For many people, clothing is a favorite purchase, and shopping for new looks is practically a hobby. Fashion is a way to express your personal style; a new pair of jeans or boots can be a major mood-lifter.

But let’s face it, clothes can be expensive. If fashion is your weakness, it can take a big bite out of your budget. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American household spends $1,754 a year on apparel and related services. A survey by Credit Donkey found women spend an average of $571 per year on clothing, compared to men who spend an average of $323 per year.

But some people spend considerably more, ringing up bigger bills by buying the latest handbag or designer clothes that can add the equivalent of a student loan payment to your monthly bills.

These purchases can add up over time and feel like a waste of money of your hard-earned cash. So here, learn some ways to reduce the amount you spend on garments, including:

•   How to save money on clothes

•   How to know when to shop to get the best deals

•   How to trade what you own (but are tired of) for new gear

•   How to care for your clothing so it lasts longer.

Money-Saving Tips for Buying Clothes

There are ways you can cut down on your clothing expenses but still score some pieces you can’t wait to wear. Here’s 15 suggestions on how you can save money on clothes without feeling deprived or out of sync with the latest styles.

1. Shop the End-of-Season Sales

If you’re looking to save money while updating your wardrobe, shopping the end-of-season sales can be a fantastic strategy. Here are some money-saving tips for buying clothes during these sales:

1. Plan Ahead: Before the end-of-season sales begin, take some time to assess your wardrobe and identify the items you need or want to replace. Make a list of the essential clothing pieces or specific styles you are looking for. This will help you stay focused and avoid impulsive purchases during the sale.
2. Follow Fashion Cycles: Fashion trends tend to follow seasonal cycles, and retailers often offer discounts on current-season items to make room for new collections. Shop for clothing items that are relevant to the current season, as these are more likely to be on sale.
3. Sign Up for Newsletters and Loyalty Programs: Subscribe to newsletters and loyalty programs of your favorite clothing stores. Retailers often send out exclusive discounts and early access to sales to their subscribers.
4. Set a Budget: Determine a reasonable budget for your end-of-season shopping and stick to it. Having a budget will help you avoid overspending and make more mindful purchasing decisions.
5. Check Online Retailers: In addition to brick-and-mortar stores, explore online retailers’ end-of-season sales. Many online stores offer significant discounts on clothing items, and you might find some exclusive deals that are not available in physical stores.
6. Look for Additional Discounts: Some stores offer extra discounts on top of the end-of-season sale prices. Keep an eye out for special promotions, coupon codes, or stackable discounts that can further reduce the cost of your purchases.
7. Shop Clearance Racks: Besides the main sale section, check out the clearance racks in-store and online. These areas often have heavily discounted items that can be real steals.
8. Consider Classic Pieces: While end-of-season sales can be a great time to experiment with trends, it’s also an opportunity to invest in classic and timeless pieces that you can wear for multiple seasons.
9. Quality Over Quantity: Focus on purchasing high-quality clothing items that will last longer and retain their shape and color. Spending a little more on quality pieces during the sale can save you money in the long run.

2. Host a Clothing Swap

Hosting a clothing swap is a fun and sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe without spending money on new clothes and also helps reduce clothing waste. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to host a successful clothing swap event:

1. Plan the Event:

• Determine the date, time, and location for the clothing swap. Make sure the space is large enough to accommodate your guests and the clothes they bring.
• Decide whether it will be a private event with friends or open to the public, and invite people accordingly.
• Consider setting a theme for the clothing swap, like seasonal wear or specific clothing items (e.g., dresses, accessories, etc.) to make it more exciting.

2. Invite Guests:

• Send out invitations well in advance. You can use social media, emails, or traditional invitations based on the scale of your event.
• Encourage attendees to bring their gently-used clothing and accessories in good condition to the swap.

3. Set Rules and Guidelines:

• Clearly communicate the rules of the clothing swap to your guests, such as the maximum number of items they can bring, the condition of clothes (no stains or tears), and any specific items or categories you want to include.
• Suggest that guests wash and iron the clothes before bringing them to the swap.

