Jul 26, 2022 • 4 min read
See the Taiwanese grandparents who model outfits left behind at their laundromat
Aug 7, 2020 • 2 min read
Wan-Ji Chang and Sho-Er Hsu dress up in clothes left behind at their laundromat © @wantshowasyoung
- placement: fullWidth
- path: articles/in-content-top
- possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
- targeting:
{ "url": "taiwan-grandparents-laundry", "destination": "Taiwan", "continent": "Asia" }
83-year old Wan-Ji Chang and his wife, 84-year old Sho-Er Hsu have been keeping themselves (and the internet) entertained over the last while by dressing up in clothes that have been abandoned in their laundromat in Taiwan for decades. From leather jackets and berets to tartan dungarees, their outfits have captured the attention of thousands of followers from around the world.
- placement: fullWidth
- path: articles/in-content-middle
- possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
- targeting:
{ "url": "taiwan-grandparents-laundry", "destination": "Taiwan", "continent": "Asia" }
The idea to start posing in the forgotten clothes came from the couple’s grandson, Reef Chang. As well as being a fun project that showed off their quirky personalities and sense of humor, the family also wanted to use it to raise awareness of the number of items that are actually left behind at laundromats. “Since I have been aware of the problem that no one takes the laundry [since] I was a child, I hope that through this move I will let everyone know that they must remember to pick up clothes or help them find a new owner. Plus I hope to give [my grandparents] some change and fun in their later life!” Reef Change told Lonely Planet.
According to Reef Chang, his grandparents didn’t take much persuading when the idea was floated to them. “They agreed at the beginning, but they thought no one would like it.” They were wrong however, with the Instagram account Want Show as young racking up over 600,000 followers in a matter of weeks, with positive messages from diverse countries pouring in, letting the family know that they have inspired people with their fun project.
- placement: native
- path: articles/in-content-native
- possible size: [f, l],
- targeting:
{ "url": "taiwan-grandparents-laundry", "destination": "Taiwan", "continent": "Asia" }
The laundromat, called Wan sho Laundry, is located in Taichung City and has been in operation for almost 70 years. Approximately 300 items are still at the laundry, left over from the past 60 years. The account was even successful in reuniting two people with items that they had forgotten, after they saw the laundromat in the news.
Reef Chang said that the family hopes to continue to reunite people with their lost clothes while also promoting sustainable fashion brands and highlighting environmental causes.
Read more:
These are the 10 most-liked Airbnbs on Instagram
You'll have to kayak or paddleboard to this floating sauna in British Columbia
Two greedy emus have been banned from this Australian hotel for antisocial behavior
- placement: fullWidth
- path: articles/bottom
- possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
- targeting:
{ "url": "taiwan-grandparents-laundry", "destination": "Taiwan", "continent": "Asia" }
Explore related stories
- Art and CultureDiscover art, history and a bit of kitsch at these top Taipei museumsHistory“Your chi door is not open”: experiencing a traditional knife massage in Taipei
Jan 14, 2020 • 5 min read
Wildlife & NatureSunrise over Jade Mountain: a trip up Taiwan’s Alishan Forest RailwayNov 8, 2018 • 6 min read