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How To Shop Kids Vintage & Secondhand
How to start if you want to dress your kids in vintage and secondhand? We reached out to a bunch of kids secondhand sellers and asked them to share their best tips.
Like adult clothing, the quality of kids’ vintage is often much better and more durable than modern clothing. There is no shortage of children’s secondhand clothing, and it is easy to find when you know where and how to look.
Start them young, our interviewees repeated: One day, your kids will want to decide their outfits themselves, so enjoy dressing them in secondhand while you can, and hopefully, they will continue loving secondhand clothes and looks for the rest of their lives.
Here are some tips to get you started! And stay tuned for the part two where we discuss which brands and items to look for in the kids secondhand market.
Why choose secondhand for kids?
“Shopping for kids secondhand is smart and fun! The high quality and low prices take all the stress out of spending. You can get what you need and want without breaking the bank. Since kids grow out of things so fast, most of our second hand items have barely been used. You’ll walk away with things that might have otherwise been out of your price range. And you’ll discover new favorite brands and items that become a part of your everyday repertoire!” – Jane Dorsey / Jane’s Exchange
“Fast fashion prices can be tempting, but shopping secondhand is just as affordable – and far more sustainable. The fashion industry produces around 92 million tons of textile waste each year, much of it from fast fashion. With so many kids’ clothes already in circulation, there’s no need to buy new. Opt for secondhand, and when clothing is outgrown, resell, pass it down, or donate to keep it out of landfills. For pieces that are too worn or damaged, find a textile recycling facility in your area to ensure they’re repurposed sustainably.” – Carly Boonparn / Parachute Brooklyn
How to start shopping secondhand for kids?
“Discover brands you love! Whether you prefer vintage or modern styles, there are plenty of resale accounts on Instagram and buy/sell/trade groups on Facebook. Set alerts for your child’s size if you shop on resale platforms.” – Carly Boonparn / Parachute Brooklyn
“Always be mindful when shopping. Make a list of things you really need.” – Tasheena Carmona / Who Wore What Mini
Where to shop for kids’ vintage?
“On Etsy! They have strong checks and balances in place, you know you are purchasing authentic vintage, without the risk of a seller backing out and reselling your piece on another platform because they can make more money. The price you see is the price you pay, and the piece you receive. Etsy keeps its sellers honest by rewarding good sellers with a Star Seller program. ” – Glorianna Schinagl / Rolypolyz
”If you’re looking for something more curated, I highly recommend finding an Instagram shop that you vibe with – the sellers have done all the work: dug, made repairs, lifted stains, taken measurements, and are bringing you the best.” – Georgia Bell / Wild Child Preloved
”I would start at your local thrift stores, church sales, flea markets, and estate sales. The hunt is always part of the fun. Two of my favorite places to shop are The Brooklyn Flea Market and Parachute Brooklyn.” – Tasheena Carmona / Who Wore What Mini
“On a big hub like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Instagram. There is a continuously growing kids vintage community on both Facebook and Instagram with pages dedicated to certain brands and eras. When you stumble onto one page, it will lead you to discover so many more.” – Kristine Nite Scalzo / Eyespeak Vintage
How to find good quality items?
“Natural fibers like cotton, wool, or silk hold up much better than synthetic materials.” – DaleAnn Schultz / Kid Gloves
“There is no perfect golden brand that might not have flaws. So, ask for more photos and information before buying if needed. If you are in front of the clothing, check the snaps, zippers and buttons, and the seams for holes.” – Glorianna Schinagl / Rolypolyz
“Take the time to “shop with your fingers”—feel the fabrics, check care tags for material content, and inspect the quality of construction. Look for brands that use natural fibers, especially if your child has sensory sensitivities. Soft, breathable materials like bamboo and organic cotton can be great options. When shopping online, look for listings that specify fabric content and try to avoid potentially itchy or uncomfortable fabrics like polyester or acrylic.” – Carly Boonparn / Parachute Brooklyn
How to find the right size?
“Know your child’s measurements. Vintage labels can often be misleading and by knowing the chest and length measurements that can give you the confidence in all your purchases online or in person. – Kristine Nite Scalzo / Eyespeak Vintage
“When in doubt, size up! Growth spurts can happen unexpectedly, especially with babies. Sizing up allows children to wear clothing longer, sometimes across multiple seasons, helping to reduce textile waste. For babies, always consider the season – you don’t want to invest in pieces they’ll outgrow before they can even wear them!” – Carly Boonparn / Parachute Brooklyn
“Make sure the shoe sizes match and you have a left and right… trust me, it happens to the best of us!” – Georgia Bell / Wild Child Preloved
Other practical tips
“Do not be afraid of white, and don’t be afraid of stains. Oxyclean and a clothesline on a sunny day can save anything.” – DaleAnn Schultz / Kid Gloves
“Be mindful of safety. Some features can be unsafe for children, for example, drawstrings around the neckline, and some children can be allergic to polyester.” — Glorianna Schinagl / Rolypolyz
“Make comfort and practicality number one. When you are starting potty training, or starting school keep in mind how tricky it is to get those overalls off in a jiffy! And if you don’t like itchy sweaters, guaranteed your baby doesn’t either! Layer cotton bodysuits under potentially harsh woolen fabrics.” – Glorianna Schinagl / Rolypolyz
“Age is nothing but a number! Oftentimes people think if it is really old, it won’t be wearable for their child because it is 20, 50, or 100 years old but that couldn’t be further from the truth! Clothing was made so much nicer, with such higher quality back then, they were not made in sweatshops. They were made to last. If you know a few basic things about mending by hand, you will be fine with repairing anything that might happen in day-to-day activity, too.” – DaleAnn Schultz / Kid Gloves
vintage Carhartt coverall