how to save money on clothes, thrifting and other tips

8 Tips on How To Save Money on Clothes in 2024

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Balancing between your wardrobe and your wallet can be daunting. With the whole world worried about finances in 2022, asking how to save money on clothes is more than reasonable.

So, how can you save without skimping on style? Read on to see what the experts have to say!

How To Spend Less Money on Clothes and Still Look Great

Here are a few basic tips and tricks for saving money on clothes:

  • Shop sales and clearance racks: You can often find great deals on clothing that is discounted because it’s from the previous season or didn’t sell well.
  • Buy basics and mix-and-match items: Invest in a few key pieces that you can wear with multiple other items. For example, a black blazer is versatile and can be dressed up or down.
  • Don’t forget about the power of community. Share the clothes you don’t wear anymore with friends and relatives, especially if you have kids: as they outgrow clothes quickly, the clothes are often in great shape. Organise a clothes swap party and refresh your wardrobe in good company and without a penny spent.
  • Don’t shy away from secondhand stores and markets. You can find great designer items and unique pieces that will turn heads. Plus, it’s more environmentally conscious.
  • Rentals for special occasions save money and time.
  • Don’t throw away clothes you like that need just a bit of mending or alteration. Search your local map for tailors or seamstresses and check their rates.

1. What Is a Reasonable Clothing Budget?

According to some budgeting experts, your monthly clothes budget shouldn’t exceed 5% of your monthly income. So let’s see how to save money on clothes in a typical UK home. The latest statistics place the median household income in the UK at £29,900 a year. If you follow the 5% rule, your monthly clothing budget will be around £125 for the entire household.

If you want to save more money on clothes, you can follow the 3% rule, which comes out at £75 per household per month. Finally, if you like freebies, check out our article on how to get free clothes.

2. How To Buy Clothes You'll Actually Wear

When you’re trying to save money on clothes, it’s important to only buy things that you’ll actually wear. That means taking a good hard look at your current wardrobe and getting rid of anything that you haven’t worn in the past year.

It also means being honest with yourself about the types of clothing that you feel most comfortable wearing. If you’re not a dress person, don’t force yourself to buy one just because it’s on sale. You’ll only end up wearing it once and then regretting the purchase.

Also, stick to the basics!

When it comes to saving money on clothes, less is definitely more. A small wardrobe of well-made, classic pieces will last you much longer (and look better) than a closet full of cheap clothes that you’ll only wear once.

3. How To Save Money on School Clothes

If you have kids in school, you know how quickly they outgrow their clothes. One way to save money on school clothes is to buy them a size or two larger than they currently wear. This way, they’ll be able to wear the clothes for longer and you won’t have to keep buying new ones every few months.

Another way to save money on school clothes is to buy them used, and focus on more classic pieces like jeans and basic shirts that will not lose their appeal with the next fashion cycle. This way, your kids could pass them on to their younger siblings or cousins.

4. How To Save Money on Baby Clothes

Babies often get so many clothes they barely get to wear any of their outfits before they outgrow them. This is why it’s wise to check out secondhand stores, as you can find baby clothes that are practically new.

While it’s hard to resist the urge to buy the ridiculously cute stuff you find in stores, it’s better to save the money for more practical things. Finally, connect with other parents in your community and see if they have remaining baby clothes that their children have outgrown. One day, you could return the favour.

how to save money on clothes for babies

5. How To Save Money on Kids Clothes

If you have more than one child, you can also save money on kids’ clothes by buying them in matching sets. This way, they can share clothes and you won’t have to buy as much.

You can also save money on kids’ clothes by taking advantage of sales. Many stores offer discounts on last season’s clothing, so you can get a great deal if you’re willing to shop around.

Finally, don’t forget to check your local consignment shops and pre-loved fashion stores. You can often find gently used clothing for a fraction of the price of new clothes.

When it comes to teenagers, it’s best to let them buy and choose their own clothes or you’ll be looking at a lot of failed investments. A reasonable clothing budget for a teenager could be $50 a month.

This would allow them to buy a few key pieces each season and supplement the wardrobe they already like. Still, it all depends on your household budget and the 5% rule, so sit down with your teenager and calculate the amount together.

6. How To Save Money on Maternity Clothes

One way to save money on maternity clothes is to borrow them from a friend or family member who is no longer pregnant. This is a great way to get access to high-quality maternity clothes without spending a lot of money.

Also, don’t forget about sales and clearance items. Many stores offer discounts on last season’s maternity clothes, so you can save a lot of money if you’re willing to shop around.

7. How To Save Money on Clothes in College

If you’re a college student on a budget, there are a few good affordable clothing brands that you can check out. While fast fashion stores like H&M come to mind for budget-friendly fashion, there are also secondhand fashion websites and stores to pick from. Also, you can sell your old clothes online and get some cash for your next purchase.

8. How To Buy Ethical Clothing on a Budget

Ethical clothing is known to be more expensive due to the way it’s produced. Some (a bit more) affordable sustainable clothing brands to check out are Quince and People Tree.

However, your best shot is to look for pre-owned clothing as it is the best affordable ethical option. You will prolong the item’s life cycle, and make a contribution to making fashion more sustainable. You can also find ethical clothing at consignment shops and online marketplaces like Etsy.

Before You Go

Remember to check out our coupon section for the best deals on clothing and accessories and save money on clothes right now. Thanks for reading and have a great day!

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