Sustainable Fashion in Lusaka: Thrift Shops to Explore
Encouraging Eco-Friendly Style, One Find at a Time
In a world where fast fashion dominates, contributing to environmental degradation and exploitative labour practices, sustainable fashion is becoming more than just a trend — it’s a lifestyle shift. Lusaka is no exception to this global movement. Across the capital, a growing number of shoppers are turning to thrift stores and secondhand markets not only to save money but to reduce waste, support local businesses, and discover one-of-a-kind fashion pieces.
Whether you’re passionate about the environment, looking to build a more conscious wardrobe, or just love the thrill of a good find, Lusaka’s thrift scene has something for you. This guide highlights the best thrift shops and markets around the city, inspiring your eco-friendly shopping journey.
Why Thrift?
Before we dive into the where, let’s talk about the why. Choosing thrift over fast fashion offers several benefits:
Reduces textile waste: Clothes that would have ended up in landfills get a second life.
Minimizes carbon footprint: Thrifted items don’t require new production, water, or energy.
Supports local sellers: Most thrift shops and salaula vendors are small businesses or individuals trying to make a living.
Unique style: Vintage and secondhand fashion helps you stand out with pieces no one else is wearing.
Lusaka’s thrift culture, often referred to as salaula (meaning “to rummage through”), is vibrant, ever-changing, and deeply woven into the fabric of everyday life.
Thrift Shops and Markets to Explore in Lusaka
1. Kamwala Market
Kamwala is one of Lusaka’s oldest markets and a hub for secondhand fashion. From retro jackets and vintage dresses to branded sneakers and bags, Kamwala is a treasure chest — if you’re willing to dig.
What to Expect: Rows of stalls selling bundled clothes, often sorted by item (shirts, dresses, trousers).
Style Finds: 90s denim, pre-loved leather jackets, printed shirts, and vintage accessories.
Tips: Go early in the day for the best picks. Bring cash and bargain respectfully.
2. City Market (Soweto Market)
City Market is massive and chaotic — but that’s where the magic happens. It’s a favorite among stylists, resellers, and fashion lovers looking for unique, budget-friendly outfits.
What to Expect: Outdoor and indoor vendors selling clothes, shoes, and bags by the pile.
Style Finds: Unexpected gems — think Y2K skirts, classic trench coats, and old-school handbags.
Tips: Wear comfortable shoes, stay aware of your surroundings, and ask vendors for “first grade” items (higher quality).
3. Downtown Salaula Street
Just off Freedom Way, you’ll find vendors selling secondhand clothes directly on the sidewalks. It’s a fast-moving, no-frills area perfect for quick finds.
What to Expect: Small stalls or mats with carefully arranged pieces — often surprisingly well curated.
Style Finds: Corporate wear, casual t-shirts, and stylish jackets.
Tips: Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds, and go with a friend if it’s your first time.
4. Thrift Boutiques on Instagram
Lusaka’s digital thrift scene is growing, with many curators creating pages to showcase their best finds online. These sellers often hand-pick quality items and style them beautifully — perfect for those who want curated options without the digging.
What to Expect: Delivery services, curated selections, and styled lookbooks.
Style Finds: Everything from oversized blazers to boho dresses and rare vintage tees.
Tips: Turn on post notifications — items sell fast!
5. DAPP Stores
DAPP (Development Aid from People to People) operates secondhand stores around Lusaka that are clean, organized, and easy to navigate — a perfect choice for those new to thrifting or looking for a more structured shopping experience.
What to Expect: Clothing sorted by category and sometimes by size, with fixed pricing.
Style Finds: Everyday basics, winter jackets, shoes, bags, and children’s clothing.
Locations: Common branches include those in Town centre, Garden, and Kabwata.
Tips: Ask the staff when new stock arrives — that’s when you’ll find the best items.
Shopping at DAPP is also a way to give back. Proceeds from the stores support educational and community development programs across Zambia, so every purchase contributes to a greater cause.
Sustainable Shopping Tips
Shopping sustainably isn’t just about where you buy — it’s also about how. Here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
Buy what you love, not just what’s cheap: Choose pieces you’ll actually wear and style.
Repair and repurpose: A missing button or small tear isn’t the end of a garment — it’s a creative opportunity.
Donate or resell: Keep the cycle going by donating or selling clothes you no longer wear.
Mix old with new: Blend thrifted items with newer pieces to create your unique look.
Style Inspiration from Lusaka’s Streets
Many Lusaka creatives, stylists, and fashion bloggers are embracing thrift and turning it into something stylish and aspirational. From Sunday thrift hauls to fashion reels shot in dusty markets, young Zambians are redefining what it means to dress well without spending a fortune.
Final Thoughts: It’s More Than a Trend
Sustainable fashion in Lusaka is about more than clothes — it’s about community, creativity, and consciousness. Every thrifted outfit supports a local vendor, saves a garment from landfill, and lets you express your style in a unique, thoughtful way.
By choosing to explore Lusaka’s thrift shops, you’re not just following a trend — you’re becoming part of a growing movement that values both people and planet. Whether you’re walking through Kamwala with a woven bag on your shoulder or scrolling through vintage Instagram finds, your sustainable fashion journey begins with one simple choice: to look good and do good.
Ready to thrift? Grab your tote bag, wear something comfortable, and head out to explore Lusaka’s rich, ever-evolving secondhand scene. Your next favorite outfit might just be hanging in a dusty stall, waiting to be discovered — and given a new life.
