Why UAE parents are turning to second-hand shopping for kids

A growing number of parents in the UAE are rethinking how they shop for their children’s clothes. Once considered unconventional or even taboo, buying second hand has rapidly gained traction, particularly among eco-conscious families and those looking for quality at a more affordable price point. This shift reflects not only evolving consumer values but also a growing awareness of fashion’s environmental impact and the significant waste contributed by children’s clothing.

Across many cultures, including the Middle East, second hand shopping was, for years, viewed with stigma. But today, that perception is evolving. A new generation of parents is viewing preloved fashion as a smart, sustainable, and stylish choice especially when it comes to children’s ever changing needs and the temporary natures of their wardrobes. Luxury resale, in particular, is seeing a significant rise. Parents who once bought fast fashion for convenience are now turning to resale platforms to access designer, high quality pieces at a fraction of the original price. Particularly in the UAE where there is an affinity for luxury items, parents are now able to access the most coveted brands at more affordable price points.

Children outgrow clothes at a remarkable pace, with the average child going through over 1,700 items before reaching their teens. This constant turnover creates a disproportionate environmental impact, especially when parents resort to buying fast fashion that are cheaply made and then quickly discarded.

By embracing second hand, parents are helping extend the lifecycle of clothing that might otherwise end up in landfill. Reusing clothing significantly reduces carbon emissions, water consumption, and textile waste. For example, buying just one used item instead of new can save nearly 2 kg of CO₂ emissions and thousands of litres of water.

In the UAE, where consumerism and global fashion trends are often prominent, this conscious shift marks a meaningful cultural change. It reflects an alignment with global sustainability goals and a willingness to adopt more circular consumption patterns at home.

In addition to sustainability, affordability is a key driver. According to the latest Julius Baer's Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report, Dubai has climbed significantly to rank as the seventh most expensive city globally. With the cost of living rising, second hand shopping is proving to be a practical alternative. Parents can purchase high quality clothing at up to 90% off the original retail price while also finding opportunities to resell outgrown items and recoup some of their spending.

The resale market also offers a way to reward long term thinking: investing in better quality upfront with the intention of extending a garment’s life through multiple owners.

One of the main concerns for parents exploring second hand shopping is the condition and authenticity of the items. Platforms like Retykle help ease these concerns by implementing a thorough quality control process. Each item is carefully examined for stitching, hardware, labels, and overall wear, and must meet strict hygiene requirements before being listed. This level of care and transparency builds confidence among families new to second hand shopping, making the experience feel both safe and dependable.

Second hand shopping isn’t just a lifestyle choice, it can also be an educational one. Including children in the process of cleaning out closets, reselling or donating items, and shopping more thoughtfully can instill values of environmental responsibility and conscious consumption from a young age.

These early habits matter. They can help raise a generation that is more attuned to the environmental impact of their choices, and more likely to value quality, longevity, and purpose over excess and disposability.

Platforms like Retykle and other curated second hand marketplaces are helping facilitate this shift, offering families trusted ways to engage with the circular fashion economy and adopting more eco-friendly habits at home.

- By Armelle Liverton