If you are a parent, you will have witnessed firsthand how quickly children grow. One moment they are a snuggly newborn, and the next, they are applying for university and counting down the days until they can leave home. It all goes so fast – not only how quickly they grow up, but also how they grow in size.
In fact, children will speed through seven sizes of clothes in their first two years of life, and it doesn’t stop there. The average child outgrows over 1,500 articles of clothing before they are fully grown. This unavoidable rotation of clothing, happens for every child and unfortunately, the majority of these items end up in landfill as parents struggle to keep up with their children’s ever-changing needs.
In fact, children will speed through seven sizes of clothes in their first two years of life and it doesn’t stop there. The average child outgrows over 1,500 articles of clothing before they are fully grown
The best way to keep up with their growth spurts while protecting the planet is to shop preloved kids clothes and sell their outgrown items on to the next family. This circular rotation reduces the demand for brand-new items while extending the lifespan of products already created.
Resale has seen a huge rise over the past five years, and it is even more relevant for preloved kids clothes. Beyond the environmental benefits, it’s also a great way to recoup some of the costs of raising children while providing access to quality brands at more affordable prices.
Navigating the world of secondhand can feel overwhelming at first, especially if you’re new to the idea. However, with a little know-how, the process becomes not only simple but rewarding.
As the Director of Retykle – a preloved kids clothes platform founded in Hong Kong and now available in the UAE – I want to help you by sharing our top 10 tips for buying and selling secondhand children’s clothes.
Whether you’re clearing out outgrown items or searching for the next size up, following this advice should make the experience both efficient and enjoyable.
For Selling
- Declutter with Care: Start with a closet clear-out and set aside all items your child no longer fits or wears. Inspect each item for stains, tears, or defects that might make it unsuitable for resale. Ask yourself: Would I buy this item in its current condition?
- Follow Care Instructions: Read and adhere to care labels to keep clothes in great condition. Proper washing and storage will minimise wear and tear, increasing the likelihood of resale. Use eco-friendly detergents and wash on gentle cycles to further prolong the life of garments.
- Sell In-Season: List seasonal items at the right time. Winter coats are far more likely to sell in autumn than in summer. Likewise, swimsuits and summer outfits are best listed in the spring. Being strategic about timing will boost your chances of making a sale.
- Let Go of Attachments: It can be difficult to part with special items, but consider taking a photo of sentimental pieces instead. Focus on the joy your child’s clothing will bring to another family. Remind yourself that by passing these preloved kids clothes on, you’re giving them a second life.
- Use a Trusted Resale Platform: Whilst we may be biased, using a resale platform like Retykle ensures your items are photographed, priced and detailed correctly. They will do all the work for you so you don’t have to waste time negotiating with potential buyers and organising deliveries. They will also have established audiences that are looking to buy secondhand kids’ items, maximising your potential for a sale and increasing your earnings.
For Buying
- Know Their Style: Every child has their own preferences. Make note of their favourite brands and styles to ensure you’re buying items they will love and wear. Consider involving older children in the shopping process to help them make mindful choices.
- Build a Capsule Wardrobe: Consider what your child already owns and buy pieces that complement their existing wardrobe. Staple items like neutral tops and versatile bottoms can maximise outfit combinations. Capsule wardrobes aren’t only for adults and can help to simplify daily dressing.
- Check Regularly: Resale platforms often upload new items daily. Popular brands sell quickly, so checking frequently will give you the best chance to snap up coveted pieces. Set up alerts or follow favourite sellers to be notified when new items are added.
- Plan Ahead: Whether it’s a birthday party or a themed dress-up day, planning ahead will help you shop mindfully and avoid last-minute panic buys. Make a list of upcoming events and needed items to guide your shopping choices.
- Inspect Condition and Authenticity: Use zoom functions to examine items up close. Look at buttons, zips, seams, fabric quality, and care labels. Trusted platforms guarantee authenticity and detailed condition descriptions, so you can shop with confidence. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out to the platform’s customer service for additional details or reassurance.
By buying and selling preloved kids clothes, you are not only extending the life of quality items but also reducing the environmental impact of fashion. Small changes in the way we shop can make a big difference — for our children, our wallets, and the planet.
To sell your preloved kids clothes or just know more about Reytkle, visit the website here.
