Why Fast Fashion Doesn’t Make Sense for Kids - Bounce Mkt

Why Fast Fashion Doesn’t Make Sense for Kids

Let’s be real: kids go through clothes fast. Between growth spurts and the inevitable wear-and-tear from playground adventures, their wardrobes seem to need replacing at lightning speed. It’s no surprise that many parents turn to fast fashion—it’s cheap and convenient.

But here’s the thing: fast fashion isn’t built to last. And while that might not seem like a big deal (after all, kids outgrow clothes quickly), it matters—because fast fashion comes with some real downsides.

Let’s talk about why fast fashion doesn’t make sense for kids—and why buying secondhand kids’ clothes is a smarter, more sustainable way to keep up with growing kiddos without breaking the bank.

What is fast fashion, anyway?

Fast fashion refers to mass-produced clothing made quickly and cheaply to keep up with ever-changing trends. It’s designed to be affordable and disposable—and it's everywhere. Popular retailers offering kids’ fast fashion include H&M, Old Navy, and Target.

But those low prices come with some real costs.

For starters, fast fashion is often made with lower-quality materials that wear out quickly. In many ways, the clothes feel disposable—but they’re far from it. For example, polyester, a synthetic fabric commonly used by fast fashion brands, can take up to 200 years to decompose in a landfill.

The environmental impact doesn’t stop there. The fashion industry is responsible for 8% of global carbon emissions. A major contributor? Overproduction. Thanks to fast fashion, the world produces far more clothing than we actually need; it is estimated that over 100 billion garments are produced each year.

And then there’s the human cost. The industry has long been criticized for unsafe working conditions and unfair wages in its global supply chains.

Fast fashion might seem like a practical choice—especially when kids outgrow clothes so fast—but in many ways, it just doesn’t add up.

Why secondhand is better for kids—and parents

Buying secondhand kids’ clothing isn’t just an eco-conscious decision—it’s a practical one. And here’s the truth: pre-loved doesn’t mean worn-out. At Bounce Mkt, we rigorously curate high-quality pieces that are in excellent condition, from brands parents love and trust.

Here’s why we think secondhand beats fast fashion, hands down:

  • ✅ Higher quality for less: Many secondhand pieces come from premium kids' brands—but cost a fraction of the original price. You can often get better-made, longer-lasting clothes for what you’d spend on a fast fashion item.
  • 🌍 More sustainable: Buying and selling kids’ clothing secondhand extends the life of clothes already in circulation. That means fewer new garments need to be made—cutting down on textile waste, conserving natural resources, and reducing emissions.
  • 💰 Budget-friendly: Secondhand clothes are often just a small fraction of the cost of buying new. It’s a simple way to keep up with your child’s growth without breaking the bank.

Should you buy fast fashion brands secondhand?

Good question—and one we asked ourselves when launching Bounce Mkt.

We debated whether to accept clothing from fast fashion brands. In the end, we decided: if an item is in excellent condition—or even brand new—it deserves a second life. After all, it already exists. And keeping it in circulation is better than sending it to a landfill.

That said, we’re always on the lookout for those hidden gems: pieces from higher-quality brands that are made to last, wash after wash.

Secondhand doesn’t mean a thrift shopping experience

We know parents are busy. You need clothes that fit well, hold up to everyday life, and show up fast. That’s why we’ve reimagined secondhand shopping to be simple and stress-free.

Here’s what you can expect from Bounce Mkt:

  • A curated, modern selection available online and in our Hoboken shop;
  • Brands you recognize;
  • Easy filtering by size, season, and style;
  • Returns on full-priced items (because you never know when something won’t fit);
  • Free shipping on orders $75.

In conclusion:

Fast fashion may seem like the easy answer—but it often means lower quality and more waste. When it comes to dressing your little ones, secondhand is a better alternative that’s good for your wallet, your family, and the planet.