How and Where to Rent Children’s Clothing
Raising children is filled with milestones, growth spurts and special occasions. Their wardrobes need regular updates, especially as they outgrow clothes before they wear out.
Renting children’s clothing offers a practical, budget-friendly and eco-conscious way to support sustainable children’s fashion brands.
The Lullaby Trust has safety information on baby clothing (and bedding). Mostly to not over-heat (babies control temperature through their head and face).
Don’t let babies sleep in car seats (remove hats, socks and cardigans, when moving to warmer temperatures, including in vehicles).
Organic cotton or hemp children’s clothing is not only more comfortable (and better for sensitive skin). But lasts longer, due to not being treated by chemicals. And launders safely (for items with elastane or synthetic fibres, launder in a microfibre filter.
You can also donate children’s clothing to help families in need. Stripey Stork has a nationwide list of baby banks.
Subscription-Based Clothing Rental Services
Bundlee and The Little Loop offer subscription services for everyday essentials, outer wear and even formal items for weddings. You can choose a set number of outfits, have them delivered, then return them, to swap for new clothes when your child has grown out of them.
The clothes are carefully cleaned, repaired and quality-checked, before being rented out again. Most plans include unlimited swaps, to keep up with growth spurts, and most let you pause or cancel anytime.
Peer-to-Peer Rental Platforms
My Wardrobe HQ is a clothing library. Brose listings from other parents or small boutiques, pay for what you need, and borrow for a set period. When you’re done, return the clothes following instructions provided.
These are great for special events like party costumes or visiting a wedding. Reviews and ratings help to build trust among renters.
Local Children’s Clothes Renting Boutiques
Many independent shops now rent clothes, or offer in-store hire services. This gives them more profit, gives savings to parents, sand helps to promote independent sustainable brands.
Can you imagine if parents all rented ‘green brands’ from indie shops, instead of buying lots of cheap children’s clothing from Primark? The clothing market would be transformed, parents would be better off, and indie brands and shops would thrive.
Supporting local shops also keeps money in your community, as they pay local taxes, the managers are also local, and it benefits local sandwich shops to sign writers.
Libraries and Community Sharing Schemes
Some public libraries and community centres even now offer something similar, at low cost or even free (like child versions of ‘swishing’ – clothes swapping). Even ask your local school or church to get involved.
