Tariffs are here. How to save money on clothes (And maybe save the earth, as well).

As a mom of littles, I know how quickly kids can outgrow their clothes (to say nothing of how fast a toddler can ruin a shirt with spaghetti sauce). Most of us need to swap out garments at least seasonally. With a new 10% tariff in effect on garments coming from China —which accounts for over 40% of global textile exports —many families, including ours, might soon feel the pinch when it comes to clothing budgets.

So, how can American families save money on clothes in this new economic environment?

Here’s a thought: why not shop secondhand? Thrift stores, consignment shops, tag sales and online marketplaces like ThredUp and Poshmark are treasure troves of gently-used clothing that can be a fraction of the price of new items. Not only can you find great deals (including on branded and overstock items), but you might stumble on pieces that no one else has. Nothing worse than rolling up to drop-off only to find that three other girls have the same graphic tee as your kindergartner. With all that money you’re saving on clothes, you can have more breathing room for other budget essentials (groceries, anyone?).

Here’s the best part: buying secondhand isn’t just kind to your wallet; it’s also a win for the planet. By choosing to buy locally, we reduce the carbon footprint that comes with shipping clothes from halfway around the world. By buying secondhand, we cut the emissions and pollution that comes from manufacturing a new garment. We also create economic opportunity for American businesses and, if we shop at tag sales, other families in our community. It’s a small change that can make a big difference, and it keeps money from exiting the American economy.

If you must buy new, like for intimates and pajamas, you can still reduce your footprint by buying American. When shopping online, remember to scroll down to find the information about product sourcing. It’s a small habit change that adds seconds to the buying process, but it can help you evade the price increase and still keep your emissions footprint down. On that topic, it’s worth inserting here that we only partner with American manufacturers in our merch store for this reason. 

In conclusion, as we think about the potential impact of these tariffs on our family budgets, let’s embrace the idea of secondhand shopping. It’s a smart, sustainable choice that not only helps our wallets but also creates a positive ripple effect for our environment and local economies. Together, we can make thoughtful decisions that benefit our families and the world around us!

One more thing: Want to amplify your impact more? Try recycling clothes. 

You know you can make extra cash by consigning your undesired garments online or selling them at a tag sale. But did you know you can recycle worn out clothes in exchange for discounts on your favorite brands? A friend recently turned me onto this company, Trashie. For $15 they will send you a takeback bag that you can fill with literally any textile (underwear, socks, sheets, towels…!) You bag it up, seal it, scan the QR code and drop it off to be shipped to Trashie’s state-of-the-art sorting and recovery facility to be repurposed for resale or to create new industrial and consumer products. It keeps waste out of our landfills, helps the American economy and enables you to rack up “Trashie cash” that you can use to get discounts on other products. Even better? By diverting waste from landfills, you reduce emissions and save water. Sounds like a good deal to me.