4. Organize the Clothes:

• Arrange racks, tables, or designated areas for different types of clothing items (e.g., tops, bottoms, dresses, shoes, accessories, etc.).
• Sort the clothes as they come in, keeping similar items together to make it easier for guests to browse.

5. Swapping Process:

• As guests arrive, assign them a certain number of tokens or tickets based on the number of items they brought. These tokens will act as currency during the swap.
• Explain the swapping process to everyone. They can use their tokens to “buy” items from others.
• Encourage guests to try on clothes before making their final decisions.

6. Create a Friendly Atmosphere:

• Play some music and provide refreshments to create a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere.
• Have mirrors available so guests can see how clothes fit and look.

7. Donations and Remainders:

• Discuss with the guests beforehand what they want to happen with the unclaimed items after the swap. You can choose to donate them to a local charity or thrift store.
• Ensure that any leftover clothes are taken care of responsibly and do not go to waste.

8. Encourage Sustainable Practices:

• Promote the idea of sustainable fashion and how clothing swaps help reduce the environmental impact of fast fashion.
• Consider incorporating other eco-friendly practices, such as using reusable bags for attendees to carry their new items.

9. Follow Up:

• Send thank-you notes to your guests and ask for feedback on the event to improve future clothing swaps.

Remember, the key to a successful clothing swap is making it enjoyable and encouraging a sense of community among the participants. Happy swapping!

3. Ask for a Discount on Damaged Clothing

Asking for a discount on damaged clothing is a reasonable and common practice, especially if the damage is minor and can be easily repaired. Here are some steps to follow when asking for a discount on damaged clothing:

1. Assess the Damage: Examine the clothing item carefully to determine the extent of the damage. If it’s something you can easily fix, such as a loose button or a small tear, it might be worth considering.

2. Choose the Right Moment: Approach the store staff or the seller at an appropriate time when they are not too busy attending to other customers. Being considerate of their workload can improve your chances of a positive response.

3. Be Polite and Friendly: When you approach the staff or seller, be polite, friendly, and understanding. Avoid being confrontational or aggressive. Remember, they may not be responsible for the damage, but they can help you with the discount.

4. Point Out the Damage: Politely draw attention to the specific damage on the clothing item. If possible, show them the issue so they can assess it themselves.

5. Explain Why You’re Interested: Let them know that you are interested in the item despite the damage because you believe it’s something you can repair or that the damage is not a major concern for you.

6. Inquire About a Discount: Ask if they can offer a discount on the item due to the damage. Be open to negotiation, but also be realistic about the discount you’re seeking. Consider how much the repair would cost or how significant the damage is when suggesting a discount amount.

7. Be Flexible: If the seller offers a discount that you feel is fair, consider accepting it graciously. If they are unable to offer a discount or if you can’t agree on a price, be understanding and respectful of their decision.

8. Understand Store Policies: Some stores have specific policies regarding damaged items and discounts. It’s possible that they may not be able to offer a discount on damaged merchandise, so it’s essential to understand and respect their policies.

9. Don’t Push Too Hard: If the seller declines to offer a discount, don’t push the issue too hard. Accept their decision gracefully, and if you’re still interested in the item, you can decide whether to purchase it at the full price or look for it elsewhere.

Remember, the key to successfully asking for a discount on damaged clothing is to approach the situation with respect, politeness, and a positive attitude.

4. Look for Coupon or Promo Codes

I’m an AI language model and don’t have browsing capabilities, so I can’t look for specific coupon or promo codes for you. However, I can suggest some general strategies to find coupons and promo codes online:

1. Search Engines: Use search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo to search for the name of the store or brand you want to shop from, followed by “coupon code” or “promo code.” This will help you find websites that specialize in sharing coupon codes.

2. Coupon Websites: Visit popular coupon websites like RetailMeNot, Coupons.com, or Groupon, where you can find a wide range of coupons and promo codes for various stores and products.

