My daughters’ wardrobes are comprised primarily of used outfits. Thanks to the generosity of their grandparents, they each get a couple of brand new outfits each year. However, the vast majority of their clothes are hand-me-downs or items we’ve purchased from consignment stores.
When I think of hand-me-downs, my mental images are of raggedy clothes that are out of style. This does describe some hand-me-downs, but it certainly doesn’t describe all of them! When my husband and I had our oldest child, a friend of my sister (someone I’ve never met) gave us two large boxes of baby clothes. Most of these items were super fashionable outfits made by popular children’s clothing brands. Likewise, we now receive hand-me-downs from friends and from one of my husband’s coworkers. These always include items that are cute and in great shape.
As I was sorting through a bag of hand-me-down items last week, I was thinking about the numerous reasons why hand-me-downs are awesome.
Awesome things about hand-me-downs
- They save money. Whether you are on a tight budget or you’d simply prefer to spend your money on items other than clothes, hand-me-downs are awesome because they are free! This means that my girls get amazing clothes, including items from pricey brands and items that I would never purchase because they only get used once or twice (holiday-themed items, party dresses, etc.), without me spending a dime!
- They are good for the environment. Clothes are surprisingly hard on the environment. Whether it’s the production of clothes (pesticides used on cotton crops, production of synthetic fibers from petroleum, etc.) or their use (planned obsolescence promoted by the fashion industry, the 80 pounds of clothing and textiles per person per year that Americans put in the trash, etc.), clothes aren’t very green. However, reusing clothes by giving and accepting hand-me-downs is a very simple way we can reduce the impact clothes have on the environment.
- They teach kids that material possessions have value. We live in a culture where we tend to throw things away instead of fixing them or reusing them. Unfortunately, when we couple this with our preference for one-time-use products (facial tissues, paper plates, disposable diapers, aluminum foil, plastic drinking straws, etc.), our kids grow up thinking that it’s okay to toss out anything we don’t need any longer. As noted above, this isn’t good for the environment, but it also makes it difficult to teach kids the value of the stuff in our lives. When we receive and share hand-me-downs, it helps teach our kids that our possessions are valuable. Even though the items are used, another child (or adult) is able to benefit from them.
- It is fun to see the clothes used again. I have three daughters. I get such a kick out of seeing them each wear the same outfit! The outfits somehow highlight both their similarities and differences. When we’ve handed down items we don’t need, I’ve enjoyed seeing the babies of my friends wear items that my girls once wore. Seeing these items again brings back memories and helps me reminisce about how my kids have grown and changed.
- They help connect us to our communities. Sharing clothes allows us to connect with other families. It’s a very easy and practical way that we can offer support to one another—something we need to do more often! Whether we’re sharing hand-me-downs with a friend, neighbor, coworker, or even a stranger we heard of who has need for them, we have the opportunity to visit for a few minutes and experience some camaraderie.
Though I tend to think of children’s clothes when I consider hand-me-downs, the reality is that adults can also hand down clothes and other items (dishes, furniture, books, etc.). This is a great way to keep our homes from getting cluttered and to bless others.
Does your family give and/or receive hand-me-downs? What do you appreciate about them?
Shared at the following:
Farm Fresh Tuesdays, Busy Monday, and Encouraging Hearts and Home.
I have always loved hand me down clothes for myself and my kids. My husband is especially hard on his clothes at work so starting out with hand me downs is always a good thing for him. I found you on Farm Fresh Tuesday. Great post. 🙂
I love them for myself, too. I’m pretty small, so friends sometimes give me items that have shrunk because they accidentally dried them on high heat!
With three boys, we do hand-me downs until the clothes are thrashed. Which happens pretty soon the way they operate!
I would rather purchase my own clothing from a thrift store than new, and I get much more options that way.
I have nominated you and your blog for the Sunshine Blogger Award!
Congratulations!
To see the write-up on this, please see this post:
https://www.ridgehavenhomestead.com/sunshine-blogger-award-brighten-your-world/
Blessings,
Laurie
I’ve noticed that we have fewer clothes to hand down as my girls get older. They’re a lot harder on clothes when they run and climb all day! They often get holes in the knees of their pants. I patch these when possible, but it makes it harder to hand them down.
Thanks for the nomination and the kind words you shared about my blog in your post! I’m honored.
We have fewer that “survive” my older boys, but we live up North, so it’s good to have old coats around, for hauling wood, or for a “work coat”. Not all hand me downs need to be in perfect condition. I’m thankful for a friend who stopped over today , who brought over a lot of used stuff. She said she felt like Santa. We don’t do Santa, but yes, everyone was excited to go through the bags
Great point about using less-than-perfect clothes as work clothes or even for clothes to wear during certain art projects and things like that.
Thanks to the generosity of my fellow boy-mums, my kids had much nicer and more “expensive” clothing than I ever could have justified buying for them brand new. What a blessing hand-me-downs were!
Yes! My girls sometimes even get brand new clothes (tags still on) because the other child was too big for the outfit or didn’t want it.
Thank you for sharing at #OverTheMoon. Pinned and shared.
Thank you, Marilyn!
I buy just about everything that isn’t consumable second hand, including my clothes, our dishes, small appliances, the kids’ clothes, and books. The main exception is kids shoes. I have a hard time finding the right sizes for my boys.
For my boys, I generally buy used khakis and polo shirts. Everyone else uses those clothes for Sunday best, so they are practically new when we get them. These days, denim is no sturdier than khaki, so they get plenty of wear. When I’m feeling virtuous, I cut off and hem pants that have worn out knees, and they get a second life as shorts.
Shoes are a rare find, Rachel. Once kids are old enough to run around, they tend to wear them out while they still fit. Great idea about making shorts from pants!
Hello,sometimes I go to a clothes place.They donate clothes for kids in need,and I have clothes to help.Can I be apart ?
I imagine there are organizations in your area that would be grateful to have you donate clothes! You will need to check with local charities, faith-based ministries, and thrift stores to see who takes the clothes.
I want to help! I have clothes to give !
I imagine there are organizations in your area that would be grateful to have you donate clothes! You will need to check with local charities, faith-based ministries, and thrift stores to see who takes the clothes.
Look around your church, family or neighborhood- so many places to hand me down.
Hand me downs are the best!
Keep on passing down those blessings
Absolutely!