing, but most items sold there are of course made to last). </p> <p>That sounds like a lovely community! In my little English town, people would often call the local council for bigger items but just give away the more 'medium' sized ones at the front of the house. I've seen everything from bookshelves to chairs left at the side of the road (at the end of their front garden) with a note written on cardboard that people can take what they wish. Most items don't stay by the kerb for very long! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/long-my-shopping-methods-in-hk-secondhand-thrifting-charity-shops-in-hong-kong/page/2#post-2128979 Mon, 22 Jun 2020 15:35:09 +0000 Zaeobi 2128979@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Angie thanks! I actually live right near the border of Kowloon &amp; New Territories, which makes my situation even more frustrating because most things are 'just' out of reach. Hong Kong Island is like another planet altogether! Although it's much better than when I used to live much further up in the New Territories - it would take me 1.5 hours just to get to Central alone! </p> <p>Haha I think the restrictive shop policies are even more annoying than the SAs! Especially the shops that not only don't have a fitting room, but don't accept returns either (exchange only). Argh! Yes I like the Japanese stores when I get a chance to visit one outside of peak hours - SOGO is great for browsing, because I can just slip away to another brand if I start to feel too pressured by one side's pushy sale tactics </p> <p>Ah I first came to HK in 2015, so we just missed each other I think secondhand clothing is indeed big here, but a lot of it seems to be of a specific aesthetic. Nothing wrong with it, but it often doesn't suit me or my lifestyle (e.g. the 'oversized' top &amp; shorts look may look cute on others but it often just looks sloppy on me). It's a catch 22 situation though - if many of the people shopping in those stores are those with that aesthetic &amp; body size/ type, then it of course stands to reason that they'll be donating similar clothing back to such shops. There are some offering more of a hippie than hipster look, but not near me. Will keep looking, though! </p> <p>Thanks for the Instagram lead - just followed! It seems she hasn't been secondhand shopping in a while, but that's understandable. It's still nice to follow to see the different places she finds - Hong Kong is full of gems like that that are hidden in plain sight. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/long-my-shopping-methods-in-hk-secondhand-thrifting-charity-shops-in-hong-kong/page/2#post-2128977 Mon, 22 Jun 2020 15:22:02 +0000 Zaeobi 2128977@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Jenni haha I completely know what you mean about the 'smell' of vintage. It's hard to put your finger on, but I think it's that combination of musty storage &amp; lingering sweat - blergh! I personally draw the line at buying shoes, bags, most jewellery &amp; underwear secondhand - I know some people have no qualms with those items, but for me they tend to trap smells the most (especially since you can't easily wash them - like your waistcoat). </p> <p>I think whether a place tends to wash things beforehand depends more on the company in question than the location. I've noticed that places which often don't have an organised system (I'm talking dollar bins of vintage scarves next to tops &amp; the like) are usually the biggest culprits. That said, I always make sure to wash everything before I use it - I may try an item on over my clothing, but then I'll wash that item too, just in case. I have sensitive skin, so not doing so will often break me out in hives! I usually hand wash items the first time, so I can gauge whether they're colourfast enough for my lazy lifestyle </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/long-my-shopping-methods-in-hk-secondhand-thrifting-charity-shops-in-hong-kong#post-2128974 Mon, 22 Jun 2020 15:14:32 +0000 Zaeobi 2128974@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@shevia I had honestly never heard of Crea Concepts before I bought the jacket, but I got it home &amp; was surprised to learn how much more expensive their clothing usually is! I'm having a few doubts about the fit of the jacket on my body shape though, so I'll post a few photos once I get a chance to play around a bit.</p> <p>Wow you're a global thrifting expert! I'm with you that secondhand clothes shopping often requires a bit more care &amp; attention than buying things new, but picking up techniques for sussing out things like fabric content from feel alone is all part of the experience! </p> <p>What do you mean by the charity store 'recycles' clothing, though? Are you talking about donations that aren't deemed sellable enough to put out on the shop floor - do they get sent to a recycling plant? