Parenting Perspective 

Teasing about thrifted clothing or hand-me-downs is painful because it directly targets a child’s perceived status and sense of belonging. Your role is to help your child maintain their dignity without allowing the moment to escalate into a contest. Establish a simple anchor at home: true value is found in character, not in price tags or brand labels. Thrifting is not a second-class choice; it is instead a move towards smart spending, sustainability, and often more creative, unique style. 

Name the Game, Change the Story 

Explain clearly why some children resort to mockery: it is often a quick way to gain laughs, to feel socially ‘above’ others, or simply to test a reaction. When your child understands the mechanism of the game, they are no longer compelled to participate in it. Help them write a truer story they can repeat to themselves internally: ‘I choose usefulness over noise. I am careful with my money. I am kind to the planet.’ 

Short, Steady Replies 

Coach your child on lines that are calm, clear, and closed. They should deliver one line, and then gracefully move on: 

• ‘I like giving good clothes a second life.’ 

• ‘It fits, it lasts, I am happy.’ 

• ‘Everyone shops differently. This works for me.’ 

• ‘I am saving my money for things that truly matter.’ 

Tone and body language are crucial: they must maintain a soft face, a steady voice, a slight smile, and relaxed shoulders. If the teasing persists, they should repeat the chosen line once, and then calmly change location or pivot to another topic. 

Use Light Humour When Safe 

A small dose of gentle humour can effectively cool the moment without cutting the teaser down: 

• ‘Vintage is just future cool early.’ 

• ‘My outfit comes with bonus stories, not just tags.’ 

If the light laughter eases the tension, the problem is solved. If not, the humour must stop, and the firm boundary must begin. 

The Look–Pause–Leave Option 

In situations where speaking would only fuel the drama, teach this powerful three-step response: 

• Look Once: Make brief eye contact with calm, steady eyes. 

• Pause: Be still for two full breaths. 

• Leave: Quietly exit the area to join a task, a trusted friend, or a teacher. 

The combination of silence followed by movement often ends the spectacle faster than any verbal defence. 

Build Pride and Competence 

Allow your child to actively co-create their look: they can choose colour pairings, make small alterations, keep their footwear clean, or select a favourite accessory. Skill beats status. Help them to plan and manage a small budget, tracking the savings they accumulate from thrifting. Confidence increases when they can proudly say, ‘I chose this myself, and I saved this much money.’ 

Role-Play the Pressure 

Practise realistic scenes: comments made in the locker room, remarks during group photos, or direct brand comparisons. You should play the teaser, adopting various tones—playful, sarcastic, then overtly mean. After each round, debrief: discuss which line held strongest, when they should have left the area earlier, and how they can offer support to a classmate who was targeted. Always praise their composure, not the cleverness of their comebacks. 

Debrief with Mercy 

If your child showed weakness or snapped back with anger, manage the repair gently. Ask, ‘What part of their comment hurt the most? What specific line or action will help next time?’ Rehearse the effective line again. Identity grows where honesty and compassion meet at home. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam fundamentally honours the values of moderation, gratitude, and humility. Clothes are fundamentally intended for covering and comfort, not for ranking people in a social hierarchy. Choosing thrifted or hand-me-down items can be a subtle yet profound act of wisdom and stewardship (Amanah). We teach children to enjoy what Allah Almighty provides without arrogance or waste. 

From the Noble Quran 

The Quran elevates balanced spending to an act of worship, promoting a beautiful moderation in all financial dealings. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Furqaan (25), Verses 67: 

‘And it is those people that do not spend extravagantly, nor miserly; and (act in such a way) that is a balanced format between these two (extreme characteristics).’ 

This ayah frames balanced spending as a form of worship. Thrifting and using hand-me-downs are excellent examples of this beautiful middle way: responsibly caring for resources, avoiding waste, and freeing the heart from endless comparison. Remind your child that moderation (Iqtisad) is a badge of honour in Islam, not a social downgrade. 

From the Teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ 

The Hadith Shareef offers a clear warning against dressing for status and arrogance. 

It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 3606, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Whoever wears a garment of fame and vanity, Allah will clothe him, on the Day of Resurrection, in a garment of humiliation.’ 

This Hadith Shareef warns against the underlying pride and showing off that comes with dressing solely to impress for status. It does not forbid wearing nice or clean clothes; it cautions against the intention to gain superiority. Use this to reframe the moment: if others chase labels to appear ‘above’, your child can choose quiet, inner confidence. Clean, modest, and cared-for clothing paired with a sincere heart is beloved to Allah Almighty. 

Invite your child to pair calm words with steady choices: keep their outfits neat, thank Allah Almighty for the resources they have, and speak kindly to those who tease. Each time they meet mockery with moderation and grace, they protect their self-respect, reduce waste, and model a Sunnah-spirited simplicity that fundamentally outlasts fleeting trends. In the sight of Allah Almighty, the garment of humility is infinitely more beautiful than any limited edition tag.