Why thrifting is more than just a trend

During my college years, my friends and I would go thrifting—or more commonly known as “ukay-ukay” —along Aurora Boulevard on weekdays, at Sunday markets in Makati, and in Baguio vintage stores along Session Road.

- REY ROBES ILAGAN

Back then, “ukay-ukay” was true to form: You literally had to dive into piles of clothes just to find something worth keeping. Most of the pieces were overly worn and easily discarded, but every nowand then, you’d strike gold. And that’s what made it so fulfilling—the thrill of the hunt.

A few of my most treasured finds remain in my closet to this day: a pair of early ‘90s Prada leather-and-nylon sandals, a Gucci by Tom Ford black patent shoulder bag with the iconic G logo, a sheer printed top by Jean Paul Gaultier, and several generic leather bags that I still use to this day. Each piece came witha story, not just of its past owner, but of my own discovery.

Today, thrifting has evolved into what many now call vintage shopping—a term that carries both nostalgia and sophistication. With the rise of sustainable fashion, “ukay-ukay” has taken on new meaning. Shopping popups now feature curated selections of midto luxury-brand pieces, often displayed like mini boutiques rather than chaotic piles.