Trendy outfits shape fashion this winter

The winter shopping season has started early this year. Young people are already out in the markets in search of new looks for the colder days. Many shops in Dhaka report a rise in customers from mid-November. The rush is more pronounced in popular youth zones like Noor Jahan Market, New Market, and the Hop Market in Mirpur.
Youths say they want to try new styles this year. Oversized sweaters, loose jackets, and neutral colours are already on their list. Many say they follow what they see on social media. Some mention Pakistani dramas, others point to reels by local influencers.
"I watch a lot of reels on Instagram," said Sadia Jahan, a student from Mohammadpur. "I saw a sweater in a Pakistani drama, and I want something like that. My budget is around Tk 1,500. I will check Noor Jahan Market first." She said she and her friends usually plan winter shopping together.
At Noor Jahan Market, the lanes are tight. The crowd grows bigger every afternoon. Small shops display sweaters, jeans, hoodies, and jackets. Some items hang at the entrance. Others are piled high inside. Young shoppers stand close to the tables, picking through the stacks.
Shopkeeper Abdul Karim has a small sweater shop inside the market. He said sales rise when winter starts. "Students are coming every day now," he said. "I sell 40 to 50 pieces daily. Last week I sold more. Most buyers ask for prices below Tk 1,000, young people ask for styles they saw online," he added.
New Market also sees a strong flow of young shoppers. The wide walkways stay busy throughout the day. Many shops display new winter stock in front of the shutters. Jackets, flannel shirts, mufflers, and wool caps draw visitors in.
Rahat Monon, a second-year university student, came with two friends as they had saved money for their trip. He said, "I want one long jacket and a simple hoodie with mandella art.. It is trendy."
One shopkeeper in New Market, Zahid Hossain, said sales rise fast when the temperature drops even a little. "Every day we get young customers. They ask for hoodies first. Hoodies sell most," he said.
In Mirpur, the Hop Market is becoming a popular stop for students and young office workers. The market is known for thrift jackets, winter shirts, and imported items.
Shopkeeper Liton Mia sells Second-hand jackets. Most of his stock comes from abroad. "Many young boys and girls buy from here because the price is low," he said. "Thrift jackets are strong. They last long," he added.
A young buyer named Riad said he likes the Hop Market because he gets unique pieces. "I do not want the same jacket that everyone wears," he said. "I watch TikTok videos for ideas. I try to follow those looks. My budget is Tk 800. I hope I can find something good here."
Online shopping is also shaping winter choices. Many youths check Facebook pages and Instagram stores before visiting physical markets. They save photos of the designs they want.
Beige coloured zip-up hoodies are trendy online, but they are expensive, so people are searching for this sort of hoodie in the local markets." Sarika Ahmed, a university admission candidate, thinks she cannot find what she wants in regional markets, so she buys it online. "Though it is expensive but I will eventually buy it," she said.
The shift to online has forced shopkeepers to change the way they do business. Sellers now keep designs that trend online. They follow what young customers ask for each day. "Last year, many asked for black fleece jackets," said Hop Market seller Liton. "This year they want brown and ash colours. We bring whatever sells."
Markets across Dhaka say they expect even larger crowds in December. Sellers prepare for it by adding new stock every week. Buyers prepare by saving money and checking online trend posts.

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