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/long-my-shopping-methods-in-hk-secondhand-thrifting-charity-shops-in-hong-kong#post-2128972 Mon, 22 Jun 2020 15:09:16 +0000 Zaeobi 2128972@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok, catch-up time! This week is a little manic (it isn't even Tuesday yet!) so it may take me a while to get back to everyone, sorry. </p> <p>@rachylou You are not a cow! But I understand what you mean - I went from a S/M on top to a 2XL here... </p> <p>I think Hong Kong's reputation for tailoring is still there in certain pockets, but you do definitely have to pay for good quality. I may be a little spoiled for choice by Pakistan though, where you can both buy the fabric for a top &amp; get it custom made (from scratch) for under £8! This was more than 5 years ago, though I doubt it's changed much since. </p> <p>@Star I see. Hmm I'm not sure how I would feel about secondhand shopping in such a market, then - in the UK, charity shops tend to have a feeling of community &amp; giving back. A company that sells secondhand clothing may technically be doing good, but I imagine the feeling isn't the same - I could be wrong, though. Your last point reminds me of that sad news of fast fashion companies like H&amp;M, where they would deliberately cut up any clothing that they could not sell, just so that homeless people could not fish their 'old' clothes out from the outdoor bins &amp; wear their brand in public (the clothes aren't actually old, they just didn't sell well in the current season - so H&amp;M would get rid of them to make space for newer stock). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/long-my-shopping-methods-in-hk-secondhand-thrifting-charity-shops-in-hong-kong#post-2128877 Mon, 22 Jun 2020 04:16:14 +0000 Carla 2128877@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fun thread to read. &nbsp;You’ve found a good work around to your situation, Z. &nbsp;DH will visit an antiques store, but never a thrift shop or yard sale. &nbsp;I do both on the regular, and have hosted yard sales myself. &nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>When I lived in Timmins, the city had 1 day a year when they would go around and collect oversized garbage. &nbsp;Families would set their stuff out a few days before collection day and folks could take home anything they found. &nbsp;I augmented my collection of clay garden pots and once found a chandelier that I striped for the prisms. &nbsp;(They became Christmas ornaments!). &nbsp;We also saw our own little pile of ‘junque’ disappear before the city truck came around to collect!&nbsp;<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/long-my-shopping-methods-in-hk-secondhand-thrifting-charity-shops-in-hong-kong#post-2128839 Sun, 21 Jun 2020 22:54:44 +0000 Angie 2128839@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Zaoebi,</b> thanks for sharing this info. It's a fascinating read! I'm glad it's going down well.&nbsp;</p> <p>Are you in Kowloon, or the New Territories?&nbsp;</p> <p>I was born, and grew up in Hong Kong (expat, when it was British, and on the Island). I also worked there as an adult (not expat), have friends there, and visit as frequently as I can. It's home, and I know it like the back of my hand. </p> <p>You are dead right about the pushy HK SAs! It's been like that since I was a child - you also can't always try things on. I fully understand your frustrations! I just smile, politely laugh, and move on.&nbsp;</p> <p>My favourite places to shop in HK are the Japanese department stores.</p> <p>As for shopping for second hand wardrobe items - it was getting quite big in Causeway Bay and just outside Lan Kwai Fong in 2015 when I was last there. Big demand and lots of people in those stores. I can only imagine the demand is bigger now.&nbsp;</p> <p>Do you follow "Sam is Home" on Instagram? She posts about living in HK with her fiancé Vee Cee Cheng, and they are often in Secondhand stores in Kowloon and further out. Seldom on the Island. Might be worth taking a peek. You can also ask them questions, and they are happy to oblige.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/long-my-shopping-methods-in-hk-secondhand-thrifting-charity-shops-in-hong-kong#post-2128832 Sun, 21 Jun 2020 21:57:00 +0000 Jenni NZ 2128832@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Coming back to this thread. I do personally prefer new most of the time, but am trying to moderate that and do enter thrift stores in the past 3 years I have been on YLF, thanks to forum encouragement. Especially from Shevia! I don’t like the smell of some of the thrift stores much, and have discovered that at least one of the main thrift chains here by the name of SaveMart, which is actually a for-profit secondhand store, doesn’t wash the stuff before it puts it on display. That chain does donate to charity but only a portion of its turnover. I donate to it and of course I always wash my donations before I put them in the “clothing bin” which is how that chain gets its stuff, but obviously not everyone does. So that’s kind of icky.<br /> Do any of you know whether thrift stores in other countries or even here in NZ ( Sally?) wash the stuff before they put it out?