Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate perceptions towards second-hand undergarment
clothing products and their trade in Zimbabwe. Data were collected from the interviews done
with 30 subjects in the age range from 18 to 40, living in Harare. Results showed that
affordability, quality and design variety are the factors that affect second-hand undergarment
trade. It was also found that women are the major consumers of these second-hand
undergarments. The young aged stated that they purchase these second-hand undergarments
as they find them as more fashionable items. According to this study there are perceived health
risks associated with these second-hand undergarments though the respondents could not
directly link them to certain diseases or ailments. Another finding was the lack of innovation and
versatility by clothing manufactures in their product design process resulting in old-fashioned
designs on the undergarments