3. Sign Up for Newsletters: Subscribe to newsletters and email lists of your favorite stores. They often send exclusive discounts, coupon codes, and promotional offers to their subscribers.

4. Follow on Social Media: Follow your preferred stores on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Brands sometimes share special promotions and codes with their followers.

5. Check Store Websites: Before making a purchase, visit the official website of the store you want to buy from. Many stores have a dedicated “Deals” or “Promotions” section on their website where they showcase current discounts and promo codes.

6. Browser Extensions: Consider using browser extensions like Honey or Rakuten (formerly Ebates). These extensions can automatically find and apply relevant coupon codes when you shop online.

7. Mobile Apps: Some stores offer exclusive app-only deals and discounts. Check if the store you want to shop from has a mobile app and if there are any app-specific promotions.

8. Cashback Websites: Explore cashback websites like Rakuten, Swagbucks, or TopCashback. These platforms give you cashback on your purchases and often have coupon codes as well.

9. Forums and Community Sites: Visit online forums and community sites where people share coupon codes and deals they’ve found. Reddit’s r/coupons and r/deals are good places to start.

10. Compare Offers: Before using a coupon code, make sure to compare different offers to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible.

Keep in mind that coupon codes and promotions often come with expiration dates and specific terms and conditions. Be sure to read the fine print and check if the code is still valid before applying it during checkout. Happy shopping!

5. Mend Your Clothes

Mending your clothes is a valuable skill that not only saves money but also promotes sustainability by extending the life of your garments. Here are some basic tips on how to mend common clothing issues:

1. Gather Supplies:

• Sewing kit: Including needles, thread (matching the garment’s color), scissors, pins, and a thimble (optional).
• Fabric patches: For repairing holes or tears.
• Iron-on patches: For quick and easy fixes on certain fabrics.
• Fabric glue: Useful for fixing small tears or loose seams.
• Seam ripper: To carefully remove stitches when necessary.

2. Assess the Damage: Identify the issues with your clothing. Common problems include loose hems, missing buttons, small tears, and frayed edges.

3. Fix Loose Hems: To repair a loose hem, turn the garment inside out and secure the loose fabric with pins. Use a needle and thread to sew a new hem, following the existing stitch line or creating a new one if necessary.

4. Replace Missing Buttons: If a button is missing, sew on a new one using a needle and thread that matches the garment’s color. Ensure you align the new button with the existing ones to maintain a uniform look.

5. Patch Holes and Tears: For small holes and tears, use fabric glue or iron-on patches to cover and reinforce the damaged area. For larger tears, you may need to sew on a fabric patch. Choose a patch that matches the garment’s fabric and sew it carefully to blend in.

6. Repair Frayed Edges: To fix frayed edges, trim any loose threads carefully and apply a small amount of clear nail polish or fabric glue to prevent further fraying.

7. Fix Loose Seams: If a seam is coming apart, use a needle and thread to sew it back together. Reinforce the seam by stitching over it a few times.

8. Reinforce Stress Points: Stress points, such as pockets and crotch areas in pants, are prone to wear and tear. Reinforce these areas preemptively by sewing extra stitches or adding fabric patches on the inside for reinforcement.

9. Learn Basic Stitching Techniques: Familiarize yourself with basic hand-stitching techniques, such as running stitch, backstitch, and whipstitch, as they will be handy for various repairs.

10. Practice on Scrap Fabric: If you’re new to mending, practice on scrap fabric or old clothes before attempting to mend your favorite garments. This will help you gain confidence and improve your skills.

By learning how to mend your clothes, you can significantly reduce waste, save money, and enjoy your favorite garments for a longer time. It’s a sustainable and rewarding skill to have!

5. Buy Generic Brands for the Basics

Buying generic or store-brand products for the basics is a smart and cost-effective way to save money without compromising on quality. Here are some items where opting for generic brands can be a good idea:

1. Staple Foods: Basic food items like rice, pasta, oats, flour, and canned goods are often similar in quality between generic and name brands. Check the ingredient lists and nutritional information to compare before making a choice.

