Easy Ways to Save on Clothes

Check out these ways to save on clothes and keep your budget in line! Use these easy tips for saving money on clothing.

Your monthly budget is comprised of so many things.  Wouldn’t it be great if you could spend less on one category, so you could redistribute that money elsewhere? One such variable category is on Clothing spending.  Sure there are lots of tips out there for how to save on clothing purchases.  But lets stick to the basics (sometimes the k.i.s.s method is best! ;))  Here are 3 (easy) ways to Save on Clothes (and keep that budget in check!)

Ways to Save on Clothes

1. BUY USED: This first one is becoming my favorite.  Between consignment and resale stores, online resale, thrift stores, garage sale and Facebook groups… There are so many awesome options for buying new-to-you clothing.  I’ve also noticed that buying secondhand clothing has become a “green” thing to do too- another wonderful way to recycle.  Let’s talk about the various ways to buy used clothing:

• Resale and Consignment Stores– These are your traditional brick and mortar locations that offer second hand clothing at a fraction of the cost to buy new.  These locations will also pay you for giving up your unwanted items.  Consignment stores traditionally pay only once the item sells (you make a little more money this way) and resale stores (like the Once Upon a Child brand of stores) will pay out upfront for items in high demand.  Remember that these stores usually look for great condition and buy one season ahead.  So don’t take your boots in April thinking they will buy them.
• Online Resale Sites– This is my new fave way to buy clothing for our family.  Think about the resale stores mentioned above- only virtual!  You shop right from your own home.  My fave site is ThredUP ($10 newbie credit). ThredUP is great for purses/shoes/ clothing and kids’ items too.  (you can also follow me on Instagram– I often post there about my most recent scores)
• Thrift Stores– Don’t be afraid of the stigma of the thrift store. In fact,  Thrifting is totally on-trend these days. I have found some absolutely wonderful items when thrifting. Some things to note- Most of the time the “dressing rooms” leave much to be desired. So wear a thin layered shirt or tank to try on shirts right on the spot.  And yes almost all thrift stores have a no return policy. So if you get something home and decide you don’t like it- send it into one of the online resale sites above.  You might just get your “money back” (and then some). And did you know that you can save beyond that low thrift store price tag? Check out my thrift store tips for saving more and visit your favorite location soon. (VOA is my go-to)
• Garage Sales and Facebook Groups- This is also another traditional way to buy used clothing, yet with a twist.  We all know what bargains you can score at garage sales.  But have you heard of Facebook garage sale groups?  These private Facebook groups have become a rival to Craigslist.  You can read more about them in my post on Tips for Buying and Selling in Facebook Garage Sale Groups.  Another type of “garage sale” is the “consignment sale”. These are large scale weekend sales that are run by an organization.  So you get the benefit of having many sellers all in the same place.  I am partial to the Columbus Mother’s of Twins Semi Annual Consignment Sale here in Columbus, but check your community for these sales.

2. NEVER PAY FULL PRICE: Speaking of coupons …There are times when you have to buy new clothing.  But when you do… the old saying goes…

There is absolutely no reason to pay the price on the tag!  Savvy shoppers will take advantage of sale promotions, retail coupons, loyalty programs and clearance offers.  I have to say, sometimes you can get new clothes for even less than resale items just by “stacking” the savings.  For instance, Target’s clearance clothing racks are awesome! And sometimes you can even find a Cartwheel discount offer to stack with the clearance price (read fine print on the coupon).  Or you know about Kohl’s Cash right?  Take advantage of using coupons on your purchases when earning or redeeming your Kohl’s cash to save even more.  Also sign up for store mailing lists to receive even more coupons. Another pace to check for coupons is via a Free app like RetailMeNot. Using some of these savings tips can be even easier when you are shopping for clothes online.  Read some more of my tips specific to Online Shopping Savings.  I love checking out the end of season clearance of my favorite stores, right from the comfort of my own home!

3. SWAP IT: Ok so you may have been scared by hand-me-downs as a child, but really they are an awesome way to save on clothing! I am fortunate enough to live in the same town as my sister and sister-in-laws.  My sister passes her kiddos clothes down to mine and I pass them on to the sister in laws.  Not only are we saving money this way, it is adorable to see the cousins wearing each other’s clothes.  If you don’t have family in town, consider organizing a “clothing swap” with your mom’s group or PTA.  Most of these “swaps” have guidelines (like how many items you have to bring to be able to swap) but they can be really low key.  Think of it as a great excuse to get together with friends too!

BONUS: Clothing Subscription Boxes have become a popular way to stock your wardrobe. But many of these subscriptions have heft price tags. My fave alternative to StichFix is called Nadine West. It’s affordable, on-trend and classic wardrobe stables- sent to your home every month in a pretty pink bag. Join Nadine West here (use MTSNW to save $10 off first bag and Free Shipping- that’s like getting an item for free!)

BONUS #2: Are you a Shoe Lover? Check out my tips for saving at DSW, including a way to earn free shoes! That’s right, FREE!

I mentioned above there are many ways to save on clothes.  Do you have a fave?  Tell me about it!  Also, be sure to PIN this too!

Clothing Hack! You have heard it said, get rid of one item, before you buy a new item of clothing.  So how do you know what items to get rid of?  I use a hack with turning around my hangers to decide when an item is time to go!  Watch the first part of this Facebook video below for details.