We understand at thegreenlist.nl not so sure why every parent doesn't buy second-hand children's clothes more often. It's cheap, sustainable, children grow within no-time out of their clothes and the supply of second-hand children's clothes is huge. Why buy everything new? You are crazy! With these tips, you can find the prettiest second-hand kid gems for next to nothing.
Steam course in second-hand children's clothing search
For kids, you can find so many cool second-hand clothes online. To save time and find the best stuff, it is useful to find out in advance which children's clothing brands you like. Then you can set searches for those brands on Vinted and Marketplace. On Vinted, this is called personalising your account. Sit down one evening, browse online shops and create search filters for the children's clothing brands you like. We have already done a lot of preliminary work for you, as we have already compiled a big list of beautiful sustainable children's clothing brands.
Tip: Find something cool but missing the brand? Then look/ask about the material. The best is children's clothes made of natural materials. With sustainable brands, you can be sure that the materials are good. Want to know more about clothing materials? We wrote about that too!
The best places to find second-hand children's clothes?
Good question: the best place to find second-hand children's clothes? As far as I'm concerned, Vinted is the number one choice. So much on offer and such good search filters, you can always find something nice there. And with the tips in this article, find second-hand clothes from Dutch Vinted sellers faster. But offline ‘in the real world’ is also good fun for kids. The flea market (check a handy list of flea markets here) and thrift shop are also great places for second-hand children's clothes, especially if you are looking for smaller sizes (baby size up to 116 approximately). Although, at a good flea market you can also find great stuff for bigger kids... And the advantage of the flea market and thrift shop is: you're not going to find it cheaper!
At a good flea market, you can also find second-hand clothes for bigger kids, check it out! Three shorts in size ‘decade’ and cool summer shoes with polka dots in size 31. I found these pearls on the Kleverpark festival in Haarlem.
Further The Clothing Loop a nice tip. This is totally free, by the way! Holland's clothing chain has become best known for loops for women's clothes, but there are also more and more bags for children in circulation. Just check if this is the case in your area, or start one yourself. Want to know more about The Cothing Loop? Then check out this review and learn all about it!
Another well-known clothing exchange especially for children is GotClothes.nl. It works a little differently from a chain exchange for adults because you are left with the different sizes and ages of children. The solution is that the exchange does not have to be done simultaneously and with the same person. Membership costs 15 euros a year and with that you can choose and give away unlimited boxes online. Would you rather pick or hand in clothes by the piece? The website provides addresses for physical swap locations around the country, often at volunteers' homes.
As a second-hand shopper, it is also useful to join Facebook groups where your favourite children's clothing brands are sold second-hand. You can often find these groups by searching for brand names in the Facebook search bar. That way, you don't have to keep looking yourself, but the best offers will come straight to you daily.
And also take a look at a second-hand children's clothing shop in your area. It is often the case that shops in ‘better’ neighbourhoods have nicer offerings. Take advantage of this!
Finally, school or sports club app groups are real lifesavers. Post a call when you need something and before you know it, the sneakers and sports outfits will come to you via the schoolyard. No need to leave your house at all. Delicious!
Second-hand shopping for kids: think ahead!
Shopping for second-hand kids' clothes is a bit more of a puzzle. That's because kids fit a size for a relatively short time. In addition, you have to take into account the season in which they wear a certain size. If you think about this in advance, you can get more out of the (online) second-hand shopping and maybe already find special things for upcoming seasons.
Tip: if you go shopping online and see several cool items at one seller, you can often get a bundle discount. Moreover, it saves shipping costs. Ask about this!
Best-kept secret of a second-hand shopping parent: the growth box!
Of course, all those second-hand treasures you buy growing up have to go somewhere. You probably have a shelf left over in the wardrobe. Or else get a free box at the supermarket and put the kids‘ clothes in there. That way, you'll always have a stash and won't be tempted to buy something new ’just in case‘ of an emergency. Stressing about missing something is the number one reason for me personally to go for the easy way out and buy new ’just quickly'. And that's what I want to avoid the most. The growth board (or box) helps with this.
Also remember to regularly check what you already have in that growing box. Sometimes you forget what you already have. It is also always handy to get an extra coat and sneakers in a larger size. If something gets lost at school, which happens regularly with us, you can reach for those spare copies in the grow box until the old stuff is back up.
Left: the growth box with all used children's clothes. On the right: a pair of repaired second-hand children's trousers.
Underwear and socks second-hand too!
A nice outfit is more likely to be passed on than socks, underwear and pyjamas. But why should those garments end up in the rubbish? Many people are actually greatly helped by such basics. Does it still look good and can you wash it? Then you can pass it on! Luckily, there are a lot of people on Vinted who have understood this, because this is how I find the best kids' pyjamas, socks and boxer shorts for a few quid.
How many pieces of clothing does a child need?
How much does a child need? That varies, of course. Some children come home in dirty clothes every day, while others can easily run around in them for three days. I think an average child in the Netherlands needs about nine sets of clothes. Say four summer sets and five winter sets. That does not include underwear, socks, sportswear, shoes, jacket and other accessories. Hmmm, quite a lot when you put it all together like that. Anyways, this is useful information while second-hand shopping. That way you know a little bit about what to look for.
Please (not): a bag of second-hand children's clothes
It is meant to be super nice, but as soon as people learn that you like buying second-hand, they immediately want to give you things for free. And that is remarkably often children's clothes. Lots and lots of children's clothes. Sometimes a bag full. It is very nice to be offered stuff for free, but you have to leave all those clothes somewhere. It often remains unworn anyway because it is not your (first) choice. And that children's wardrobe slowly gets fuller that way. Exactly what you don't want. Believe me, you don't have to take everything you are offered. Kindly thank for it and indicate that there are many families and charities that need it more than you do.
Repair children's clothes as often as possible too!
Broken knees in trousers, bulging elastics and other clothes rips: get them fixed! With children, you know that clothes can break quickly. Sometimes I have broken knees fixed as many as three or four times before the tailor says it really is time for a ‘new’ pair of trousers.
How do you find the coolest second-hand kids' clothes?
What did you think of these second-hand shopping tips for kids? Did you already know everything or do you have a different way to find cool stuff for kids? Let us know (contact buttons can be found at the bottom of this page)! We will add to the list with love! And have you found something fun? Show it off on Instagram and don't forget @thegreenlist.nl then of course don't tag it!
More sustainable tips for kids
- Sustainable parenting can be quite tricky. We'll get you started with these tips from a sustainable mum!
- Soft toys are often made of polyester. Have you ever thought about their environmental impact? We do!
- Want to know more about washable nappies? These come in all shapes and sizes and also of different materials.
Photo credits: main image: Angela de Vlaming, other: thegreenlist.nl.
