Orla is mum to Felix and Edith and founder of Social Enterprise KindFolk, an online space where you can shop for childrenswear in a sustainable and meaningful way. We’ve asked Orla a few questions to help you learn more about the preloved children’s clothing market.
Orla, at KindFolk you buy and sell preloved children’s clothes. Have you seen growth in this market?
Absolutely, the preloved children’s market is definitely a growing market in Ireland. We have had a great response to our circular approach to children’s fashion with customers keen to both buy and sell preloved. Our recent Preloved Communion Wear pop ups in Arnotts and Brown Thomas Cork were a great success – it is so encouraging to see big department stores coming on board in such an innovative way to bring preloved children’s fashion mainstream.
On average how much are parents saving by buying second hand clothes for their children?
Parents can make great savings when buying secondhand, saving on average 50% of the original price of an item depending on the condition / brand. Buying high quality secondhand is an attractive option for parents considering how quickly children outgrow clothes.
What is the consensus of Irish people on giving presents of preloved clothes to friends and family (Either bought or already owned)
I believe the mindset of gifting preloved is definitely changing for the better amongst more eco conscious consumers. Buying preloved as a gift shows you are making a more sustainable, considered choice which is always well received. At KindFolk we want the experience of sending somebody a preloved item as a gift to be as good as any other store – all items are carefully quality checked and we offer a personalised note and plastic free gift wrapping at no extra charge.
What are your 5 tips for caring for clothes to make them last?
1.Wash less / Wash at 30 degrees
2.Spot clean stains quickly
3. Avoid the dryer/ Iron inside out
4.Always read the care label
5.Learn basic repairs or make a trip to your local seamstress – they can work wonders on rescuing your children’s clothes and saving them from landfill.
You organise donations of clothes to Direct Provision. Can you tell us more about how this works?
KindFolk’s aim is to be kind to the environment and to our community. As part of our Social Mission we donate clothes to 2 local Direct Provision Accommodation Centres in Cork – we post the free childrens clothes on a private facebook page KF Giving where residents can choose items that are specific to their children’s needs, we then deliver directly to the residents – in the past year we have donated in excess of 340 items.
Where can we find you?
www.kindfolk.ie – Home to our online shop and all the information you need to buy, sell or donate children’s preloved clothes
Instagram| @wearekindfolk – All our updates on the arrival of new stock and information on upcoming events and pop ups.
