Like others, I go to the thrift store and save myself a ton fo money to boot!

I like that they have things in pink and purple but also the same styles in green and blue and yellow. I like that their skirts have shorts attached underneath, and are often made of stretchy material so my girl can climb and roughhouse as much as her twin brother. I like that even though they have shirts that say “Princess” and “Cutie,” they also have plenty of shirts that DON’T. I’m still in the toddler department so I don’t know about their bigger girl stuff, but so far I haven’t seen anything that offends me–just stuff I might not choose.

I am lucky to live in a large city with a large selection of second hand stores, thrift or consignment stores, and so forth. The clothes found therein are obviously a reflection of what is made, including the aggregious ones. I never have trouble finding things for my kids, though.

Actually it was easier when they were younger. Baby clothes are not as worn out as older kids clothes, because babies grow so quickly.

One other thought is getting hand me downs; if there’s a mother’s group near you, sometimes these groups can organize a clothing swap (often as a fundraiser, say $1 per item, and the profit goes to the group’s activities and campaigns). I have gotten GREAT stuff this way.

But back to used clothing: I have much more success finding second hand clothes for myself than my daughter. Most of my daughter’s clothes are hand-me-downs or bought from Goodwill, but I can’t find everything I need for her there and rely on retail for some items. That’s how I ended up in Kohl’s. (The Better World Shopping Guide gave them a D-, so I won’t be heading back there anymore.)

But I am wondering if it is easier to find age-appropriate clothes at second hand stores? Some of the styles and t-shirt slogans I see in the Goodwill are shocking. I love not supporting the fashion industry, especially those that rely on child and poorly-compensated adult labor. But I still don’t want her wearing sexy clothes until she’s old enough to understand and be comfortable with her sexuality. I’m not sure when that will be, but I want it to be on her chosen timetable, not because of pressure from the media, fashion industry, or peers, or from the lack of availability of suitable clothing.

My solution is: second hand clothes. They are being re-used, which is great for the environment (so much old clothing finds its way to the landfill, gah!) and usually by buying used clothes, you are giving money to an organization that uses the money for good charities. Also, by buying clothing at a thrift store, you can save your dollars for your own important causes, food, or whatever.

Lastly, by buying clothing second hand, you do not have to ever feel like you’re giving money to the fashion industry. You can get a lot of very nice things that are gently used, and your family will certainly not lack good clothes, either.

It’s a lot easier to reject the new clothes industry altogether than to make an exhaustive list of which companies to boycott — though I also think it’s a great idea to start some letter writing.

Great post - thanks!

Great post.