We all know that clothing is a must have expense, but it doesn't have to be one that breaks the piggy bank. Here are some of the less obvious ways to save money on your clothing.
Tips tp Save Money on Clothing
Whether you're a parent looking for school clothes, or just working stiff trying to make sure you have the clothes you need and want on a budget, there are plenty of things that you can do to save money on clothing. Often, the trick to control spending is reduce impulse spending and your clothes budget is just the place to start.
Buy Quality
No matter where you shop, one of the most important things you can do to save money on clothing is to make sure you buy quality items. A great deal is not a great deal if it falls apart the first time you wash it. Learn to check seams for quality construction, including checking for loose threads and double stitching. Check the fabric itself for flaws in the weaving or in the dyeing. Notice the weight of the fabric and if it just feels cheap.
This is also a good time to notice the care instructions for your clothing. If the item is dry clean only and you never go to the dry cleaners, you're unlikely to get any value out of the clothes. Saving money on clothing does not necessarily mean buying the cheapest item, but rather buying the item that will last longest for its price.
One of the places this is most evident is in buying shoes. Cheaply made shoes will fall apart, with just a few months of wear, but high-quality shoes will last for years.
Shop Smart
One way to save money on your clothing is to buy off the season. Buying a new swimsuit when they first arrive in stores in early spring virtually guarantees paying the highest price. Buying a sweater, on the other hand, in the heat of July almost definitely guarantees you can get a bargain.
However, the exception to this rule, can be deeply discounted prices early in the season. Because of the current economic conditions, many retailers are offering deep discounts for in season merchandise as an attempt to lure shoppers into the store. It's a good idea if you are trying to save money on clothing to ignore the amount of the markdown and concentrate only on the final price. A $100 sweater that is 75% off is still more than double the cost of a $20 sweater that's 50% off.
Shop your Clost Frist
Many people have far more clothes than they could ever wear. We store these in basements, closets and attics , and then forget what we have. If you are serious about saving money on clothing, one of the first things to do is make a realistic assessment of what you already own. Consider alternative ways to wear your clothes, such as splitting up suits and pairing them with other separates.
Take stock and determine just how many different white sweaters you actually need.
Stop and Think
Another one of the best ways to save money on clothing is to actually calculate out how long you would have to work to pay for the item you are considering purchasing. Decide whether that new skirt is worth the three hours of work, you will have to do to pay for it or if there is a less expensive alternative that will do just as nicely.