Guides & JournalWhat Is Thrifting? Thrift Shopping in Pakistan
Thrifting means buying pre-owned clothes, shoes, bags and other items at lower prices than new. A thrift store sells these second-hand pieces, and thrifted clothes are simply clothes someone owned before. In Pakistan thrift shopping has grown fast, especially for shoes, jackets and branded clothing, because you can find good labels and unique pieces for much less. Here's what thrifting means and how to thrift well.
What does thrift mean?
The word "thrift" means being careful with money — kifayat in Urdu. In shopping, it has come to mean buying second-hand: a thrift store sells pre-owned items, and "thrifting" is shopping that way. Thrifted clothes and thrifted shoes are pieces that had an owner before you.
Why thrift shopping is popular in Pakistan
Thrift has grown from a budget option into a style choice. People thrift for:
- Branded pieces for less — imported and branded clothes at a fraction of the new price.
- One-of-a-kind finds — styles you won't see in every shop.
- Shoes and jackets — rising favourites, especially before winter.
- Less waste — a good piece gets a second life instead of being thrown away.
Where to thrift in Pakistan
Most cities have busy used-clothes markets, often called landa bazaars, where you can dig through racks and check every piece in person. It takes time and patience, but the prices can be very low.
Thrift shopping online saves that time. Sellers pick, clean and photograph pieces for you, and you can compare sizes and conditions from home. The trade-off is that you rely on photos and descriptions, so the checks below matter even more.
| What matters | Markets | Online thrift |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Often lowest | A little higher — sellers clean and select pieces |
| Checking | Touch and try in person | Photos, measurements and condition labels |
| Time | Hours of searching | Minutes, from home |
| Delivery | You carry it home | Delivered to your door |
How to check thrift clothes before you buy
Thrift is only a bargain if the piece is in good shape. Look closely at photos (or the item itself) for:
- Stains, especially around collars, cuffs and underarms.
- Holes, loose seams and pilling on the fabric.
- Broken zips, missing buttons and stretched necklines.
- The size label and real measurements — sizes vary by brand.
- Fading and colour marks from washing.
How to check thrift shoes
Clean thrift shoes before wearing them, even if they look fresh.
- Soles: even wear, no cracks, and grip still there.
- Insides: clean, no tears in the lining.
- Stitching and glue around the edges.
- The exact size, and whether the brand runs small or large.
Buying thrift online safely
Online thrift is convenient, but ask for clear photos of any flaws and exact measurements before you pay. On dapxop, sellers in the Thrift & Pre-loved section state the condition of every item — New, Like new, Gently used or Used — and you can pay cash on delivery, or an advance that's paid to dapxop and checked before the order goes to the seller. You can also report a problem after delivery.
For more safety tips, read How to Spot a Fake Online Seller in Pakistan.
After your thrift order arrives
Wash or dry-clean clothes before wearing them, air out bags, and clean shoes inside and out. It's the simplest way to make a thrifted piece feel new.
Have clothes you no longer wear? How to Sell Used Clothes Online in Pakistan shows how to turn them into money — and How to Start a Thrift Store in Pakistan if you'd like to make it a business.
Find thrift clothes, shoes and bags from small sellers across Pakistan.
Shop thrift on dapxop →Explore on dapxop
Frequently asked
What is thrifting?
Thrifting is buying pre-owned clothes, shoes, bags and other items at lower prices than new.
What is a thrift store?
A thrift store sells second-hand items. Many thrift stores in Pakistan now sell online, including small sellers on dapxop.
What are thrifted clothes?
Thrifted clothes are clothes that had an owner before, bought second-hand, often for much less than the new price.
What does thrift mean in Urdu?
The word thrift means being careful with money — kifayat in Urdu. In shopping, it means buying second-hand.
Is it safe to buy thrift clothes online?
Yes, if you check photos of any flaws and exact measurements first. On dapxop the condition is stated on every thrift listing, and advance payments are checked by dapxop before the order goes to the seller.
Should I wash thrift clothes before wearing them?
Yes. Wash or dry-clean thrifted clothes, and clean thrift shoes inside and out, before you wear them.