The History of Thrifting in Pakistan

Thrifting in Pakistan has a rich and evolving history that intertwines with the country’s economy, culture, and social values. What began as a necessity for affordability has now transformed into a growing movement for sustainability, individuality, and conscious fashion.

The tradition of second-hand markets in Pakistan dates back to the early post-independence years. Imported used clothing—mainly from Europe, the United States, and Japan—began entering the country through charity shipments and surplus donations in the 1960s and 1970s. Over time, these goods found their way into local markets and became known as “lunda kay kaprey” (meaning “used clothes”).

Large cities such as Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi soon became central hubs for this trade. The earliest and most famous lunda bazaars emerged around Empress Market in Karachi and Anarkali in Lahore. These bazaars quickly turned into thriving marketplaces where people from all walks of life could find high-quality winter wear, shoes, and branded items at extremely affordable prices.

During the 1980s and 1990s, the lunda culture spread widely across Pakistan, driven by economic necessity. Many lower- and middle-income families relied on these markets for affordable clothing, particularly in harsh winters. However, despite its practicality, thrifting carried a social stigma — it was often viewed as something only for those who could not afford new clothes.

Over the years, the perception slowly began to shift. As Pakistan’s exposure to international fashion trends grew, people started realizing that second-hand items—especially imported jackets, shoes, and jeans—offered better quality than many locally produced garments. The arrival of well-known brands like Zara, Nike, Adidas, The North Face, and Levi’s in thrift stores further fueled curiosity and acceptance among the youth.

According to data from Pakistan’s Bureau of Statistics and international trade reports, Pakistan is among the world’s top importers of second-hand clothing. In the fiscal year 2020–21, Pakistan imported over 732,000 metric tonnes of used clothes valued at approximately USD 309 million, marking an increase of 83% compared to previous years.

This surge can be attributed to several factors:

What once began as a side business has now turned into a billion-rupee industry supporting thousands of vendors and small businesses nationwide.

In recent years, Pakistan’s thrift culture has moved online. Platforms like Instagram and Shopify have given rise to curated thrift boutiques and resale stores. These digital sellers, often run by young entrepreneurs, focus on quality, authenticity, and sustainability. They offer handpicked collections of jackets, shoes, bags, and accessories from international brands like Napapijri, Columbia, Timberland, and Patagonia — once only available in physical lunda bazaars.

This digital transformation has not only made thrifting accessible to a broader audience but has also given it a new identity. Online thrift stores are now seen as part of a global movement towards slow fashion — promoting sustainability and reducing textile waste.

The younger generation in Pakistan, especially Gen Z and millennials, now view thrifting as a form of expression rather than compromise. It reflects creativity, eco-consciousness, and individuality. The stigma once attached to landa bazaars is fading, replaced by pride in sustainable fashion choices.

Moreover, social media has played a pivotal role in normalizing thrifting. Influencers and bloggers showcase thrifted outfits as trendy and responsible alternatives to fast fashion, inspiring thousands to shop consciously.

Today, thrifting is no longer just about affordability — it’s about ethics, sustainability, and creativity. Karachi’s Sunday Bazaars, Lahore’s Ichhra and Anarkali markets, and Islamabad’s F-6 weekly markets still draw huge crowds, while online thrift brands like ThriftBee, Revive Closet, and of course Lundapur, are redefining the modern resale experience.

The future of thrift in Pakistan looks bright. With increasing global awareness about fashion waste and climate change, Pakistan’s landa culture stands as a sustainable solution deeply rooted in the country’s traditions.

In a world dominated by fast fashion, Pakistan’s thrift markets remind us that style doesn’t have to be new to be valuable — it just needs a second chance.