Some of us love to shop for new clothes. For others, clothes shopping is just a necessity of life. However you feel about your wardrobe, here are 15 easy ways to save money when buying clothes. Watching your budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice fun, style and looking and feeling great from the outside in!
MY APPROACH TO SHOPPING AND CLOTHES
I love a simplified lifestyle and don’t like wasting money on unwise or mindless purchases but I do like to shop in small bursts!
I’d never be called a frugal minimalist but I just watch my money and keep a close eye on my budget. If I have some money left over at the end of the month after all our bills have been paid and the necessary money put into our savings accounts, then sometimes we hit the shops.
It’s a fun activity I do with my teenage daughters and it boosts my mood to go shopping and buy something new to wear. Not only does it refresh my wardrobe, it also refreshes my mindset and confidence.
However, I’d be the first to say that shopping for clothes isn’t usually my favourite activity. I get easily overwhelmed by the choice in big stores and I don’t love the act of traipsing round, scouring the shelves and racks and rooting through piles of clothes.
Over the years I’ve refined how I shop for clothes so that I can be a little more strategic about how I use my time and energy and, in the case of this article, my money.
15 TIPS TO HELP YOU SAVE MONEY WHEN BUYING CLOTHES
Whilst shopping for clothes can be fun, it can also drain your bank account faster than you can say “retail therapy.”
If you’re anything like me, you want to look presentable and ready for whatever the day will throw at you without breaking the bank. The good news? It’s absolutely possible to build a simplified wardrobe you love while keeping your purse or wallet happy.
1. Know What You Already Have
How many times have you bought something, only to realise later that you already own something similar? Guilty! Before you even think about shopping, take a good look at your wardrobe.
Pull everything out and have a proper rummage. You’ll likely rediscover pieces you forgot about or realise you don’t need another black jumper. Knowing what you already have and what clothes you actually wear helps you shop smarter and avoid duplicates.
2. Make a List (and Stick to It)
Treat clothes shopping like grocery shopping – always go in with a list. Think about what your wardrobe is missing. Maybe it’s a good pair of jeans, a winter coat, or some comfy trainers.
By focusing on what you actually need, you’ll avoid those “it’s cute, but will I ever wear it?” purchases. Plus, a list keeps you from getting side-tracked by sales or trendy items that don’t suit your style.
3. Shop Second-Hand
Charity shops, vintage stores, and online marketplaces like Vinted or eBay are absolute goldmines for affordable fashion. Not only can you find unique pieces, but you’re also giving clothes a second life – a win for your wallet and the planet.
When shopping second-hand, patience is key. You might not find the perfect item straight away, but when you do, it’s so worth it. Pro tip: Check out charity shops in more affluent areas – they often have better-quality items.
Make a note of when and how often they rotate their stock so you can try to be there when the new stock is first out.
4. Wait for Sales and Discounts
It might be tempting to buy something as soon as you spot it, but waiting for a sale can save you loads. Most shops have seasonal sales, and online retailers often send out discount codes to email subscribers.
If you’ve got your eye on something, add it to your wish list or basket and wait. With a bit of patience, you’ll likely get it for a fraction of the price.
This “wait and see” approach is a great habit to get into to make more mindful purchases and avoid those impulse buys. Especially when you’re bored or tired and scrolling through online shopping sites where it’s all too easy to quickly click the Buy Now button without really thinking what you’re doing.
Add it to your checkout cart to buy later or add it to your wishlist and make a note to come back to the item in a day or week to check that you really do STILL want the item.
5. Shop Off-Season
This handy little tip is to buy clothes when no one else is looking for them. For example, buy your winter coat in spring or your summer dresses in autumn. Shops often discount items at the end of a season to make room for new stock, so you can snag some great deals.
I need a new winter coat but I’m going to hold off buying one until the end of season sales are on and I might be able to get one I like at a fraction of the cost. Think how frustrating it can be to buy something full price, only then to see it at half price or less in a few weeks when the sales are on!
