Here is a big list of tips for saving money on clothing.
Clothing Care:
Change your clothes when you get home from work. Wear old clothing around the house to save your nice clothing for when you go out or go to work.
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Treat stains quickly so they don't set and ruin your clothing. If possible, buy clothing that does not need to be dry cleaned. Dry cleaning is very expensive and can really add to the cost of the piece over time.
Put away seasonal clothing at the end of the season. This will prevent you from wearing it because you forgot to do laundry and keep it nice to last another season. Also, when you get out the box, the clothing you put away can feel fresh and new.
New Clothing:
For new clothing, buy your clothes off season when they are on sale. Stock up on commonly worn items (t-shirts, underwear, jeans) when they are on clearance.
Buy clothing in neutral colors that can be worn in more than one season. Pick classic styles that won't look dated when the new look comes out. Use accessories to give the same outfits a different look.
Shop at discount stores and outlet stores if you have some in your area. Sometimes, they have the exact same clothes that are currently being sold in the major department stores but at a substantial discount.
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Buy versatile clothing that can be used in more than one outfit, black slacks can be worn with different jackets and tops or shirts. When buying clothing that you wear a lot, it often pays to buy quality brands that will hold up to frequent wear.
Fancy clothing for evenings out, cocktail parties, proms and even wedding dresses can be found for great prices if you keep your eyes open. Try on styles in the fancy stores and see what styles are becoming, then wait for the items to go on sale or look for them at other places like consignment stores, thrift shops and garage sales.
Don't buy clothing that you love in the wrong size, just because it is a good deal. Sometimes people stock up, in anticipation of losing those 10 pounds, but may never be able to wear them. Treat yourself to a shopping spree after you get in shape.
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If you buy something that you aren't sure about when you get it home, take it back! Don't wait to see if it will grow on you, it will sit in the back of your closet.
Sell clothing that you no longer use at a consignment store or a garage sale. Clean out your closet at the end of every season. Use the money you earn to buy new clothing.
Used Clothing:
Thrift Shops in nicer neighborhoods have the nicest used clothing. You can often find designer clothing there. Another good place to find clothing are the thrifty shops that are near big malls. The stores quite often donate unsold clothing there that is brand new, sometimes the tags are even still on the item.
Garage sales are the place to buy clothing for the lowest prices. Church rummage sales and neighborhood garage sales will give you the best selection.
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Consignment shops are more and more common. Items are clean and sized. Consignment stores will not accept clothing that is not in good condition or that no longer has value.
If you have friends that are a similar size, you can exchange clothing as you get tired of it.
Think honestly to yourself. Most of us only use maybe 20% of the apparel in our closets and dresser drawers! Why not resist the impulse to have something new simply to have something new and we usually purchase on impulse anyway.
Several years ago, when I had gotten a job working in a casino restaurant. I was required to wear white button down shirts, black slacks, black shoes, black socks.
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I quickly realized that my shirts were going to be stained nearly every day and I did not want to spend my whole paycheck on clothes.
Average US female size? Have a tummy? The secret to really cheap jeans (and other pants) is to look at the maternity rack in the thrift stores! They have elastic tops that will adjust to fit you nicely.
Robin Diamond Post Medal for All Time! 5,887 Posts
March 27, 2012
I wanted to share some things I have done in the past and still do today for saving money on clothing for both children and adults. Clothing, along with everything else, is so expensive.
When I was working as a secretary and later a teacher, I dressed to the nines every day. I bought classic clothing that lasted a long time and didn't pay much attention to trends, so some of my secretary clothes spilled over into my teaching career.
Some eBay sellers offer bulk secondhand items very cheaply. What I do is to choose the items I want to keep, and designate others to be offered to other family members, given to charity shops, or upcycled.
I've always bought my sweat shirts at Thrift Stores due to the fact I've always had dogs. I prefer the heavier material type because they hold up better to rough play and yard work.
Turn your garments inside out before machine washing and drying to reduce wear on edges and creases. You should also do this if you frequently hang your clothes outside to dry because turning them inside out prevents the sun from fading colors.
Want nice stuff cheap? Be willing to do minor repairs! Just got 2 pairs of summer shoes new/practically new for $2 each at a sale at the Salvation Army (they have sales, too) - Why were they there? - One pair of moccasins had to have the lace re-threaded and the other had tiny bleach spots, which I easily filled in with my all purpose marker set! (I have also gotten great deals on clothing with simple ripped seams, lacking buttons, etc.!)
I am always purchasing my clothes the opposite of the season. I purchase my winter clothes in the summer and my summer clothes in the winter, this also goes for my shoes. Going to yard sales in the summer you can purchase both at very cheap prices.
When our children were small, one of the biggest money saving things we did was swap clothing with friends and family. Children grow so fast and their clothing is so expensive. It has always benefited us to do this. Not only does it help our finances, but it helps others as well. By Robin
Take advantage of the clearance racks in buying for your child the next season's clothes. It will save a ton of money, and they can look like a million dollars. Sears, Children's Place provide a lot of additional coupons.
Handwashing with mild soap preceded by a good soak in vinegar and water is one way to help extend the life of your swimwear. Tossing them in the washer and dryer are sure to negatively affect the elastic and fade the dyes.
Here is a big list of tips for saving money on clothing.
