While it’s great to buy the kid clothing you love, we’re also trying to buy items other people will love too. I’m talking about re-sale. From mass market brands to hand-knit wool rompers, there’s a surge in parents re-selling their kids used wares on Facebook, Craig’s List, Mercari, and other used marketplaces.
Of course I want to buy pieces that I love. But there is so much enchantingly cute kids clothing out there, I find that thinking about re-sell value helps to limit the scope of my search.
I look for pieces that meet three criteria points:
- My husband won’t hate.
- My kids will get in at least 15 wears before they outgrow.
- The garments can be re-sold for at least 50% of purchase price in good used condition.
I don’t want to go to the effort to keep impeccable anything that the kids (or I) wear.
Thinking a lot about re-sell value of kids clothing, and the rise (explosion in popularity) of Buy Sell Trade groups on Facebook, I’ve even spent a couple hundred hours analyzing the re-sale value of over 2,000 garments across 6 Buy Sell Trade groups on Facebook, Mercari, and Poshmark.
Hanna Andersson, Tea Collection, and Mini Boden, higher end mass market brands, are popular with the largest group followings and good re-sale value but not the highest.
But many other brands, like Kate Quinn, Childhoods, Lulu + Roo, Quincy Mae, Alice + Ames, Jamie Kay, and Rylee + Cru, consistently fetch higher resale prices. And they also have very large, very loyal followers too.
And finally, there are other niche (more boutique) high-end brands where pricing is all over the map. There are fewer items in circulation, less consistent resale pricing, and less data to analyze and draw conclusions. (Down the road, I want to try.)
But when it comes to resale value and maximum mom appeal, there are a few trends that I’ve seen emerge across high (and higher) end Buy Sell Trade groups.
- Hanna Andersson and Mini Boden moms will buy Jamie Kay colors (like honey, wheat, aubergine, walnut, apricot, and peach flecks), but Jamie Kay moms don’t tend to buy Hanna-Boden color palettes of bright and cheery blues, reds, yellows, kelly greens, and magentas.
- Hanna-Boden colors in a more muted palette (rust, bronze, wheat, ballet pink, dusky blue) have a larger audience.
- Prints with sunflowers, pumpkins, gnomes, French bulldogs, and narwhals are having a moment.
- Bubble rompers can be resold at more than double their resale value if no major flaws and it’s in an earth-color palette and you can post a picture of your chunky-thighed child with your listing.
- Organic “looking” or “sounding” clothing re-sells just as well as clothing that is organic. (i.e. A sage green, bamboo romper that looks built for picning with woodland faeries gives the right illusion.)
- Licensed wear (i.e. Disney) is popular, especially in more nostalgic designs and muted color palettes.
- Hand-drawn motifs, daisies, ditzy floral, gingham, strawberries, peaches, sloths, llamas, racoons, squid, mushrooms, animals playing sports, farmers market, woodland themes, and earth-toned (rust, clay, mustard, bronze) rainbows and suns, are (still) having a moment. Dinosaurs are a perennial favorite, especially in more unique or absurd colors and settings. Typography print tees (i.e. You Are My Son-Shine) are also popular.
Of course there are always exceptions. But these are general trends I’ve seen.
Here are the top 20 things to buy right now on Hanna Andersson, Boden Kids USA, and Tea Collection.
These are the garments to buy that will have the best re-sale value after your kids have outgrown them.
1 | Embroidered Baby – Toddler Sweater Apple of My Eye Romper from Hanna Andersson
Depending on condition, these types of rompers typically re-sell for $15 to $20. (For some especially coveted Harvest Pumpkin prints, they can fetch up to $200.)
You can save an additional 20% if you’re new to Hanna Andersson and create a new Hanna Andersson account.
2 | Sherpa Baby Romper – Overalls Made from Recycled Marshmallow Fleece from Hanna Andersson
Depending on condition, these types of gender neutral rompers can re-sell for $13 to $19. Given the multi-season versatility of this piece, and how it can be easily passed down to siblings, it’s a deal.
You can save an additional 20% if you’re new to Hanna Andersson and create a new Hanna Andersson account.
