5 affordable and sustainable tips for buying preloved kids clothes
Investing time will be your only effort when it comes to buying preloved children's clothes. It's easy to fall into the pit-hole of 'preloved or secondhand is rubbish tat', but if you set aside some time, I can guarantee the payoff is bloomin' wonderful and totally worth it!
Finding the brands that work for you - think sizing, materials and longevity, will help with your preloved journey. I personally tend to stick to the same handful of brands which I know wash well and understand if the sizing comes up big, small or true. A lot of this is trial and error but once you get into the swing of it, you'll be a pro at knowing what to look at for and what works for you and your family.
I thought it’d be handy to share some of the tactics I've put into place to help you achieve a more planet friendly wardrobe for your little one.
1. Start buying for autumn/winter now
I know I know, as I write this it’s August! It’s technically still summer but now is the time to jump on those preloved bargains and get organised before the urge to panic buy sets in. Make a list of what your little one needs and keep an eye out on all those preloved sites.2. Stash for next summer
You’ll notice a lot of people are selling this year’s summer clothes already and preloved consignment businesses have sales with big discounts (hello, check out ours here). Look for next years size and stash in a box under the bed. Just remember it’s there!
3. Check last years stash
I don’t know about you but I’m a sucker for buying oversized, and sometimes they still fit lovely 12 months later. You know there's always at least one item that was way too big at the time, so dig that bad boy out! And don't forget... A lot of dungarees have adjustable waists and straps, so it’s worth checking.Also worth mentioning one my mum has taught me… if your little one was in nappies this summer and going to potty train before next summer… keep hold of those shorts! Generally they will still fit as there’s no nappy to bulk them out next year ;)
4. Go big
A follow on from point 3… consider buying the size bigger if you can roll up legs/sleeves or get away with it being oversized. The longer an item of clothing is worn, the less impact it has on the planet.
Here's Freddie in some secondhand Zara trousers. They were a bit too long so I had rolled the waist up and I personally think the baggy trouser look is awesome. These trousers lasted through what would have been two size changes.
5. Buy in bulk
A personal pet peeve of mine is paying for tonnes of postage costs. It’s unavoidable but you can at least minimise these costs with buying multiple items from the same seller. Better for the planet too in regards to vehicle emissions! Wherever you are buying from, make sure to look at the other items available from that seller. 