Fashion has divided into two generations: Millennials and Gen Z. While the former adopted a luxurious style of fashion, Gen Z lacks that obsession. They are independent and frugal. This can be measured in three aspects: first, the interest in second-hand clothing; second, the use of unisex clothing; and third, oversized and minimalist styles. The popularity of thrift shops in Kathmandu is rapidly increasing. Influenced by social media, changing consumer culture, and environmental awareness, buying and selling second-hand clothes has become an important part of fashion, especially among the Gen Z generation.
Today’s youth do not look only for expensive brands. They prioritize their own identity, comfort, affordability, and sustainability. As a result, the number of thrift stores is growing in Nepal, and the expansion of the second-hand clothing market is changing the meaning of fashion. Previously, fashion was associated with new clothes, expensive brands, and flashy appearances, but today’s Gen Z understands fashion as a means of self-expression.
According to Gaurav Pokharel, a second-year undergraduate student at World Peace Chirran Milan Campus in Bansbari, Kathmandu, today’s youth pay more attention to what suits them rather than what others are wearing. He says Gen Z takes fashion not only as a trend to follow but as a medium to express their own personalities. Through social media, fashion trends from around the world are easily accessible, linking Nepalese youth to international fashion.
Thrifting provides young people the opportunity to adopt their desired styles within a limited budget. For this reason, Gen Z has started to consider it an important fashion option. Social media has made thrifting “cool.” According to Kusum KC, owner of Thrift By Kuski, thrifting is not just about buying second-hand clothes but also signals a change in consumption habits. Looking at Gen Z’s fashion choices, they trust personal identity building more than brand displays.
