Whether you are expecting a baby or you already have kids, shopping for clothes quickly becomes a priority. While it’s easy to space this around back-to-school time and the occasional holiday, kids grow year-round, and this can be a bit painful for the wallet. Opting for gently used kids’ clothes instead of brand new every time can be a lifesaver.
Why Buy Secondhand Kids’ Clothes from Thrift Stores?
Cost
Buying brand-new clothes can be expensive. It is inevitable for kids to grow, and sometimes this comes in sudden spurts. As such, most of their clothes will probably not fit them in a year or two. This makes it very practical to buy secondhand kids’ clothes. If your kids outgrow them or do not like them anymore, you will not lose too much money and can even donate them if they are still in good condition.
Kids’ clothes are among the best items to look for at thrift stores. You can easily score gently used kids’ clothes with cool colors and designs. Further, because they are cheaper, you can buy more at once in different varieties.
Quality
It’s a common misconception that secondhand clothes are not of good quality. This could not be further from the truth. Most secondhand kids’ clothes are in excellent condition. This is because children’s and baby’s clothes are used only for a short duration. A good thrift store will also check every garment donated before it goes on the rack.
Sustainability
Buying gently used kids’ clothes from thrift stores is not just good for your wallet; it also promotes sustainable fashion. First, it leads to less waste, because usable clothes go to people that need them, rather than landfills. Second, it reduces the demand to produce more clothes, thus consuming fewer resources. This is a good way to do your part in saving the planet by helping to minimize your carbon footprint.
How to Buy SecondHand Kids Clothes: 3 Thrifting Tips
If you are not familiar with shopping secondhand, we’ve compiled some thrifting tips, especially useful while the COVID-19 pandemic is still prevalent:
1. Check the clothing thoroughly
Just as you would when buying anything else, check the items that you want to buy. Look at the buttons, straps, zippers, and other parts of the clothes to make sure that they are in good condition. Someone checks these, but it doesn’t hurt to check again for yourself.
2. Quarantine the clothes
COVID-19 can live on almost all surfaces, so remember to quarantine the clothes for at least 72 hours to make sure that any potential virus dies before it is used. Additionally, putting the clothes directly under the heat of the sun for a few hours can help kill most types of viruses and bacteria.
3. Wash them before use
You can never be too sure when it comes to the safety of your child. As such, after you quarantine new clothes, wash them before using them. Apart from making sure that they are clean, this could also make them smell much better.
Buying gently used kids’ clothes from thrift stores is not only economical but also sustainable. While there may be fears with regards to thrift shopping because of the COVID-19 pandemic, most thrift stores have implemented safety measures to make sure that you are safe from infection.You are safe to shop at one of the best thrift stores in Lebanon, TN. Visit us at Haven House today!
