Back-to-School Shopping? Secondhand Clothes May Be the Answer

With the back-to-school season upon us, many parents are preparing to shop for fall clothing for their children. Amid the excitement, some families are worried about the cost of new school clothes, and others might be trying to minimize their household's environmental impact of clothing consumption and waste. Whatever the reason, acquiring children's clothing secondhand can be a helpful tool for parents to navigate the challenges of back-to-school shopping. To explore these issues, I interviewed 23 parents about their habits, concerns, and strategies for incorporating secondhand clothing into their children’s wardrobes. Here’s what I discovered, categorized by age group:

Ages 0-5:

• Top Concern-?Quantity. Children in this age range grow rapidly, requiring frequent clothing updates. This constant need contributes to a $200 billion global market for kids' apparel. Parents often struggle with their children’s changing sizes and high turnover of clothes.
• Solutions-?Hand-me-downs are a significant help for many parents. These are clothes passed from family to family or generation to generation, creating a sense of community and reducing waste. Parents appreciate this communal aspect, noting their children enjoy receiving “gifts” from older kids. This approach cuts down on waste and strengthens social bonds. Many parents acquire secondhand clothing through local no-buy groups on social media or from trusted friends and family. Some are comfortable accepting hand-me-downs only from their immediate network, hesitating to source items beyond close circles.

Ages 6-10:

• Top Concern-?Quality. As children become more active, their clothing endures more wear and tear, including holes, rips, and dirt. With many children’s clothes designed for affordability rather than durability, finding quality secondhand items can be challenging.
• Solutions-?Some parents focus on secondhand purchases for less frequently worn clothing, like special occasion wear or seasonal gear. This helps ensure children have durable clothing for daily use while benefiting from secondhand options for less regular needs. Additionally, this age range offers an opportunity for parents to use secondhand shopping as a teaching moment, introducing children to sustainability and social responsibility. Involving children in thrift shopping can instill valuable lessons about resourcefulness and environmental consciousness while providing bonding time and teaching informed, responsible choices.

Ages 11+:

• Top Concern-?Style and Choice. As children grow older, they develop specific preferences for styles, colors, and brands, making it difficult to find secondhand items that match their tastes. Social media and peer pressure can also amplify the desire for new clothing.
• Solutions-?Secondhand stores can offer high-value items at lower costs, appealing to older children who appreciate affordability and unique finds. Some parents noted that their children and friends enjoy thrift shopping for its adventure and sustainability.?Several parents noted how involving their children in thrift shopping outings not only provided quality time together but also empowered their children to make informed choices about consumption. This hands-on approach to learning extends beyond environmental awareness to encompass financial literacy and critical thinking. Embracing secondhand clothing sets a positive example for children, demonstrating the value of resourcefulness and creativity. By reimagining pre-owned garments in new contexts, children learn to appreciate the beauty of individuality and self-expression. This mindset shift not only benefits the environment but also promotes a more conscientious approach to consumption in adulthood.

All Ages:

• Concern-?Price and Shopping Experience. While many parents appreciate the cost savings of secondhand clothing, some find that prices can be comparable to or even higher than new items, especially when purchased from discount retailers. Navigating thrift stores or online platforms can also be daunting and time-consuming.
• Solutions-?To address these challenges, some parents explore local consignment stores or user-friendly online platforms with curated selections. Secondhand shopping often supports charitable causes or local communities, offering additional benefits and teaching children about social responsibility. While some parents find bargain hunting exciting, others prefer the convenience of traditional retail options. The decision to embrace secondhand clothing often depends on individual comfort levels and preferences.

A few parents mentioned not buying secondhand clothing for their children, either at all or very infrequently. Reasons for this reluctance include personal preferences regarding price, convenience, or comfort with secondhand items. Common boundaries include avoiding secondhand underwear and shoes, though some parents are comfortable with items that can be thoroughly cleaned or sterilized, such as cloth diapers.

The case for embracing secondhand clothing for children is multifaceted, encompassing environmental, economic, and social dimensions. By navigating these challenges creatively and persistently, parents can save money and impart valuable lessons about sustainability and community. In a world dominated by fast fashion, choosing secondhand clothing is not just practical but a powerful statement of values, contributing to a more sustainable future for generations to come.

About the author

Dr. Stephanie E. Raible is an Associate Professor of Business Administration at the University of Delaware and co-author of “Social Entrepreneurship: A Practice-Based Approach to Social Innovation.” She is a thrifting advocate and holds a doctorate in Organizational Leadership and a graduate certificate in Socially Responsible and Sustainable Apparel Business.