December 21, 2006: Ironic it may seem. Asia is hub of Garments export to Europe or North America. In any big store in Europe or America and you see the best of the garments made in Asia whether it is India or Pakistan or China or any other country in South East Asia. But the same very clothes come back to these countries as used clothing at fraction of the prices and are literally grabbed by people in matter of moments. Markets are echoing with offers where street vendors of used imported clothes attract huge crowds in winter season. The trade in used clothes has crossed US$ 50 million last year and it is increasing by 25% per year for the last two years. The trade of these items is not limited to the lower sections of the society. If the cars on which the purchasers come is any indication, even upmarket customers throng the area for getting a deal. Shirts, Jackets, Tracksuits and Shoes attract most customers. The clothing items attract most buyers because of latest fashions and cheaper deals.

A point that comes up stark is these clothes are worne by customers for few years before being discarded. This reflects the average period that when the time is right for a European to discard a cloth, it is the right time for Asian customer to pick the same up. Come to Pakistan where markets of Light House, Banaras Chowk or Old Haji Camp witness overwhelming rush of buyers almost every day in the current season. Apart from these, pushcarts could be seen in every other market, while the second-hand clothing stalls in weekly bazaars are also doing roaring business.

Taking Pakistan Prices for reference, a slightly used leather jacket in immaculate condition is available for Rs300 whereas a new leather jacket starts from Rs3,000. Similarly, sweaters costing Rs1000 are available for Rs100 to Rs200. The cloths are in good condition and there are hardly any faults. You can get cloths of reputed brands as Diesel, Gap, Nike Levis, Calvin Kline, Armani, Van Heusen, Peter England, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, etc.