2. Cleaning Supplies: Products like dish soap, laundry detergent, and all-purpose cleaners can be just as effective when purchased as generic brands, and they are usually cheaper.

3. Over-the-Counter Medications: Generic versions of common over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers or antacids, often have the same active ingredients as brand-name counterparts at a fraction of the price.

4. Personal Care Products: Basic personal care items like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and hand soap are often available in generic brands and can be just as good as name brands.

5. Paper Products: Generic brands of paper towels, tissues, and toilet paper can be just as absorbent and soft as their name-brand counterparts.

6. Office Supplies: For basic office needs like pens, pencils, notepads, and sticky notes, generic options are usually sufficient and more affordable.

7. Baby Products: Generic baby wipes, diapers, and baby toiletries are often comparable to name brands in quality and much more budget-friendly.

8. Batteries: Generic batteries can perform just as well as brand-name batteries, especially for everyday use in devices like remote controls and toys.

9. Basic Clothing Items: When it comes to essential clothing items like plain t-shirts, socks, and undergarments, generic brands can offer good quality at a lower price.

10. Basic Kitchenware: Basic kitchen tools like measuring cups, utensils, and storage containers are often just as functional when purchased as generic brands.

Keep in mind that while generic brands can be an excellent option for basics, some specialized or higher-end products may warrant the investment in name brands for better quality and performance. It’s always a good idea to read reviews and compare products to make an informed decision. By being mindful of your purchases and opting for generics for the essentials, you can save money in the long run without sacrificing too much on quality.

6. Create a Capsule Wardrobe

Creating a capsule wardrobe is an excellent way to simplify your closet, reduce decision fatigue, and ensure that you have a versatile and stylish collection of clothing that you love to wear. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your own capsule wardrobe:

1. Define Your Style and Lifestyle: Start by identifying your personal style and the types of clothing that suit your daily activities. Consider your work dress code, hobbies, and social events you frequently attend.

2. Choose a Color Palette: Select a color palette that complements your style and makes it easier to mix and match different pieces. Neutral colors (e.g., black, white, gray, beige) and a few accent colors work well in a capsule wardrobe.

3. Assess Your Current Wardrobe: Go through your existing wardrobe and identify the pieces you love, those you wear often, and those that fit the defined color palette and style. Set aside items that don’t fit or that you haven’t worn in a long time.

4. Decide on the Number of Items: Determine the number of items you want in your capsule wardrobe. A typical capsule may contain 25-40 items, but you can adjust the number based on your needs and preferences.

5. Essential Clothing Categories: Make sure your capsule wardrobe includes essential clothing categories, such as tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, shoes, and accessories. Focus on versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched.

6. Invest in Quality Basics: Spend more on high-quality basics like a well-fitting pair of jeans, a tailored blazer, a white button-up shirt, and comfortable shoes. These pieces will form the foundation of your capsule wardrobe.

7. Mix and Match: Choose clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create various outfits. Aim for pieces that can be dressed up or down with the right accessories and layering.

8. Consider Seasonal Items: Depending on your climate, you may need to have seasonal items in your capsule wardrobe. Store off-season clothes separately and rotate them as needed.

9. Limit Trendy Pieces: While it’s okay to include a few trendy items, try not to overload your capsule with them. Stick to classic and timeless pieces that won’t go out of style quickly.

10. Declutter Regularly: Regularly assess your capsule wardrobe and remove items that you no longer wear or love. Consider donating or selling them to keep your wardrobe streamlined.

11. Organize and Display: Organize your capsule wardrobe neatly, making it easy to see all the items. Use matching hangers, baskets, or storage solutions to keep things tidy.

Remember, the key to a successful capsule wardrobe is to choose items that you genuinely love and feel confident wearing. It may take some time to curate the perfect collection, so be patient and enjoy the process of simplifying your wardrobe.

7. Wash Your Clothes Properly

Washing your clothes properly is essential to keep them clean, maintain their quality, and extend their lifespan. Here are some tips to help you wash your clothes effectively:

1. Read the Care Labels: Always check the care labels on your clothing items before washing. They provide valuable information on the best washing method, water temperature, and any specific care instructions.

