Women Flock to Buy Imported Second-Hand Bras at Senen Market
JAKARTA — Thrifting for second-hand clothing at Senen Market in Central Jakarta extends beyond shirts, jackets and trousers. Several visitors are also actively searching for used imported undergarments, particularly bras, which sell at low prices and are considered more durable.
One such shopper is Feni (42), whose hands moved deftly through piles of used imported bras at one shop in Senen Market on Tuesday (10 March 2026). She examined numerous discounted used bras selling for IDR 15,000 per piece, chatting with other women browsing the same items.
“Usually they’re good quality, where are the nice ones? How are they sold out?” Feni said softly to fellow shoppers.
“Are the thin-foam bras sold out?” she asked a shop assistant, inquiring about the specific type she was seeking.
The shop assistant then showed her a collection of used bras priced between IDR 20,000 and IDR 25,000 per piece, displayed in various colours in rows at the front of the shop.
“Yes, but at a different price, ma’am. These also have thin foam,” the assistant replied.
Feni examined the items, selecting one ivory-yellow used bra and continuing to browse lace-style models.
When approached by Kompas.com, Feni enthusiastically explained that hunting for second-hand bras has become a regular activity whenever she visits Senen Market.
“Today I actually came thrifting for shirts at Senen Market. But I made time to shop for used undergarments too. I often buy second-hand bras because they’re durable,” she explained.
“They really are durable. These are imported, even though they’re second-hand. I can wear them for over two years and the elastic still feels tight. New bras I buy lose their elasticity quickly in my experience,” Feni added.
The Rangkasbitung, Banten resident previously sold clothing at Senen Market, which is why she has long known that various types of used imported undergarments are sold there.
“Many vendors sell imported second-hand undergarments here. There are seven or eight shops. They stock different items. Usually from Japan and Korea,” she said.