3 | Alice in Wonderland Pajamas from Hanna Andersson
The two-piece Alice in Wonderland long johns go up to size 12 (150 cm). The zip sleeper version ranges in size from 0-3M to 3T.
As it’s a licensed print, these can resell for $15 to $25 on resale boards and sites. If you can sell sibling sets (i.e. the same pajamas in sizes 4T and 2T), you get $35 to $55 or more for a set.
Eventually, pajama prices will drop precipitously at Hanna Andersson. But prices are slower to drop for licensed prints, and as pajamas get marked down sizing options become more limited.
You can save an additional 20% if you’re new to Hanna Andersson and create a new Hanna Andersson account.
4 | Baby Henley Romper in Waffle Knit from Hanna Andersson
The henley romper in waffle knit is another style that does not seem as brand-specific and it comes in a non-primary color palette: red pepper, navy blue, golden hour, or petal.
It’s more fitted than similar-style rompers in other brands, but you can always size up and then get extra wear out of it.
Save an additional 20% if you’re new to Hanna Andersson and create a new Hanna Andersson account.
5 | Print Knit Jumpsuit in Cotton Jersey from Hanna Andersson
This cotton jersey jumpsuit in black and white print looks like similar styles you can find on Tea Collection, Alice + Ames, or even grown-up women’s wear.
Jumpsuits and rompers have good resale value (generally 40% to 70%), and this style is on sale now with sizes 2T through 7 (120 cm) remaining.
If it came in my size, I’d buy it.
Save an additional 20% if you’re new to Hanna Andersson and create a new Hanna Andersson account.
6 | Ruffle Top in Cotton Jersey from Hanna Andersson
This cotton jersey ruffle top comes in four colors. I love the juniper shade (shown) and ivory one. These tops have good re-sale value in BST’s and can coordinate with lots of different outfits.
Save an additional 20% if you’re new to Hanna Andersson and create a new Hanna Andersson account.
7 | Color Block Sweatshirt from Hanna Andersson
While it’s listed as a “boy” sweatshirt, this style is gender neutral if a little boxy. It comes in the navy-chili-blue multi color block pictured, and also juniper multi. It’s similar to current styles on Zara and Fin & Vince.
Save an additional 20% if you’re new to Hanna Andersson and create a new Hanna Andersson account.
8 | Sherpa Pullover from Hanna Andersson
I love the squishy, fleecy gooey goodness of this sherpa texture. Like the colorblock sweatshirt, this cut reminds me of Fin & Vince. This sherpa pullover comes in the navy blue as pictured, and a juniper shade with matching juniper ribbing.
Save an additional 20% if you’re new to Hanna Andersson and create a new Hanna Andersson account.
9 | Thermal Pocket Top from Hanna Andersson
This thermal pocket top comes in soft black or Hanna Red. Listed as a “boy” top, again, I don’t think it looks especially gender specific. If it came in larger sizes, I’d wear it as a tunic or oversized shirt with leggings.
Save an additional 20% if you’re new to Hanna Anderssono and create a new Hanna Andersson account.
10 | Ruffle Neck Jersey Top from Mini Boden
This top comes in a few different color choices and a wide size range: 2T to 12Y and a couple other color options. It goes with a muted color palette or a bright and vibrantly colorful one.
Save an additional 20% if you’re new to Boden Kids and create a new Boden account.
11 | Broderie Trim Sweatshirt from Mini Boden
This crewneck with the lace trim hem detail and neckline is also sold in a similar style on Jamie Kay and Zara.
On Boden, it comes in Frost blue or Provence Dusty Pink. I like that i goes with a muted color palette or bright, saturated rainbow hues.
Save an additional 20% if you’re new to Boden Kids and create a new Boden account.
12 | Ribbed Tights from Mini Boden
Tights and knee high stockings do well in resale groups if they’re in decent shape and a popular design or color palette.
The re-sale value of tights is commonly $5 to $9. Tights can frequently sell for higher, if they’re a ribbed or popcorn texture and there are no holes or no significant pilling.
Save an additional 20% if you’re new to Boden Kids and create a new Boden account.