2. Sort Your Laundry: Sort your clothes into different piles based on color and fabric type. Wash dark colors separately from light colors to prevent color bleeding, and wash delicate fabrics separately from heavier ones to avoid damage.

3. Use the Right Water Temperature: Most washing machines have different temperature settings. Use cold water for delicate and dark-colored items to prevent fading and hot water for whites and heavily soiled clothes.

4. Use the Right Laundry Detergent: Choose a laundry detergent that suits your clothing needs. For example, use a gentle detergent for delicate fabrics and a heavy-duty one for heavily soiled items like workout clothes or towels.

5. Use the Right Amount of Detergent: Follow the recommended amount of detergent based on the load size and soil level. Using too much detergent can leave residue on your clothes, and using too little may not clean them effectively.

6. Turn Clothes Inside Out: Turning your clothes inside out before washing helps protect the outer surface and prevents fading and pilling.

7. Avoid Overloading the Washing Machine: Don’t overload your washing machine, as it can hinder proper cleaning and cause excessive wear and tear on the clothes.

8. Use Fabric Softener Sparingly: While fabric softener can make clothes feel softer, using it too often can reduce the absorbency of towels and cause buildup on activewear fabrics. Use it sparingly or skip it altogether.

9. Choose the Right Spin Cycle: Opt for a lower spin cycle for delicate items to prevent excessive stretching or damage. For sturdier clothes, a higher spin cycle can help reduce drying time.

10. Hang Dry When Possible: Air-drying clothes on a clothesline or drying rack is gentler on the fabric and helps clothes retain their shape. It also saves energy and reduces the risk of shrinkage.

11. Follow Proper Drying Instructions: If using a dryer, use the appropriate temperature setting and drying time based on the fabric type. Remove clothes promptly to prevent wrinkles.

12. Iron Carefully: Iron clothes with the appropriate temperature setting to avoid scorching or damaging the fabric.

By following these tips, you can keep your clothes looking fresh and in good condition, ultimately saving money and reducing clothing waste.

8. Borrow from a Friend

Borrowing clothes from a friend can be a great way to refresh your wardrobe without spending money, try out new styles, or have something special for a specific occasion. Here are some tips on borrowing from a friend respectfully:

1. Ask Politely: When borrowing from a friend, make sure to ask politely and respect their decision if they are not comfortable lending you certain items.

2. Return in Good Condition: Take good care of the borrowed clothes and return them in the same condition you received them. Wash or dry-clean the items as needed before returning them.

3. Communicate the Borrowing Period: Be clear about how long you intend to borrow the items, and if you need more time, ask for an extension in advance.

4. Be Mindful of Their Wardrobe: Remember that your friend’s clothes are their personal belongings, and they might have sentimental value or be limited in quantity. Don’t borrow too frequently or take advantage of their generosity.

5. Respect Their Preferences: If your friend has specific instructions or preferences regarding their clothes, such as not lending certain pieces or being careful with delicate items, make sure to adhere to their requests.

6. Don’t Alter the Clothes: Unless explicitly allowed, avoid making alterations to the borrowed clothes, such as hemming or cutting. Return the items in the same condition you received them.

7. Offer Gratitude: Express your gratitude to your friend for lending you their clothes. A simple thank-you note or a small gesture of appreciation goes a long way.

8. Return Promptly: Return the borrowed clothes as soon as you’re done with them or at the agreed-upon time. Your friend may need those items for their own use.

9. Don’t Borrow When Sick: Avoid borrowing clothes from a friend if you’re sick or have recently been sick to prevent the spread of germs.

10. Offer to Help: If your friend has lent you several items or particularly delicate pieces, consider offering to help with their laundry or provide a small gift as a token of appreciation.

Borrowing clothes from a friend can be a fun and economical way to change up your style or find something special for an event. Just remember to treat their clothes with care and respect, and always communicate openly about the borrowing arrangement.