<br /> I wash it again when I get it home but with my little waistcoat with leather patches in the front I couldn’t. I have owned that now for 5 years though so I suppose it has my germs on it now </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/long-my-shopping-methods-in-hk-secondhand-thrifting-charity-shops-in-hong-kong#post-2128713 Sun, 21 Jun 2020 02:36:31 +0000 Jaime 2128713@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As an avid and long time thrifter I loved reading this analysis of the situation in Hong Kong! The Crea Concept jacket is exactly where the thrill of the hunt comes in - great find!&nbsp;<br />I can offer my experiences thrifting in Israel and the United States (and Italy and England briefly) in comparison.<br />Israelis, like many others apparently, tend to like NEW. Even in housing. I made out like a bandit my first few years of thrifting in Israel (once my youngest kids were started pre-school basically, so about 13 years ago). I eventually was offered a sorting job at a local charity shop, where I worked for two years. Through all the hours of sifting and sorting I have become very good (if I may say so myself) at spotting quality fabrics, labels, cuts, etc. These days, second hand shopping has become much, much more acceptable, particularly with the younger generation who is much more sensitive to global environmental issues. All along I have up-sold great finds at consignment shops and on-line as a way to fund my thrifting. Having worked at a charity shop I will say that we would recycle <b>tons</b> of clothes a month, and this is true for most charity shops. Anyone who buys and brings money to the charity is welcome. Anyway, sorry for going on and on on my favorite topic. Looking forward to seeing your finds!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/long-my-shopping-methods-in-hk-secondhand-thrifting-charity-shops-in-hong-kong#post-2128553 Sat, 20 Jun 2020 11:20:09 +0000 Star (Lise) 2128553@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No Bulgarians cannot donate their clothing back to the store.&nbsp; The 2nd hand clothing for sale in stores here is donated by people from other countries.&nbsp; That is why we have such a vast selection.&nbsp; Bulgarians tend to leave their unwanted clothing in a pile next to the other re-cycle bins (paper/plastic/glass) where those who are in dire need help themselves.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/long-my-shopping-methods-in-hk-secondhand-thrifting-charity-shops-in-hong-kong#post-2128550 Sat, 20 Jun 2020 11:02:33 +0000 rachylou 2128550@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>An interesting thought! I wouldn’t know about HK or Chinese feelings about newness, despite being part Chinese ethnically. My people are long out of China and certainly pre-PRC. But I do remember how I thought I could shop in China because ‘everything is made in China’ and then I learned I’m a big fat American cow, lololol! ;)</p> <p>I suppose I also have outdated/off notions about having clothes tailor made in Hong Kong... that you don’t go there to shop, but to have clothes made... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/long-my-shopping-methods-in-hk-secondhand-thrifting-charity-shops-in-hong-kong#post-2128544 Sat, 20 Jun 2020 09:21:28 +0000 Zaeobi 2128544@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Haha @Sal I can definitely sympathise - like @JAileen, you could probably find *something* if you're willing to shop at the malls (@Angie may have better insights into this, having lived here) or get something tailored (HK is famous for its fast turnaround), but I appreciate that's not most people's priority when they're on holiday. A satin scarf or souvenir t-shirt from the Mong Lol Ladies' Market will have to do, instead </p> <p>Haha I don't think most flats here have space for a tumble dryer, unfortunately - we don't even have a dishwasher! Thankfully we have a washing machine, though - I usually hang my clothes up to dry on the balcony or on makeshift rods inside the flat. It's not ideal but I was once a student in a tiny dorm room - I know how to make do! </p> <p>Thank you @Sal - I feel our lifestyles &amp; colouring may be different (&amp; therefore the sorts of colours &amp; clothes we wear more often) but I enjoy seeing your style here too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/long-my-shopping-methods-in-hk-secondhand-thrifting-charity-shops-in-hong-kong#post-2128543 Sat, 20 Jun 2020 09:14:45 +0000 Zaeobi 2128543@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Jenn NZ What a lovely story - just more proof that fate/ the universe/ whatever-you-believe-in certainly has a sense of humour! I hope your daughter is able to make it to Vietnam - I visited back in 2018 and it's a wonderful place. People are so helpful! But maybe that's just because I live in a big city, where everyone is too busy on their phones to take time out of their day for strangers Anyway, would love to return some day, but for now we're trying to see as much as we can on this side of the world whilst it's still convenient to do so (before we move back to the west). </p> <p>Don't worry about losing your place in this thread - it's