Ultra-cheap dress "blind boxes" are surging in popularity on Chinese social media, but industry insiders warn the trend may be fueling the sale of recycled second-hand garments with unknown origins and significant hygiene risks.

In recent weeks, blind boxes containing dresses priced as low as 4.99 yuan ($0.71), including shipping, have captivated consumers. On the social media platform Douyin, videos tagged with "dress blind boxes" have amassed more than 140 million views, while popular unboxing videos in the category have garnered 1.3 million likes.

Sellers typically display images of high-end, well-designed dresses on product pages while noting that the items sent are random and may have minor flaws. However, these listings often omit critical details such as fabric composition or production standards.

While some sellers report sales exceeding 13,000 units and receiving praise for "cost-effective" bargains, other customers have reported receiving poor-quality items with visible stains, signs of wear, and strong odors.

According to the Sichuan-based news outlet thecover.cn, the dresses are often outdated styles that contrast sharply with promotional photos. Many sellers refuse to provide after-sales service, citing policies that make blind boxes non-returnable and non-exchangeable. E-commerce platforms have offered little recourse, frequently advising buyers to "negotiate with the seller."

A former part-time worker for a blind box seller told thecover.cn that garments are often piled haphazardly in warehouses. Live-streamers, they said, rarely disclose the origin or actual condition of the clothes.

Industry insiders suggest these garments are likely second-hand items that have not been cleaned or disinfected. An investigation by China Central Television (CCTV) revealed that some live-streaming sellers claiming to sell "brand samples" or "surplus stock" for small change are actually dealing in clothes sourced from recycling bins or waste stations.

CCTV reported that some recycling companies sell tens of tons of old clothes daily to live-streamers. These sellers often entice consumers by claiming the clothes are cheap only because they are "slightly dirty" or have "minor flaws," never mentioning they are second-hand.

"Batches of such recycled clothes are brought into warehouses in large woven bags, and when opened, a pungent odor is noticeable," the former worker told thecover.cn.

The worker said a simple sorting process follows where only the most obviously worn garments are removed. The remaining items, regardless of stains or damage, are packaged for sale. Even returned defective clothes are reportedly repackaged and sold again.

Health experts warn that unsanitized garments can harbor bacteria and microorganisms, potentially causing allergies or skin infections. Additionally, the lack of fabric labeling makes it impossible for consumers to know if the garments contain harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde, which could pose health risks through prolonged exposure.