Would you buy second-hand clothes for your tweens?

[Mazzy6]

When I was a kid my Mum used to buy me second-hand clothes on a regular basis. It was always decent/nice used things that she'd hunt down for me but I did feel ashamed sometimes that I wasn't wearing brand new clothes and I think it did affect my confidence sometimes. As a Mum myself I always wanted to buy my daughters new clothes. With the cost of living crisis, I am now looking to cut back on spending, and one area is clothes. I have two daughters, 8 & 10, my eldest is in need of some new items and I've been looking on second-hand clothes selling sites and have found a few bits I think she'll like. But I have so far not bought anything as I'm worried that (particularly my older daughter) will not want to wear second-hand items!

Am I over-thinking this?! Does anyone else buy second-hand clothes for their tweens, and does it work well for you? Also hints on any brands that would be fashionable for tweens - that we can search for would be useful, I feel like I have no idea what would be in or not! Thanks 😊

Yes, often. Dc don't give it a second thought and means I can afford nicer thing so for them than if I bought it new. Better for the plant too but that's not my main motivation

I love Fat Face, Seasalt and Barbour clothes & pay less than 10% of ticket price usually on Vinted. I buy my DC beautiful clothes from Monsoon, Joules, Boden etc all from Vinted/eBay.

Environmentally and purse friendly!

I buy bundles of clothes on Ebay and FB market place, what I don't want I sell on my car boot sale table. I rarely buy new.

Absolutely. If DD needs something, I let her browse on Vinted, or I favourite a bunch of stuff and let her pick. We also do second hand shops, the odd ebay bundle etc. It's all washed by me before she wears it. She understands we can get her much better quality and nicer branded stuff this way, and she also gets the environmental aspect. She has plenty of new stuff, my mum likes to shop for her, and we're not strapped for cash - it's just a waste of money to buy all new in my opinion. She grows really fast, at least a size per year.

Definitely. I started buying at the carboot sales 25 years ago when I was pregnant. 90% of my kids clothes were secondhand. I've now made a business out of it. Much more environmentally friendly than buying new. If you really want the bargains 6am Sunday morning at your local carboot sale. Or for a more relaxed shop try vinted and eBay.

Definitely! My teens choose to shop on vinted themselves (they are a bit older and have an allowance). I don't understand why you wouldn't.

How old are they?

Give them the money and let them get on with it?

I know what my ds likes. I buy clothes or am occasionally given clothes for him, and they go straight in his drawer. He doesn't know where they come from or if they are new or second hand.

His last two ski jackets have been s/hand and he doesn't know. Some school uniform is too. Independent schools always have uniform exchanges and everyone uses them. We'd all be bankrupt if we didn't 😀

It's silly to ignore selling sites. I sometimes see some really good deals like branded hoodies and joggers etc that my children would wear if they were that size.
If you wash the clothes and put it in their drawers would they even know that the clothes are second hand?

Yes all the time. It's not just a money thing. It's about cutting down on fast fashion/ sustainability etc.

Of course. I don’t think my lot even consider what’s second hand and what isn’t. I don’t think they even know!

I think most young people like second hand for environmental reasons too. And it’s a bit of a badge of honour being thrifty?

I don't think my kids were too bothered about clothes from Asda before but I can tell my 10 year old is now more aware of brands/fashion!! Sounds like I can sell it as a good green option, as well as a good fashion option too! Thanks

Glad it's now considered a badge of honour - I definitely feel like I was overthinking this and I'm so glad I asked this question as I feel like I can definitely go ahead with my plans for being thrifty without any mum guilt!!

Yes if they are good condition how will anyone know?

My teens buy from Vinted. I give them a budget, for example when buying a coat. They can then decide to get a named brand one on Vinted or a cheaper non branded one new. Every time they have chosen Vinted. It’s better to get better quality second hand than brand new but unlikely to last well.

Definitely, mine have been raised on charity shop clothes.

I think they much prefer brands from there- I've even got proper designer clothes, than primark clothes.

My 8 year old absolutely loves vinted.she's not silly she knows she can get a lot more stuff for her money if it's pre worn.
She also loves a good charity shop rummage 🤷‍♀️🤣.
She's like a little old woman I swear.

My teen loves charity shops. However she is not brand/fashion conscious but has her own kind of style that she looks for.

She also loves Vinted and depop which might be better if they like brands as there's stuff on there at a fraction of the prices, plus you can always message sellers and make an offer.

Dts love looking on Vinted and they like being able to buy more items

My 17 yo and I love vinted. My 9 year old son love it too, they recognise they can get a lot more for less ££ and the obvious eco impact ☺️

Personally, no. I buy new for my DS and will continue to do so, unless obviously circumstances change massively. I do however, by the odd item for me!

My dd is 10. I can't remember the last time I bought her something new from the shops.

Apart from school uniform.

She knows it's better for the environment and cheaper (mostly! Charity shop pricing varies wildly!!).

I'm lucky to have the room to store things in size order so can buy the bargains where I find them.

I genuinely don't think she would care at all but then I don't buy new things either really so it's all she's ever known!

I buy almost exclusively second hand for my 3 DC (oldest is just about a tween). It's so environmentally irresponsible to buy new.

100000%, my child is younger but I buy loads second hand for myself so would do the same for tweens.

Yes, I buy mine secondhand so don't see what would be wrong with buying theirs. If I was buying myself all new stuff maybe it would be a bit weird.

Yes, and my 12-going-on-16 year old loves a charity shop rummage.