13 | Long Sleeve Frill Detail Woven Top from Mini Boden
I love everything about this frill neck top, and can’t decide if I like the Provence Dusty Pink Floral print better or the ivory one with gold stars. The top is 100% cotton (both main fabric and the lining) and comes in size 2Y to 14Y. (In the ivory with stars, it’s sold out in size 6-7Y and size 13-14Y. The pink floral is sold out in size 2-3Y.)
Full price is $47. If you’re patient, you could wait for the price to drop to 30% off ($32.90) or lower. But since this top is already selling out in some sizes, it might not be worth waiting a few weeks or more to save the extra $7.
Save an additional 20% if you’re new to Boden Kids and create a new Boden account.
14 | Swedish Lapland Bodysuit from Tea Collection
Woodland prints like these are popular in resale groups where the resale value can range from $5 to $12. Given all the wear a baby can get out of this worn as an outer piece or a base layer, and its hand-me-down quality, this is still a good deal.
Save 20% off your TeaCollection.com purchase if you’re a new customer creating a new Tea Collection profile. (This 20% is through my referral link. Otherwise you can get 15% off on site if you sign up for the newsletter.)
15 | Beary Cozy Baby Sweater from Tea Collection
This bear swear is cute enough to be worn for family pics, Thanksgiving, or a Santa visit. And yet it’s still casual enough for everyday wear.
Tea Collection clothing for boys has an overall resale value of 49% of original purchase price. (With original purchase price calculated as average sales price for a garment or similar style garments over the past 6 months, taking into account sales and promotions.)
Because this is a more current style and could be considered gender neutral, resale value could easily surpass 60%.
Save 20% off your TeaCollection.com purchase if you’re a new customer creating a new Tea Collection profile. (This 20% is through my referral link. Otherwise you can get 15% off on site if you sign up for the newsletter.)
16 | Playtime Corduroy Overall from Tea Collection
These corduroys are a popular, versatile style. The raw umber color and lack of flourishes (no applique or trim) give these overalls a brand-agnostic feel. The style is similar to overalls you could find on Rylee + Cru, Jamie Kay, or other trendy children’s clothing sites.
One-piece rompers and overalls tend to have very high resale value (65% on average), but most of the overall resale data I have is for brands that have higher resale values in general. I would estimate these overalls could have a resale value of $14 to $19.
Save 20% off your TeaCollection.com purchase if you’re a new customer creating a new Tea Collection profile. (This 20% is through my referral link. Otherwise you can get 15% off on site if you sign up for the newsletter.)
17 | Sweden Inspired Print Trädgård Floral in Cream from Tea Collection
Ditzy floral print and color palette is popular – aubergine and sage on cream. The Trädgård Floral in Cream print looks brand agnostic, and it has many on-trend flourishes like the shoulder ruffle detail.
This print comes in a variety of garment cuts: midi dress, flounce dress, onesie, and a two-piece playset. Because of the sibling match options, for sizes from baby to tween, garments in this set will have a higher resale value. Based on avail sales data, the resale value would be anywhere from 45% to 70%.
Save 20% off your TeaCollection.com purchase if you’re a new customer creating a new Tea Collection profile. (This 20% is through my referral link. Otherwise you can get 15% off on site if you sign up for the newsletter.)
18 | Flowed Tiered Midi Dress in Tiny Tulips Print – Swedish Collection from Tea Collection
The color, cut, and flow of this tiered midi dress is very de rigeur. While the colors are more brightly hued than the popular earth toned palette, the color and cut are somewhat similar to Nadadelazos or Bobo Choses.
Dresses in BST groups generally have an average resale value of 61%. Tea Collection dresses have a resale value of 30% to 75%. As this is a more brand agnostic style, this dress would likely resell at a higher percentage.
Save 20% off your TeaCollection.com purchase if you’re a new customer creating a new Tea Collection profile. (This 20% is through my referral link. Otherwise you can get 15% off on site if you sign up for the newsletter.)
