“Na mumu dey go boutique. If you package okrika well, nobody go know. [Only a fool goes to the boutique. If you style thrift clothing well, nobody will know it’s thrift]”
If you’ve ever visited popular thrift markets in Nigeria, like Katangua Market in Lagos or Mile One Market in Port Harcourt, you must have heard a thrift seller echoing that phrase. While it shouldn’t be taken literally, it suggests that thrift clothing can pass as luxury fashion if properly styled. However, styling thrift wear and still slaying requires both choosing quality pieces and creativity.
Thrift clothing, popularly known in Nigeria as okrika (okirika) or Bend Down Select, refers to second-hand clothing. They are typically shipped from the UK, US, and some European countries and sold in Nigeria at affordable rates. Unlike high-end fashion brands, thrift clothing has varying quality. Contrary to popular opinion, okrika clothing may include both previously worn clothes and new clothes donated for charity. Growing up, I remember people often looking down on those who shopped at thrift stores. But times have changed. Today, okrika clothing has gained popularity even among high-income earners thanks to its unique pieces and the rising cost of new clothing. However, standing out in thrifted wear requires more than just buying unique pieces – you also need to know how to style them to shine! If you want to turn heads in that okrika clothes, this article is for you.
How to style thrift clothing (okrika)
Here are some tips on styling thrifted clothes (okrika) to look stunning and unique:
1. Choose quality thrift wear
Styling thrift clothing and slaying begins with choosing the right pieces. Go for thrift clothes made from silk, cotton and denim because they look better and last longer. Also, look out for good colors that suit your skin tone and pay attention to the fabric texture. Thrifting requires a lot of patience, as you need to dig through until you find that unique piece. So when next you visit the thrift store near you, take your time to choose high-quality clothes.
2. Mend and launder your thrift clothes
When styling thrifted clothes, you may need to adjust and mend them to fit your style. Secondhand clothes might not always look their best straight from the store, so don’t be discouraged if they appear worn out or don’t fit perfectly. If it’s something that can be mended or altered, go for it and then take it to a tailor to get it reshaped.
To remove the odor from okrika clothes, soak them in warm water before washing properly. Then iron them to perfection, and you will have clean, stylish clothes that will help you stand out.
3. Avoid counterfeits
When shopping for thrift clothing, ensure you’re buying authentic pieces, especially if you’re looking for luxury brands. Be cautious of fake designer items because some okrika sellers in Nigeria mix fake luxury clothing with thrift clothes. You might end up buying “Ifendi” instead of Fendi. To avoid this, inspect the item carefully for signs of authenticity, such as logos, serial numbers, and quality stitching. Wearing fake designer clothing will not only reduce your steeze, it will also make you look tacky.
4. Add accessories
Accessories can enhance an outfit’s appearance, and when styling thrift wear to perfection, they are important. Add a wristwatch, a bold necklace, or a trendy handbag to elevate your okrika clothes. Mixing luxurious accessories with your thrifted finds can create a unique style.
5. Pair designer clothing with thrift wear
To truly slay in thrift clothing, master the art of mixing and matching thrift wear with luxury fashion. Pair a designer shirt with thrifted jeans trousers and fresh sneakers for a casual chic look. For the ladies, you can rock your thrifted gown with a designer blazer to achieve a corporate look. The goal is to elevate your style by combining high-end pieces with your okrika clothes.
6. Draw inspiration from fashion influencers
By drawing inspiration from stylish celebrities and fashion influencers, you can learn how to style your thrift clothing. For example, you can get inspiration from influencers like Vincent Ebuka (@litosman001 on Instagram), who showcases stylish and creative ways to wear okrika. While you might not find the exact okrika pieces, their color combinations and styling ideas can inspire you to create a unique look.
Where to buy thrift clothing (Okrika) in Nigeria
The thrift clothing business in Nigeria is booming, and you can find quality okrika in thrift stores across the country. Whether you want to buy in bulk to resell or buy for personal use, here’s a list of popular thrift markets in major Nigerian cities:
1. Thrift market in Lagos
Here are some of the popular thrift markets to explore in Lagos:
- Katangua Market located in Abule Egba/Iyana Ipaja axis, is one of the largest thrift markets in Lagos.
- Yaba Market offers good quality okrika clothes at affordable rates.
- Balogun Market located in Lagos Island near Marina, also offers high-quality thrift fabrics and textiles.
- Aswani Market is another thrift market in Lagos. Tuesdays are special days for thrift shopping in Aswani Market.
2. Thrift market in Ibadan
Dugbe Market located in Kola Adegbola Street in Ibadan, Oyo state, is regarded as the biggest thrift market in Ibadan.
3. Thrift market in Abuja
Here are some of the popular thrift markets in Abuja:
- Garki Model Market located at 22 Samuel Ladoke Akintola Boulevard, Garki, is home to some of the best thrift stores in Abuja.
- Nyanya Market is another popular thrift market in Abuja. It is located at Nyanya, Urban Mass along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway.
- Karimo Market located along Kado Fish Market, Idogwari, offers affordable second-hand clothing, shoes, and accessories. It is open on Tuesdays and Fridays.
4. Thrift market in Port Harcourt
The popular Nigerian word for thrift clothing, okrika, was derived from the Okrika town in Rivers State. According to information gathered by DNB Stories Africa, Okrika Port was a major hub in Nigeria for second-hand clothing imports in the 1950s. Today, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has two major thrift markets:
- Oil Mill Market located in Eleme Junction is one of the best places to go thrifting in Port Harcourt. They sell very affordable okrika clothes and are open every Wednesday.
- Mile One Market located in Diobu, Mile One, Port Harcourt offers a variety of thrift clothing at affordable prices.
5. Thrift market in Aba
Ahia Ohuru (New Market) and Ariaria Market in Aba, Abia State, have some of the cheapest thrift stores in Nigeria. You can also find Made-in-Nigeria designer clothes there.
6. Thrift markets online
The okrika business in Nigeria has also gone digital, allowing you to shop for thrift wear online. Many clothing vendors on Instagram and Facebook offer quality thrift items with nationwide delivery. However, when shopping online, always research sellers, check reviews, and verify authenticity to avoid falling for scams.
Finding great thrift clothing is just the first step to making a bold fashion statement. With the fashion tips shared in this article, you can create unique and stylish looks out of your thrifted clothes.
How else do you style your okrika clothes? Share your tips with us in the comments section.
