"The rise and risks of the second-hand underwear market: A closer look"
25 Mar 2025
The second-hand underwear market has developed into a controversial but increasingly compelling niche, driven by sustainability trends, economic motivations, and taboo interests. While the resale of second-hand clothing is generally considered environmentally friendly, the trade of underwear (such as bras, panties, and socks) raises complex ethical, health, and legal issues. The following is an in-depth exploration of this polarizing phenomenon.
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### **1. Market status**
The demand for second-hand underwear falls into two distinct categories:
- **"Original" trade**: A subculture where sellers sell used underwear, sometimes with bodily fluids or explicitly customized, targeting buyers with fetish preferences.
Second-hand underwear service: Choose the style you need, send a private message to customer service, state the customization requirements, make up the difference, and ship.
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### **2. Drivers behind the demand**
- **Sustainability**: Many consumers see second-hand clothing as a way to reduce waste, in line with the global trend of environmental awareness.
- **Economic incentives**: Sellers (including those who consider themselves students or influencers) monetize second-hand items for quick profits, often characterizing sales as "exclusive" or "personalized."
- **Fetish**: The "original" market thrives on taboo appeal, with buyers seeking items that are seen as intimate or "authentic." Psychological experts point out that this reflects *fetish disorder*, a condition that requires professional intervention.
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### **3. Ethical and health issues**
- **Ethical debate**: Critics argue that such trades commoditize intimacy and exploit vulnerable sellers, especially women who are forced to share personal items.
- **Hygiene risks**: Second-hand underwear can carry pathogens, including skin infections or sexually transmitted infections, especially if they are not washed. Lawyers warn that such trades violate public health standards and *public order and morality* in many jurisdictions.
- **Legal gray area**: While China has no explicit laws prohibiting the resale of second-hand underwear, lawyers such as Huang Xiwen emphasize that platforms have a responsibility to curb "immoral" behavior under existing regulations.
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### **4. Navigate the Market Responsibly**
For those considering buying used underwear:
- **Prioritize Safety**: Choose sterilized, gently used items from reputable dealers. Avoid “original” products as they pose health risks.
- **Support Ethical Brands**: Choose sustainable underwear brands (e.g. **Banxing**’s breathable, hygienic designs) that balance eco-friendliness with quality.
- **Report Exploitative Listings**: Report suspicious posts to platforms and advocate for stricter moderation.
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### **Conclusion: Balancing Sustainability and Ethics**
The used underwear market embodies the conflict between progressive ideals (reuse, affordability) and social taboos. While resale platforms can empower consumers, they must address exploitative subcultures through better oversight. For buyers, the key is to make smart, ethical choices—ones that prioritize personal well-being and collective values.
**Final Thoughts**: Intimacy should never come at the expense of dignity or safety. Let’s redefine sustainability with responsibility at its core.
