Indonesian Consumers Purchase Imported Second-Hand Lingerie for Unexpected Reasons

Not only are second-hand imported underwear and bras available at Pasar Senen, but second-hand imported lingerie is also sold there, albeit in smaller quantities than bras and underwear. Like other second-hand imported clothing, second-hand imported lingerie differs from locally made products in terms of price, design, and quality.

The differences extend across pricing, design, and quality between imported second-hand lingerie and new local products. Merchants highlight a notable distinction in design, where imported second-hand items typically offer greater variety compared to locally manufactured products.

Neri, a second-hand intimate apparel seller at Pasar Senen, explains that imported second-hand lingerie offers more design variety. “Imported second-hand items have more varied designs, not the same repetitive styles, so buyers can browse first, and if something appeals to them, they buy it,” Neri told CNBC Indonesia on Monday, 9 March 2026.

Additionally, the significantly lower prices also attract buyers. “For imported second-hand items at our shop, the maximum price is 75,000 rupiah, nothing exceeds 100,000 rupiah. For local products, prices certainly go higher,” she continued.

Typically, imported lingerie sold features prestigious brands such as Victoria Secret, Wacoal, and La Perla. “These are the brands customers usually seek – they’re branded, inexpensive, and where else can you find such a combination,” she noted.

Another seller, Mamang, similarly emphasises the unique designs and pricing. “Imported second-hand lingerie has unique designs that cannot be found in local production,” Mamang said.

Price also influences buyer interest. Well-known brands combined with low prices make second-hand imported lingerie quite attractive. “Price is the main factor, really. Think about it – for just 50,000 rupiah, you can get a famous brand,” he explained.

Quality represents another difference, with imported products typically offering superior quality. “In terms of quality, local products sometimes stretch easily, whereas imported ones don’t. Plus, the sizes tend to be larger,” he noted.

Regarding why buyers pursue second-hand imported lingerie, Dewi, one shopper, explains that size variety is a key factor. “The sizing is important – there’s more variety, and the sizes tend to be larger,” Dewi told CNBC Indonesia.

Additionally, unique design is another reason. “Secondly, the design is quite unique in shape, and it doesn’t stretch easily,” she continued.

However, the primary appeal remains the low price combined with access to famous brands. “For 70,000 rupiah, you can already get well-known brands – where else can you find that,” she explained.