Here at The Healthy Parent we are big on sustainability and making eco-friendly changes where possible but we are also realistic and understand that not every decision can be eco-friendly due to time constraints, financial limitations and feasibility so we love it when brands make it easy and one of our favourite children’s brands, Blade & Rose has done just that.
Buying preloved clothing
Buying preloved clothing is an eco-friendly choice that helps reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry. By giving clothes a second life, we reduce the demand for new production—which in turn lowers the use of water, energy, and raw materials. It also keeps clothing out of landfills, cutting down on textile waste and the harmful emissions it produces as it decomposes. Choosing pre-loved fashion supports a circular economy, where items are reused and repurposed rather than discarded. It’s a simple yet powerful way to lessen your carbon footprint while still expressing your personal style.
As shopping pre-loved becomes more popular there are an increasing number of ways in which you can get involved.
How to shop for preloved clothing
Friends and family
There is the age old option of hand me downs, often thought of as being for those worse off then others but now seen as a real gift when friends and family pass on their children’s clothes when they no longer need them. The added bonus here is that they are often passed on for free but even when they are sold it is usually for a nominal fee that leaves both parties happy.
Charity shops
Charity shops are also still a popular option and although they aren’t as affordable as they once were you can still find some excellent bargains in them and also discover brands you may never have previously heard of. Charity shops are also great for finding preloved items that are practically new, maybe they were worn once for a special occasion, the buyer changed their mind and never wore it or it was a gift they didn’t really like or fit into, whatever the reason there are lots of clothes in charity shops that are full of life you just need to be prepared to have a good look.
Vintage shops
Vintage shops are also popping up all over the place now and are perfect for those with a more quirky fashion style who love to throw it back to previous eras. It always makes me smile when I see obvious vintage pieces being given a second life as so often those pieces are so well made and unique that they are worth so much more than the landfill site. Shopping in vintage shops can also unearth clothing from independent brands and designers that are no longer trading (or even alive)- it’s like a real life treasure hunt for the fashionistas!
Vinted
If rummaging through charity shops and vintage stalls isn’t for you then head online and check out places like Vinted where you are bound to find amazing preloved items for all ages and styles at a fraction of the price you would if buying brand new. Vinted is perfect for those one off pieces like event dresses or holiday clothes and it’s also a great way to make a bit of money of=n your own old clothes too.
Preloved Market place
And now we are lucky enough to witness brands such as Blade & Rose taking the initiative to be proactively eco friendly and sustainable with their preloved marketplace. This section of their offers parents a simple, community-driven way to buy and sell gently loved Blade & Rose pieces, supporting families in making budget-friendly and planet-positive choices.
“We’re proud to offer our customers a meaningful way to extend the life of
their favourite pieces while making sustainable shopping more accessible,”
said Amanda Peffer, Founder of Blade & Rose.