19 | Pointelle Knit Leggings from Tea Collection
These thicker textured leggings come in jet black, chalk white, pink salt, or triumph blue (as pictured). Thicker leggings that are fleece lined or ribbed have typical re-sale values of 50% to 65%.
Save 20% off your TeaCollection.com purchase if you’re a new customer creating a new Tea Collection profile. (This 20% is through my referral link. Otherwise you can get 15% off on site if you sign up for the newsletter.)
20 | Little Gnome Sweater from Tea Collection
While it’s a spendier piece, it’s quite versatile and can be worn with a variety of different colors, styles, and occasions. And as a layering or warm-weather piece, it could be worn (near) daily. And it’s unisex and can pass down the line from oldest to youngest sibling.
Save 20% off your TeaCollection.com purchase if you’re a new customer creating a new Tea Collection profile. (This 20% is through my referral link. Otherwise you can get 15% off on site if you sign up for the newsletter.)
Past Performance does NOT Guarantee Future Performance
Or whatever the disclaimer is on all those stock financial websites and apps. These re-sale estimates shared are based on the re-sale value of similar garments from the same, or similar, brands on Facebook re-sale groups and clothing re-sale apps.
Many used clothes sellers will list their garments across multiple BST groups and multiple clothing re-sale sites. Some will hold out for weeks, or months, to get top dollar from the right buyer.
If you want a quick sale, you’re going to have to price accordingly – unless you have a really coveted piece.
And other buyers are shrewd. They know what you likely paid, versus the full regular price listed on the site, and will take that into account when making an offer.
Getting the Best Prices (When There’s Always a Sale Going) Can Be Difficult
And getting the best price upfront can be hard. It can feel like there’s always a sale going at Hanna Andersson, Boden, and Tea Collection. And that’s because these retailers generally always do have a sale going on.
Whether it’s an extra 25% off clearance, or 15% off full price, or 40% off select categories, there’s always some sort of promotion going. It can be hard to know whether or not you’re really getting a good deal (let alone The Best Deal).
The prices in this article were current at the time the article was published. But over the 2.5 days that I wrote this piece, prices for all 3 of the brands changed at least one time. They will likely be a few dollars or higher or lower by the time you visit the page.
The Best Deal is the One that Will Get the Most Wear – Focus on Getting Your MOney’s Worth, Not Your Money Back
Really, I think it comes down to what garment(s) will get the most wear.
Gorgeous raw umber corduroy overalls at $46 full price are expensive. Especially if your child will wear them a handful of times. Or not at all, before listing them as NWOT (New Without Tags) with a sad face emoticon on a Buy Sell Trade group.
But with the huge glut of coupon codes and referral codes and promo codes, you’ll probably never pay more than $37 for those overalls anyway.
And if your child gets at least 15 wears out of these overalls, and they can be passed down to a sibling who can get at least 15 wears out of them, the $37 price tag doesn’t seem too bad. $37 at 30 wears is $1.53 a wear. (Or $37 at 5 wears is $7.40 a wear, making them 384% more expensive.)
I think the same goes with other dresses and pants and tops and sweaters. Get what you know you’ll get a lot of wear out of. For me, it’s not worth it to pay $11 less to get the floral print that’s on markdown instead of a solid or striped print that will get more wear. If you really love and prefer the print that’s on markdown, that’s fantastic.
But the best deal is the garment that will be worn and loved. Even if it ends up with a pinhole or a stain or two, you can still resell it on a clothing resale site or BST group afterwards. Believe it or not, the resale price gap between a GUC garment and an EUC garment isn’t that much. And at least for me, getting my money’s worth feels a lot more satisfied than getting my money back.
Fueling my coffee runs, this post may contain affiliate links. I stand behind products I recommend.
Other Fun Reads You’ll Enjoy
- Don’t Toss Those Used Joggers! The Resale Value for Childhoods, Lulu + Roo, Tea Collection, Hanna Andersson, and Mini Boden.
- Save $15 on $50+ at Alice and Ames – All About the Brand and How to Save 30% off Your Purchase (instead of the regular 10% discount for new customers)
- Check out these 11 mom-friendly side hustles you can do from your phone. See how this Minnesota mom makes an extra $9,400 a year.