MAIN CAMPUS, 4 April- Over 90 channels on Telegram have been created by the students of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) mainly devoted for selling and buying secondhand clothes. Students indulging in this pre-loved culture is considered as a way for them to normalize sustainable fashion and to spend a reasonable price on clothes. 

​

“Sweatshirt and dress pre-loved” channel owner, Nur Izzatul Syazirah, Management 1, selling unused clothes or clothes that is no longer needed is much more of a wise choice rather than throwing them away simply.

​

Izzatul mentioned that not only the students could get quality clothes in a lower price, it also encourages them to be a sustainable consumer especially in today’s world of being against fast fashion. 

​

“Besides Telegram I have tried utilizing other mediums such as Whatsapp, Instagram, Carousell to sell my clothes. Over 20 clothes has been sold since the day I started the channel which was 3 months ago,” said Izzatul. 

​

Izzatush Syakirah Binti Kamarunzaman, Mathematical Science 2, compared to online shopping and roaming around shopping malls for clothes, Telegram pre-loved channels has been more convenient. 

​

Izzatush mentioned that all the channels follow the same pattern to purchase the item which is, the buyer would comment on the post, soon the admin would proceed to text the buyer to discuss about the payment.

​

“I would not get exactly what I want, but sometimes the clothes in those channels manages to catch my eyes then later it depends on me to style them when I am heading to my classes,” said Izzatul. 

​

“Sometimes the prices could be bargained too,” she adds.

​

“Blouse pre-loved” channel owner, Nur Rifah Rasyiqah binti Mohd Sahrudin, Chemistry 2, students could also earn side income from this activity as well as could learn to be a smart person when it comes to spending on materialistic things.

​

Rifah mentioned that buying secondhand clothes could extend the life of a garment along with that it minimizes the harm towards the environment.

​

“Even though I have my own channel, sometimes I do enjoy purchasing some unique piece of clothing from different channels. As an university student, I consider this as one of the cheapest way to reinvent your style from time to time,” said Rifah. 

​

Text: Sharvena Kanapathy/Photo: Sharvena Kanapathy

Created on 4th April 2024

​