inevitable that you're always going to have wade through my comment essays, regardless of which time you choose to post </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/long-my-shopping-methods-in-hk-secondhand-thrifting-charity-shops-in-hong-kong#post-2128542 Sat, 20 Jun 2020 09:08:02 +0000 Zaeobi 2128542@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Haha @JAileen you probably *could* shop here in HK (it's popular as a shopping destination, after all), but it would likely have to be at Western brands in the fancy malls where everything is automatically more expensive. Which is doable if you're a tourist staying in the expat area, but not if you live with in-laws who speak little English, like me But even then, there's probably little point in going all that way for brands you could likely find closer to home anyway! </p> <p>I hope your thrift store is able to reopen soon - you may find the Guardian article linked to by @Suz (above) useful for tips. I agree with the article that such shops are often an important part of the local community - it would be a real shame to see them disappear due to circumstances outside of their control </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/long-my-shopping-methods-in-hk-secondhand-thrifting-charity-shops-in-hong-kong#post-2128541 Sat, 20 Jun 2020 09:02:05 +0000 Zaeobi 2128541@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Diana Your point about family makes sense - I realise that even in Pakistan, where those reseller markets exist, things are still technically new (just with a small defect). Very rarely do I see South Asian clothing donated to charity shops in the UK - even with my own family, my mother would rather take my entire pushchair back to Pakistan (so my cousins could continue to use it), even though donating it in the UK would have by far been the more convenient option!</p> <p>Haha I actually came to Hong Kong after having lived in Brazil for a bit, so I hear you on the blow to your self esteem that HK's sizing system can have - back in BR, I felt like a goddess with my naturally tan skin (that would just become more golden brown in the sun there) &amp; round backside lol. Over here, I feel like all of that makes me 'wrong' - I can't tell you how frustrating it is to try &amp; find makeup to match my skintone when it's high summer over here, for example. Even where they carry the same brands as in the UK, they don't stock all of the shades - but that's a problem for another thread... </p> <p>Thanks for the well wishes! We went away for our honeymoon in January, &amp; got back *right before* lockdown began lol. Married life is good for now, but we're well aware of the privilege we have in being able to continue our jobs online throughout the protests &amp; virus. Not everyone is that blessed here, unfortunately </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/long-my-shopping-methods-in-hk-secondhand-thrifting-charity-shops-in-hong-kong#post-2128540 Sat, 20 Jun 2020 08:52:30 +0000 Zaeobi 2128540@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Roxanna Haha we can be body twins! In all seriousness though, I find it really useful to be able to see photos &amp; style input from people who look similar to me on such forums - it's often difficult for me to visualise what something will look like on me when I only ever see it modelled on tall &amp; thin models So I'm glad you found my photos useful too - often I find it easier to clearly see what's working &amp; what's not on someone else's photos than my own (maybe due to my personal bias whenever I see my own pictures, lol). </p> <p>Your point about culture is interesting - I guess I never thought of it that way but you're right, being frugal with your own hand-me-downs isn't the same as being ok with outright *purchasing* secondhand. My mother would never let me buy anything full price growing up - we would only ever shop during the sales, but that would still be at 'actual' stores. I hadn't realised how much that's affected my own shopping patterns as an adult. </p> <p>That said, my mother loved to take me to 'car boot sales' when I was a kid, but I would have to keep it a secret from my father because he thinks secondhand shopping is 'unhygienic' lol. In the UK, the 'boot' of a car is what I believe North Americans refer to as the 'trunk'. We don't often have driveways in front of our houses as big as the ones there, so yard sales aren't as common for us. Instead, communities will rent out the local football or rugby field (often early on a Sunday), then charge a cover fee to everyone who drives their cars onto that field. Those people load the boot of their cars full of stuff beforehand, then open them up &amp; sell directly from their car boots on the field (some people even bring folding tables &amp; railings to easily display their goods). The rest of us then pay a small fee to descend onto the field from 6am or so (you can go later in the day, but often all of the good stuff has already been snapped up by 12pm or so). Often ice cream vans or actual companies like food trucks will also join in - I remember even seeing bouncy castles a few times! </p> <p>Anyway sorry for the long explanation about 'car boot sales', but it just occurred to me that other nations may not have this sort of shopping experience &amp; community get-together all rolled into one event - would be interesting to hear what other versions exist in your countries @everyone ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/long-my-shopping-methods-in-hk-secondhand-thrifting-charity-shops-in-hong-kong#post-2128539 Sat, 20 Jun 2020 08:34:01 +0000 Zaeobi 2128539@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for your responses, everyone - it's truly fascinating to read about the variations in 'shopping culture' all over the globe!