Sustainability Scoop
5 ways tariffs
will shake up
kids’ clothing
Confused? Don’t be. Here’s what every
eco-conscious parent needs to know
Yup, President Trump’s April tariff announcement sent ripples through the kids’ clothing industry. If you’re wondering what this means for your wallets (and the planet), you’re in the right place. We unpack what these changes mean—and why secondhand clothes are your family’s secret weapon!
Prices are going up
(but not for preloved!)
That’s right, cute outfits are going to cost a whole lot more. Why? Some of the highest tariffs are aimed at key apparel-producing countries. And industry insiders predict these price increases will hit shelves by summer, just in time for back-to-school shopping. Ouch!
Fast fashion might slow down
Here’s a silver lining: Experts believe these tariffs may inadvertently slow down the fast fashion cycle that has plagued the children’s clothing industry. Not only could new tariffs spark supply chain issues, higher prices mean parents might think twice before impulse-buying that fifth striped t-shirt that will only last six weeks.
Quality gets a glow-up
Parents who pay more, expect more. What does this mean for secondhand clothing? It could push brands to improve quality to justify those higher price tags—potentially creating better-made items that will eventually make their way into the preloved cycle. Win-win!
Retailers get creative
“Nobody wants to accept a price increase from the person below them in a supply chain,” says Steve Lamar, Executive Vice President of the American Apparel and Footwear Association. While this tug-of-war could lead to strained relationships between retailers and suppliers, it could also mean an uptick in innovation. Some brands may shift to domestic production, potentially creating more sustainable, local supply chains.
The secondhand market
goes stratospheric
The math is simple: when prices increase, people naturally look for alternatives. And, in the case of tariffs, we’re also looking at production delays and potentially limited options on store shelves. The whole industry is about to get a shake-up. Where can you find tariff-free kids’ clothes that aren’t bogged down in supply chain issues? Prelove You!
