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Shopping Kids Secondhand – Best Brands & Items
What items and brands to look for when shopping secondhand for kids? We asked a round of experts for their insider tips!
Knowing what to look for makes all the difference when thrifting and shopping secondhand online. Have a shopping list in mind to avoid impulse purchases or buying items that your kid does not actually need. The following insights from professional kids sellers also help you know what brands and items to look for, whether you like contemporary kids’ fashion or true vintage.
This article is part two in our series about kids vintage and secondhand. Check out the first part here – how and where to shop kids’ vintage and secondhand.
Which brands to look for when shopping secondhand for kids?
“Overlooked brands in my opinion are Cutecumber, Sweet Potatoes, and Zoodles.” – Glorianna Schinagl / Rolypolyz
“Misha & Puff and Rudy Jude! I jump for joy when I see them pop up on the second hand market. Amazing quality, ethical production, true heirloom pieces that will last until your grandchildren & beyond.” – DaleAnn Schultz/ Kid Gloves
“At Parachute Brooklyn, we love brands like Bobo Choses, Soor Ploom, Mini Rodini, Misha & Puff, Tiny Cottons, Disana.” – Carly Boonparn / Parachute Brooklyn
Are there any kids’ vintage brands you would recommend?
“OshKosh B'gosh is a great brand that dates back all the way to 1895 and has quite a big following for certain hard to find patterns dating back to the 70s and 90s. It’s so popular that there are actual Facebook groups dedicated to the brand, and that is where you have better chances finding these hard to find patterned overalls, dresses, and rompers.
Another personal favorite for quality and aesthetics is Healthtex, they have great essential pieces such as striped tees, polos, overalls, and bottoms that are fit for weekly rotational wear.
Gymboree, now this one is fun and still exists as a company, but vintage Gymboree from the 90s is just gorgeous. Both for boys and girls, the color ways, the durability in the clothing it’s all just gorgeous.
Raised in Southern California these three surf & skate brands hold a special place in my heart: Ocean Pacific, T&C Surf, and Bugle Boy. If you have any shirt, pants, or sweater, they will usually have rad graphics and colorways!” – Kristine Nite Sclazo / Eyespeak Vintage
“Gunne Sax (children’s and adults) and Martha’s Miniatures dresses are collectible and rare if you ever see them – do not leave them behind! Sprockets and Baby Togs are also some underrated kids' vintage brands. These brands have stellar quality and still have unique details, good hardware, fun fabrics, and special details, but they are lesser known and highly underrated compared to the big two brands that most everyone else is aware of and therefore searching for, like Healthtex and OshKosh B'gosh.” – Glorianna Schinagl / Rolypolyz
How about specific pieces and items – what to look for?
“When buying vintage, it’s all about the individual item. You will know right away if it is great – if you love it, it is! Personally I love to find tee shirts from television shows I liked as a child. I collect Happy Days and Welcome Back, Kotter pieces.
With vintage, I recommend looking for wearable pieces like sweatshirts & tees and fun over-the-top beautiful items for holidays and special occasions. Nothing makes your special photos and Christmas cards look better than a one of a kind item. My daughter loves feminine 1940s dresses, and hand embroidered pieces, especially when the embroidery is of animals, a lot of vintage aprons and pinafores have great embroidery, and can be worn over almost any item to fit pretty seamlessly into their wardrobe.” – DaleAnn Schultz/ Kid Gloves
“Anything from the 70s and 80s. Good vintage denim holds value. I always look for the orange tag when shopping for Levi’s. They are easy to resale.” – Tasheena Carmona / Who Wore What Mini
“For vintage, we always get excited for Oshkosh, Healthtex, soft-worn t-shirts, and unique pieces with fun colors and prints!” – Carly Boonparn / Parachute Brooklyn
How to style kids’ vintage?
“There are endless ways to style vintage, mixing and matching with modern clothing brands. Your kid doesn’t have to look like they walked straight out of the 70s or 80s (unless that’s what you’re going for!) Have fun styling your kids! Dressing them doesn’t have to be a daily stressor, and you only have so much time before they start having serious opinions about what they want to wear. Enjoy it while it lasts.” – Carly Boonparn / Parachute Brooklyn
What is trending in kids’ vintage?
“Anything 90s Disney like Winne The Pooh or Arthur and other cartoon character clothing is what young moms are after. The hot character is always revolving – Barney is still popular, but I notice Care Bears sneaking up the ranks, and Strawberry Shortcake is having her turn in the spotlight right now.
90s and 00s American brands like Guess, Reebok, Lee Jeans, Arizona Jeans, Gap, Gymboree (not just the rainbow tags), Limited Too (tweens), Ralph Lauren, Talbots Kids, Tommy Hilfiger, Wrangler are going to be really trending soon. All quality brands I have always loved for myself and finding in pint size for my kids and the shop.
Some other trending items are cotton tee shirts for travel destinations, museums, animals, or environmentally friendly institutions.” – Glorianna Schinagl / Rolypolyz
colorful dungarees