</p> <p>@Star Your situation sounds like there's a back &amp; forth with clothing donations, correct? What I mean is, Bulgarians can also donate their old clothing to the same shops that they buy their secondhand or gently flawed clothing from, right? I definitely hear you on there being a market for this - HK may seem to be a rich city, but there's certainly a huge gap in wealth (especially due to the steep housing prices here). Truth be told, I felt a little guilty in the charity shop because I could see many people there who perhaps weren't shopping just for leisure's sake. But I'm hoping so long as I don't 'overshop', that there will still be enough left for everyone else (I'm familiar with resellers, for example, in the scenario you describe - where people deliberately buy Cheap secondhand clothing they aren't planning to keep, but just so they can sell it for a profit online). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/long-my-shopping-methods-in-hk-secondhand-thrifting-charity-shops-in-hong-kong#post-2128484 Fri, 19 Jun 2020 22:37:46 +0000 Sal 2128484@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Zaeobi and everyone - fascinating thread. Zaeobi - pleased you have found a way to shop that works for you. I couldn’t find anything in Hong Kong on my visit - at a Nz 12-14 and 5 foot 9 I was a giant!</p> <p>A small space definitely adds a challenge to wardrobe management - and even laundry - do you air dry or tumble dry your clothes? </p> <p>You have a wonderful sense of colour and I enjoy your vibrant style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/long-my-shopping-methods-in-hk-secondhand-thrifting-charity-shops-in-hong-kong#post-2128483 Fri, 19 Jun 2020 22:29:32 +0000 Jenni NZ 2128483@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Zaeobi I think I like the back story the most! It resonates because of my daughter going from NZ to work in San Francisco aged 22 and meeting the Vietnamese man who would become her future husband at the airport. They married last year, 6 years later, and are currently locked down in Contra Costa County in the SF Bay Area. The coronavirus has put paid so far to their plans to moving to Vietnam this year. They may still be able to do so later in the year as Vietnam has managed the virus really well through strict borders and strict rules.<br /> I found the Vietnamese staff pushy in stores there last year- but have also found this in most countries- certainly Fiji, Thailand, Bali and possibly others that I forget. I found the UK better, but possibly because NZ is a colony with a British cultural background.<br /> Might write more later, am on my phone so will post this in case I might lose my reply which has happened before. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/long-my-shopping-methods-in-hk-secondhand-thrifting-charity-shops-in-hong-kong#post-2128458 Fri, 19 Jun 2020 20:13:20 +0000 JAileen 2128458@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Zaeobi, your description of shopping in Hong Kong was very interesting. &nbsp;At 5’6”, I probably couldn’t shop there. &nbsp;Oh well</p> <p>I’ve been volunteering at a thrift shop here for more than a decade. &nbsp;Pre Covid, as many people as wanted to come in, could do so. &nbsp;We had dressing rooms, and a large clean restroom. &nbsp;We haven’t reopened, but when we do, the number of people will be restricted, the dressing rooms will be closed, and the restrooms will only be available to members/volunteers. &nbsp;I think we may open up next month. &nbsp;They’re still trying to work out how we’ll take donations. &nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/long-my-shopping-methods-in-hk-secondhand-thrifting-charity-shops-in-hong-kong#post-2128438 Fri, 19 Jun 2020 18:51:36 +0000 Diana 2128438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My personal experience (I'm chinese, but born and raised in the US) is that it's considered fine, and even admirable, to reuse/recycle items&nbsp;<i>within your own family</i> (extended or nuclear), but it's used stuff from&nbsp;<i>strangers&nbsp;</i>that bugs people. &nbsp;It's that whole&nbsp;<i>you don't know where it's been&nbsp;</i>mentality and the idea that the family unit is inherently superior. &nbsp;</p> <p>I've only been to HK once, over 20 years ago, but even back then I definitely experienced what you're describing about sizing and pushy shopkeepers! &nbsp;I'm also around your height. &nbsp;Even at age 16 (and a good deal thinner than I am now!), I was an XL in HK, which was terrible for teenage me's body image, let me tell you. