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The Benefits of Dressing Your Kids in Secondhand Clothes
My children are probably wearing clothes that once belonged to yours. That’s right! If you’ve donated to certain thrift stores, your kids’ old threads might be gracing my little ones. When I was growing up, wearing secondhand clothing felt like a badge of shame. I feared it would turn out like every “used prom dress” storyline on TV, where the girl who wears a thrift store find faces utter humiliation when the original owner reveals the dress’s past. Thankfully, my kids don’t share that concern. Nowadays, clothes are produced in massive quantities, easily categorized into budget-friendly brands or higher-end labels.
Other than grabbing a few items from clearance racks at discount stores, my kids’ wardrobes come almost entirely from resale shops. Since I have three boys, each two years apart, the younger two have spent their lives in hand-me-downs. These clothes tell a story; we can look back at photos and say, “Remember when Max wore that funky dinosaur shirt? Now Timmy is sporting it!”
But our love for secondhand clothing isn’t just about saving a few bucks. There are several compelling reasons we primarily shop at local resale stores for everything from sneakers to winter jackets. First and foremost, we’re on a budget. Well, not necessarily “poor,” but funds are tight. My husband is an educator, so you can imagine his paycheck (think minuscule). As a freelance writer, mine is even smaller.
With hefty student loans, dietary restrictions that require us to buy specialty foods, and pricey prescriptions for my mental health, our budget is stretched to its limits. We conserve energy, unplug devices, and hit up thrift stores.
And have you seen some of these resale shops? I could easily outfit my kids in new clothes from a big box store, but buying used allows me to dress them in high-quality brands like Mini Boden, vintage Star Wars tees, and Kenneth Cole. They often wear button-downs and khakis from Ralph Lauren, and I even snagged matching Christmas pajamas from a local kids’ consignment shop last year. Dressing my children well has earned me compliments, which I graciously accept!
Another reason we opt for secondhand? The fashion industry is out of control. Many brands rely on sweatshop labor, and I refuse to support a system that exploits vulnerable workers. Furthermore, the environmental impact of the garment industry is staggering. For instance, China’s textile industry produces millions of tons of waste each year, and it takes a whopping 505 gallons of water to make just one pair of Levi’s jeans. Imagine the water consumption of every clothing item in your local mall or discount store! The textile industry is one of the largest consumers of water globally.
So, we choose to shop secondhand. This way, most of our spending benefits charitable organizations, while the remainder supports local businesses. My kids are dressed better than they would be in new clothes, and remarkably, they’ve never once complained about wearing something previously owned by another child or their brothers.
Forget the mall! I’m off to Goodwill, Roundabouts, and the local charity thrift store. I’ll also check out eBay for specific items like kids’ wetsuits and later browse an online consignment shop for myself. I’d much rather have gently used designer pieces than brand new items from a discount retailer.
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In summary, dressing your kids in secondhand clothing is a savvy choice for your wallet, the environment, and ethical considerations. Plus, it can lead to some serious fashion wins!