AMMAN — In the face of rising living costs and stagnant wages, a growing number of Jordanians are turning to online thrift shops, not only as a way to save money, but also to express personal style and embrace a shifting cultural identity.

 

“From curated vintage Instagram and Facebook pages to casual closet cleanouts, secondhand fashion has carved out a buzzing digital space,” said Dalia Qasem, a Jordanian stylist in her 30s.

 

“I started by selling pieces from my own wardrobe about two years ago,” said 24-year-old Sereen Yousef. “Now I either head to Juma Souk to sell a few items or offer them to online thrift pages.” She added, “Everything is handled through direct messages and local delivery apps.”

 

For many young Jordanians, especially women, thrifting has evolved into more than a budget-friendly option; it is also a stand against fast fashion and a means of expressing individuality.

 

“People often assume we thrift just because of financial pressure,” said Lina Karim, an avid secondhand shopper. “But for many of us, it’s a cultural shift. It’s about identity, I don’t want to wear what everyone else is wearing.”

 

Karim noted that the stigma once associated with secondhand shopping is fading. “Now, people see thrifting as a way to stand out.”

 

According to those active in the space, Jordan’s growing digital thrift economy is not only rooted in financial necessity but also in a sense of community, a grassroots movement reshaping how people consume, connect, and create value from what already exists.