Second-hand clothing traders in Abidjan are finding customers who want more than a bargain, with shoppers praising used garments for their quality, durability and distinctive styles.

Traders sort through bales of second-hand clothing and arrange garments for sale in the Ivorian city. A designer is also seen customising jeans, adding distressed details to give them a different look.

"People think that when we say thrift clothing, it's just junk. No, people are mistaken about thrift clothing."

"We have real, genuine quality that is on a whole other level, even compared to new items people go buy in stores."

Traders say they source second-hand clothing from Dubai, Turkey and China, supplying garments for resale in local markets and boutiques.

Known locally as 'yougou yougou', second-hand clothing is an established part of Abidjan's shopping culture, offering affordable alternatives to new garments.

"I prefer second-hand clothes, and second-hand clothes are more durable than those other clothes."

Others favour the chance to find something different from the ready-to-wear outfits sold in shops.

"As for ready-to-wear, I do not really like it, because when you wear it, you run into your twin everywhere; you go to a restaurant, and you are bound to see your twin everywhere."

Customisation offers another way to make second-hand garments stand out. Alongside the sorting and selling, some designers alter pieces such as jeans to appeal to customers looking for individual styles.

"It attracts more customers, especially items that are a bit out of the ordinary - it creates a certain distinction, since all the pants are pretty much the same and in the same colour."

The trade also presents a challenge for local clothing makers. At an Abidjan fashion roundtable documented by the Ethical Fashion Initiative earlier this year, participants raised concerns that cheap second-hand imports compete with more expensive locally produced garments.