I have received some unpalatable remarks from my friends about my choice of always going for second-hand clothes. (Second-hand clothes are also called Okrika clothes in Nigeria.) The first time I received such a demeaning remark, I took it lightly because I understood that the person didn’t have full knowledge of Okrika wear. I grew up in the city of Lagos, and during my early years, my parents always opted for first-hand or what some people may refer to as ready-made clothes. These clothes came in attractive colors and designs, but one thing that didn’t sit well with me at that time was the fact that, most of the time, I would see many people wearing the same colors and designs as me. I always felt shy when I came across someone wearing the same “uniform” as me.
When I entered a higher institution, I got the opportunity to buy my own clothing items. I started first with some students who came into the hostel in the evenings and during weekdays to sell Okrika clothes. The first top that I got from them, I really enjoyed its unique look and quality. From there, I fell in love with Okrika clothes. One impression I would like to correct is that second-hand clothes are not only purchased by poor people; some well-to-do individuals also buy them. It’s all a matter of choice.
What did I find Unique about Second-hand Clothes?
I started appreciating second-hand clothing more when I began buying from popular Okrika markets in Lagos, such as Aswani Market, Yaba Market, Balogun Market, Katangua Market, Oshodi Market, and Tejuosho Market. These markets are where both wholesalers and retailers purchase these clothes. You will find different grades of Okrika and have a wide range of options to choose from.
These second-hand clothes are affordable. As a student back in the day, it helped me save money and still get what I wanted fashion-wise. I was able to have a reasonable number of clothes due to this buying method.
Most of these second-hand clothes come in irresistible designs and quality. I found most of the vintage clothes I admired in these category of clothes.There are clothes that I can’t dream of buying firsthand, but with the second-hand clothing method, I was able to buy as many as I could. Getting good tops, skirts, shirts, blouses, and gowns becomes much easier for me. If you know how to identify quality clothes, you will enjoy buying Okrika clothes very much.
Second-hand clothing makes me look unique. As I mentioned earlier, growing up, my parents bought clothes with designs and colors that I could easily see everywhere. This was less common when I switched to buying Okrika clothes. It was only on rare occasions that I saw exact designs and colors, which can happen , especially when you are buying from a bale that is not mixed. For instance, the importer might decide to go to a particular company to get similar clothing designs and import them as Okrika. In most cases, you only get clothing designs that will always make you stand out.
What you should Know about my clothing style
My wardrobe is not entirely filled with second-hand clothes. I prefer them for casual, office, and street wear. I can also buy good ones for other important occasions and events. In Nigeria, the “Asoebi” trend made me start switching things up a little bit. When you’re invited to an occasion with a specific color and even fabric, you may not have any other option than to go for what you are meant to wear. I also have a special place for some fabric types , like Ankara, Aso Oke, Adire, Kampala, Lace, and Sequins. These fabrics help me achieve the style that I desire when I opt for the services of a good fashion designer. You can use the same fabric and sew it to your preferred style.
Okrika clothes come in different grades. Some of the dresses you can get from these bales are brand new, as companies or owners sometimes choose to sell them off using this method. Additionally, many of them are fairly used; these may be clothes that were originally bought at high prices.
This does not mean that there aren’t low-quality Okrika clothes. I remember the day I saw an attractive pair of Okrika jeans; I bought them without realizing they were poorly dyed. After the first wash, the dye faded, leaving me with a garment of such poor quality and color that I couldn’t wear it again. I know this can also happen with brand-new clothes.
One thing that I always advise people who buy Okrika clothes is that they should always wash and iron them well before wearing them. This is for proper hygiene and an appealing appearance.
Instead of persuading those who have a special preference for Okrika clothing, try to find out why they made such a choice. You might also come to appreciate these clothing styles after understanding their reasons.
