MY childhood wardrobe was a succession of hand-me-downs inherited from my siblings.

MY childhood wardrobe was a succession of hand-me-downs inherited from my siblings.

It was not unusual to find me decked out in shorts that my brother had outgrown or dresses that my sister and cousins no longer fancied.

It was the same with my school uniform. The only time I ever wore brand new shirts to school was when I was in Grade 12, having outgrown the uniform that I had inherited.

Uncool as it seemed then, hand-me-downs were a tried and tested method for my parents to save money.

While many parents might prefer to buy cheaper uniforms, buying second-hand goods or swapping with family members might be a better option during these tough financial times.

Some schools have a clothing exchange or sell second- hand goods from those who have left.

There are websites dedicated to the trend and clothes swapping dates have become popular.