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>I loved reading your thoughts on HK style and culture here! &nbsp; It's really fascinating.</p> <p>Congratulations on your wedding! &nbsp;Hope you are staying safe with everything going on. &nbsp;❤️ </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/long-my-shopping-methods-in-hk-secondhand-thrifting-charity-shops-in-hong-kong#post-2128414 Fri, 19 Jun 2020 16:42:05 +0000 Roxanna 2128414@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Zaeobi,</p> <p>I loved reading this snapshot of your life in HK and thrifting! I am exactly your height, have a pear-shaped body as well, and am of East indian origin (my parents are from east Africa and my husband in Pakistani.) In terms of traditions, my mother is a HUGE thrifter (we could only afford to shop garage sales when we first moved to Canada!) but interestingly, my&nbsp; Pakistani in-laws have the same attitude as your in-laws and don't like to buy 'used' things even though they are very frugal.</p> <p>I ADORE thriftign for a number of reasons, and finding things in my size and for my body shape in a big one. I listed my thrifting revelations here:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-life-changing-magic-of-thrifting-up">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....rifting-up</a></p> <p>Can't wait to hear more from you on this. Also - I meant to say that i really appreciated your post and photos on my 'I hate stripes' post. I liked you in both tops but far preferred you in the beautiful emerald blouse, and found your examples similar to how I see myself in stripes. I'm with you in that stripes sometimes make me feel to juvenile - but you're right that the colour of the stripes makes a big difference! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/long-my-shopping-methods-in-hk-secondhand-thrifting-charity-shops-in-hong-kong#post-2128412 Fri, 19 Jun 2020 15:56:24 +0000 Star (Lise) 2128412@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Re: 2nd hand fast fashion, some of the shops (the 3 that I frequented) in BG are actually an international charity organisation - and profits made do go into charity projects (in various countries according to their website).&nbsp; The situation here is interesting because there is a definite need for cheaper clothing for lots of people, while others manage to make a small business from it, or the bona-fide charity shops scenario.&nbsp; BG also manufactures for 'western' high-end labels and although these clothes are only for export but we do sometimes get the lightly flawed stuff at a super low price - like the striped top I posted recently on the forum. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/long-my-shopping-methods-in-hk-secondhand-thrifting-charity-shops-in-hong-kong#post-2128399 Fri, 19 Jun 2020 15:03:31 +0000 Zaeobi 2128399@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm <b>Suz</b> I guess the SAs will just have to find other, distant ways to make you feel pressured into buying. Some will resort to following me around the store whilst trying to make it look like they're not, but that's a story for another day(!) </p> <p>Oh yes, comparing notes is a good idea - maybe others will find it useful to know where they may find secondhand clothing that best fits their proportions &amp; then shop there? Although shopping on an international holiday seems like a figment of the pre-COVID imagination, at this point... Or maybe they could order clothing from there instead (eg. via sites like Etsy or Poshmark?) Would you say that German clothing generally skews taller for example, then? </p> <p>The Guardian article you shared makes complete sense - I remember I had 5-6 bags worth of donations to make when I first started working from home due to the protests! My area actually had big metal containers already set up to take clothing donations (I live in an area with many elderly folk, so things in this particular district are designed to be more convenient for them) - the containers are now overflowing during thanks to COVID-19 though! </p> <p>I definitely share your apprehension of secondhand fitting rooms! There actually isn't enough room in many HK shops for them (even pre-COVID, this is probably one of the most expensive places in the world to rent floor space). So I knew I was taking a gamble when I bought these items before trying them on, but it's a relief to know I could just redonate them if it didn't work out, since it's not like paying 'true' retail prices - a similar 100% silk pussybow blouse cost around £500 when I last checked in a mall! One of my favourite charity shops back home in the UK actually had a 14 day return period - so often I'd take an item home to try it on (over some thin clothing, since I'd prefer to wash it before it touches skin) &amp; then be able to return it if it didn't fit. Return policies are much more stringent (or nonexistent) out here! </p>