9. Figure Out Cost Per Wear

Calculating the cost per wear helps you determine the value and cost-effectiveness of a clothing item based on how often you wear it. To figure out the cost per wear, follow these steps:

1. Determine the Item’s Initial Cost: Identify the original price you paid for the clothing item. This should include any discounts or promotions you used during the purchase.

2. Estimate the Lifespan: Estimate how many times you expect to wear the item before it wears out, loses its style relevance, or you decide to stop using it. This could be based on the fabric’s durability, your fashion preferences, or changing trends.

3. Calculate the Cost Per Wear: Divide the initial cost of the item by the estimated number of times you will wear it. The formula is:

Cost per Wear = Initial Cost of Item / Estimated Number of Wears

For example, if you purchased a dress for $100 and expect to wear it approximately 30 times before it becomes worn out or goes out of style, the cost per wear would be:

Cost per Wear = $100 / 30 wears ≈ $3.33 per wear

4. Consider Maintenance Costs: Keep in mind any additional costs associated with maintaining the item, such as dry cleaning, alterations, or repairs. Add these costs to the initial cost before calculating the cost per wear.

5. Compare with Other Items: Use the cost per wear as a metric to compare the value of different clothing items in your wardrobe. Items with a lower cost per wear are generally considered more cost-effective and better investments.

6. Make Informed Purchasing Decisions: When shopping for new clothing, consider the potential cost per wear before making a purchase. Investing in high-quality items that you will wear often can lead to a lower cost per wear over time.

Remember that calculating the cost per wear is an estimate and may not account for unexpected events like damage or changes in style preferences. Nonetheless, it provides a useful perspective on the value of your clothing purchases and helps you make more conscious and economical choices when building your wardrobe.

10. Upcycle Your Clothes

Upcycling your clothes is a creative and sustainable way to breathe new life into old or worn-out garments. Instead of discarding them, you can transform them into something fresh and fashionable. Here are some ideas on how to upcycle your clothes:

1. Cut-Off Shorts: Turn old jeans or pants into stylish and trendy shorts by cutting them to your desired length. You can leave the edges raw for a distressed look or fold and sew them for a cleaner finish.

2. Add Patches or Embroidery: Give your clothes a unique touch by adding fabric patches or embroidery to cover stains, tears, or just to add a pop of color and personality.

3. Turn T-Shirts into Tanks or Crop Tops: Transform old t-shirts into tank tops or crop tops by cutting off the sleeves or hem. You can get creative with the neckline and create different styles.

4. Create a Denim Skirt: Use old jeans to make a denim skirt. Cut off the legs, open the inseams, and sew the pieces together to form a skirt. Add buttons or a zipper for a finishing touch.

5. Make a Tote Bag: Convert a worn-out or oversized shirt or sweater into a stylish tote bag. Cut off the sleeves and neckline, sew the bottom, and add straps made from fabric or repurposed belts.

6. Dye or Bleach: Refresh faded clothing by dyeing them with fabric dye or creating a unique pattern by using bleach. Experiment with tie-dye or ombre effects for a fun look.

7. Repurpose Old Scarves or Fabric: If you have old scarves or fabric lying around, use them to make headbands, scrunchies, or even a flowy kimono-style cardigan.

8. Combine Clothing Items: Get creative by combining different clothing items to create unique pieces. For example, you can fuse the top of one shirt with the bottom of another or layer dresses to create a new look.

9. Make Ripped or Distressed Jeans: Give a fresh and edgy look to old jeans by distressing them. Use scissors or sandpaper to create rips and frayed edges.

10. Sew on Appliques or Beads: Add appliques, beads, or sequins to plain clothing to give them a more stylish and glamorous appearance.

11. Create a Patchwork Blanket: If you have a collection of sentimental t-shirts or fabric scraps, consider sewing them together to make a patchwork blanket or quilt.

Upcycling your clothes not only saves money but also reduces textile waste and supports sustainable fashion practices. It allows you to express your creativity and craft unique pieces that reflect your personal style. Remember to use proper sewing techniques and take your time to achieve the best results. Happy upcycling!