Did you know that the average American owns 75 to 100+ clothing items? EnterpriseAppsToday also shares that households allocate an average of 3.8% of their total income to clothing annually. These shocking statistics demonstrate that most people in the U.S. typically own an abundance of clothing that surpasses need. Since economic woes have significantly increased for some due to a surge in inflation, people frequently search for clever ways to cut back on wardrobe spending. Here are great ways to save money on clothes:
- Take advantage of special sale days – To act economically, one must cut spending. One terrific way to do so is to take advantage of in-store and online sales. Giant retailer Amazon recently announced a massive two-day sale exclusive to Prime members. This upcoming event takes place on Tuesday, July 16 and Wednesday July 17, featuring major discounts on clothing and other items across the board. Per EnterpriseAppsToday, “Amazon dominates online apparel sales, accounting for 76% of purchases made via smartphones.” For access to these deep discounts, members are encouraged to wait and buy within that window of time. As a bonus, most items are likely eligible for free shipping. When shopping at other retailers, wait and watch for coupons, discounts, and clothing sales. Then, jump in when price cuts are big, and the time is right to buy.
- Shop in-store clearance racks – While shopping in stores and being mindful of budget, skip the full-price items. Head straight to clearance racks or discounted goods. Note that not all things on sale are a good buy, so use your discretion. Markdowns may vary depending on discounts offered, conditions of items, and the length of time they have been in the store. It requires some time to sort through clearance styles and sizes, but good clothing buys can frequently be found. However, one must be open-minded as stock is limited. Avoid zeroing in on one specific thing. Rather than hunt for a white blouse, search the racks for blouses with no shade or color in mind. That way you’re more likely to find a deal. Additionally, be prepared to buy off-season clothes as they tend to go on clearance first to make way for new stock. A word of caution, do try on clothing and check items over carefully as some sale items are non-refundable. Carefully inspect merchandise as some items may be damaged. For instance, a blouse that is missing a button might be placed in clearance and stores may fail to share that information with potential buyers.
- Use store coupons – Since clothing is seasonal, and styles constantly evolve, there is an ongoing shift in what’s popular. Therefore, sales can always be had as fashions change. To continually make room for new items, stores periodically slash prices, offering discounts or coupons to reward loyal customers. To spend less money, avoid making impulse buys and paying full price. Rather, use store coupons. Whether printable or mobile, store coupons can satisfactorily slash the price of goods. Consider using apps to access consumer discounts and sales. Note that apps, meaning applications downloaded by users to a mobile device, are offered by many fast-fashion clothing companies such as H&M. There are also coupon apps like Honey that will search for the best coupons available for the website you’re shopping on. Rakuten is another app that gives cash back on purchases plus coupon codes. Customers may also sign up for store emails notifying them of upcoming sales, discount codes, or special offers.
- Shop thrift – Thrift shops are stores that sell gently used clothing and goods. They are generally run by charitable organizations. Thrift shops typically accept donations which are then resold to the local community at discounted prices. Mainly, thrift shops operate for the purpose of funding organizations and/or employing people in the area. Goodwill is such a company that strives to serve the vulnerable population. They explain, “The revenue from your tax-deductible donation is used to fund job training programs and support services for people who face challenges to find employment.” People on budgets can find treasures like reasonably priced clothing at Goodwill or gain access to some of the special programs the organization offers.
- Trade clothes – At first impression, it might sound weird to trade clothing items with others. However, clothing swaps are popular and practical ways to give pieces of clothes you no longer need, want, or wear, a second life. Clothing swap parties involve gathering with friends who have clothes and accessories to trade. It is a social yet sensible event. Participants bring goods that are clean, in good condition, and still fashionable. Clothing swap parties include clothes that are gently used, not items that are ripped, torn, or worn. Never-worn-before items are also welcome at clothing swaps. Participants will trade for wardrobe items of a similar value. Trading and the repurposing of clothes is great for the environment – as it keeps clothes out of landfills. It’s also a fun way to refresh a wardrobe at little to no expense. A dressing room is often provided so participants can try things on to ensure good fits.
- Sell what you no longer wear– Body types and the clothes people gravitate to can change with time. Consumers may want a wardrobe update. Or, what once flattered us may no longer serve us well. Sometimes lifestyle changes prompt wardrobe modifications. For instance, we may now work from home and not require formal suits or dresses. While unwanted clothes can be donated or swapped, it’s also awesome to get some money back for pieces you already purchased. A smart way to regain some money on wardrobes is to sell the items you no longer wear. Clothes can be sold at yard sales or online. A person possessing large quantities of designer clothes will likely benefit from creating an online shop to sell what no longer fits or suits their style. The money earned can be placed in savings or be used to fund a new wardrobe.
- Focus on accessories instead – Rather than spend money madly buying new clothing items, get creative in your closet. Use neutrals you already own. Consider changing things up with affordable accessories like scarves, chunky jewelry, hats, jackets, vests, ties and more. Or emphasize shoes, makeup, or hair instead to elevate the basic wardrobe you’re wearing. Dressing well doesn’t mean that a person must push the budget limits, rather it’s about knowing how to build a wardrobe and sensibly put an outfit together. Per Verilymag.com, “Think of your wardrobe as a pyramid, with your basic pieces at the bottom and statement pieces on the top. You want to build upon those basic pieces, adding your statement pieces last. Basic pieces consist of classic items in neutral tones.” This practice works well for people who seek to spend less money on their wardrobe but still look fashionable.
Many Americans enjoy owning and wearing a large variety of clothing items, and frequently do wardrobe makeovers. Since economic woes have increased in recent times, it’s important to discover clever ways to save money on apparel. People don’t sew clothes as often as they did in the past. So, essentially clothing must be purchased. Being careful about new spending, and acting smart with the clothes you already own, can have a positive impact on your wallet and style – preventing you from needlessly overspending over time!