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Original poster

Would you buy second-hand clothes for your tweens?

99 replies

Mazzy6 · 13/01/2023 10:27

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 😊

OP posts:
Newgirls · 13/01/2023 14:25

I think the world has changed

around here the affluent kids don’t like buying new - it’s an eco thing. They pride themselves on buying on depop etc

buying all new is a bit uncool

locketrocket · 13/01/2023 16:03

Yep. Ds 17 & 15 have had stuff from Vinted. Brand name things that I begrudge paying full price for.
Both understand how it's good for the environment and their pocket Smile

Original poster
Mazzy6 · 13/01/2023 19:18

Thanks all, it's been really helpful reading all your thoughts. Will definitely be giving thrifting a go now! 🙂

OP posts:
nc8975 · 13/01/2023 21:53

I have done, don't think my son even noticed!

Echobelly · 13/01/2023 21:56

Yes - I have done. I can afford new, but I do it to avoid waste, either from charity shops os eBay; used to buy bundles from there now and then. Neither of the kids have minded.

ChungusBoi · 13/01/2023 22:01

Yes, they like that it’s more sustainable than buying new, and that sometimes there are one off or designer items. We found a beautiful Chloe outfit for a wedding in a charity shop.

PleaseCleanTheWholeToilet · 13/01/2023 22:04

The website Vinted is good !

watchfulwishes · 13/01/2023 22:08

Yes, we go to the charity shops together. I think it is quite weird to see this as an issue these days - many wealthy people voluntarily choose secondhand for environmental reasons.

None of mine have minded and continue to use charity or vintage shops once old enough to do their own shopping.

I find the thought of spending £25 on trousers when I could spend £4 quite weird.

Plus we get more interesting choice from the charity shops.

soundsystem · 13/01/2023 22:17

Yep we buy loads from Vinted and also local Sell or Swap groups. My tween is very focussed on sustainability though.

Dacadactyl · 13/01/2023 22:19

Yes. My son rarely gets new clothes. There's a great charity shop near us and he is always kitted out with fab stuff from there.

Anisina · 13/01/2023 22:23

Depends. I wouldn't buy any old thing tbh. Only clothes that they want. Their feelings and level of comfort would come before my eco credentials.

TheFormidableMrsC · 13/01/2023 22:30

Vinted. I've bought loads of fab clothes for my fast growing 11 year old DS. Loads of labels, loads of "with tags" and largely dirt cheap. I've yet to be disappointed.

IWasFunBeforeMum · 13/01/2023 22:31

Yes and it's definitely cool now.

Anisina · 13/01/2023 22:33

I've bought stuff from vinted that looked like a bag of shit. I also grew up wearing hand me downs. So I am very selective.

evemillbank · 13/01/2023 22:54

I wouldn't but I don't care if others do.

TheOtherBennetSister · 13/01/2023 22:58

I find it easier to shop second hand for DDs than DS. There seems to be more choice for girls, and they're more likely to want fashion items, whereas DS just wants a few decent quality tshirts and shorts and then wears them to death.

TheFormidableMrsC · 13/01/2023 22:58

Anisina · 13/01/2023 22:33

I've bought stuff from vinted that looked like a bag of shit. I also grew up wearing hand me downs. So I am very selective.

I think you have to filter carefully. It's worked for me so far. My best find was a brand new Mint Velvet bag for £7. It had a £59 label on it.

TheFormidableMrsC · 13/01/2023 23:00

TheOtherBennetSister · 13/01/2023 22:58

I find it easier to shop second hand for DDs than DS. There seems to be more choice for girls, and they're more likely to want fashion items, whereas DS just wants a few decent quality tshirts and shorts and then wears them to death.

I've found it great for DS. He loves a hoody and Next slim joggers and shorts. I've bought loads. He likes navy. If I buy a few navy pairs then I'll run them through the machine with a Dylon navy dye and they are as good as new.

Roserunner · 13/01/2023 23:06

My DD loves going round the local charity shops with her friends, she mainly buys shoes and accessories but would happily buy clothes if there was something she liked. They seem to see it as a way of being environmentally friendly and getting something they may not normally be able to afford for a good price!

UsingChangeofName · 13/01/2023 23:10

Of course I would (well, did ! - They are older now and love to mooch for themselves).

How would anyone else know whether they were new or 2nd hand anyway ? Confused

But, like other posters, mine soon learned that they could have a lot more, and that I'd be much more likely to buy something that wasn't very practical from a charity shop than full price, new.

denishhol · 13/01/2023 23:13

Yes. I found a lovely Ted Baker jumper for a quid. I never buy new clothes or underwear for that matter. 🙈

denishhol · 13/01/2023 23:14

Vinted is great as well so much lovely stuff

gravyriceandchips · 13/01/2023 23:16

Yes. I usually stick to new with tags, depends really.

denishhol · 13/01/2023 23:16

Roserunner · 13/01/2023 23:06

My DD loves going round the local charity shops with her friends, she mainly buys shoes and accessories but would happily buy clothes if there was something she liked. They seem to see it as a way of being environmentally friendly and getting something they may not normally be able to afford for a good price!

Environment✅
Wallet✅
Charity✅

Everybody wins.

DelurkingAJ · 13/01/2023 23:19

DS1 has told me in words of one syllable that he will ‘not wear anything with a brand label, it has to be completely plain’ and I confess I’m mildly miffed that I can’t therefore buy serious bargains on Vinted. On the other hand his stuff goes to DS2 and then anything in one piece goes onto their cousins so…

I keep trawling Vinted for myself but what I’m after is sadly never there.