Hand-me-downs: The meaning of passed-down clothing and material inheritance in a Black American family

This article explores the cultural and emotional significance of hand-me-downs within Black families. The study investigates how passed-down clothing and other items function as symbols and carriers of meaning across generations. By focusing on personal narratives and experiences, the research highlights the significance of hand-me-downs for both individuals and families, highlighting how they contribute to identity, memory and continuity. Using the qualitative method of autoethnographic family history, one of the authors conducted in-depth interviews with her own family members to provide insights into the personal and collective values attached to hand-me-downs. The findings reveal that hand-me-downs serve not only as practical solutions for resource management and embody sustainability principles but also as vital elements of family heritage and bonding. Additionally, the interviews illuminate how hand-me-downs represent shared histories, affirm familial connections, and often carry emotional and symbolic weight that transcends their material value. This article contributes to the understanding of how cultural practices surrounding material possessions influence family dynamics and identity within Black communities and how Black cultural practices are inherently sustainable.