6. Invest in Quality Basics
It might sound counterintuitive, but sometimes spending a bit more upfront saves you money in the long run. Investing in good-quality basics – like a classic pair of jeans, a versatile blazer, or a sturdy pair of boots – means they’ll last longer and you won’t need to replace them as often.
Look for timeless pieces in neutral colours that you can mix and match with everything. Think of them as the foundation of your wardrobe.
I have a pair of Timberland boots which have lasted me for many, many years. Although they were an expensive purchase at the time, way more than I would normally consider spending, they have repaid their value SO many times over – and are still going strong!
7. Avoid Fast Fashion Trends
Trendy items can be tempting, but they often go out of style quickly. How many times have you bought something “of the moment” only to cringe at it six months later?
I did this a while back with a floral dress that I wore on our summer holiday last year. I wasn’t really sure it suited me but it was in the latest style and colour (which I’m not sure was my colour!) and was reduced in price. Plus, we only had a couple of days before we flew out. So, in all honesty, I didn’t take my own advice and bought it on impulse and because it was a bargain. Oops.
I wore it during our week away but it never felt like “me”. When I hung it back in my wardrobe I realised why. Lots of floral print, a bit too frilly and floaty and not in my usual colour scheme. It stood out in my wardrobe like a sore thumb and this is how I know I’m pretty unlikely to wear it again.
Alongside that dress, I have one other dress that I could use for summer. It is black, which admittedly isn’t perfect for warmer climates, but the fit is amazing. It suits my shape, I instantly feel good wearing it and I can dress it up or down as needed. Yes, this dress cost more, but how it makes me feel (and its versatility) is worth far more.
So, there are a couple of lesson from this. Firstly, everyone makes mistakes and secondly, wherever possible, focus on classic styles that suit you and make you feel confident. If you really want to try a trend, look for a budget-friendly version rather than splurging.
You could try searching for an item on Google search using an image of the piece you like. Sometimes it will come up with search results for similar options at different price points.
8. Get Creative with What You Have
Sometimes, saving money isn’t about buying new clothes at all – it’s about getting creative with what you’ve got.
- Reorganise your wardrobe: Try arranging your clothes by colour or type. It makes it easier to see what you have and inspires new outfit combinations.
- Put your out-of-season clothes in storage: When each new season comes around, put away last season’s clothes and pull out the clothes for this season. Each switch might make you feel like you have a whole new wardrobe to wear (without actually doing any new shopping)!
- Experiment with layering: A summer dress can work in winter with a jumper and tights. Remember that black summer dress I told you about earlier? Well, it also works well with leggings underneath, boots and a jacket. A shirt can double as a light jacket. Get creative!
- Repair or tailor clothes: If something doesn’t fit quite right or has a small rip, don’t toss it. Tailoring or repairing it is often cheaper than buying something new. Even new buttons on a coat or jacket might change the style of it, or raising the hemline of a skirt, or cropping full length trousers for a new look.
9. Use Cashback and Rewards Programmes
Many retailers offer loyalty programmes that give you points or discounts and earn cashback when shopping online – essentially giving you money back on your purchases.
Although I’ve included it here, I personally use this idea with caution as it’s easy to build up debt on extra store cards and makes managing your finances more complicated.
I often ask for gift cards for birthday or Christmas presents and use these to buy my clothes. Not only is this a clutter-free gift idea but I can enjoy looking around to see what I’d like to buy. I take my time to make sure I’m buying clothes that I really want and will wear.
Using gift cards, vouchers or rewards programmes as full or part payment also helps make more expensive purchases like outdoor wear more affordable.
10. Borrow or Swap
Need something for a special occasion? Instead of buying, consider borrowing from a friend. You could even host a clothes swap party where everyone brings items they no longer want and trades them.
My daughter and I are the same shoe size and although she rarely thinks my clothes are trendy enough, I was surprised when she actually chose to wear a pair of my heels the other day for an evening event at school. It wasn’t worth us buying a pair just for that one occasion so we improvised and swapped. It saved us time at the shops and money in my bank account.
11. Learn to Spot Quality
Cheap clothes aren’t always a bargain if they fall apart after a few washes. When buying new, take a moment to check the quality. Look at the stitching, feel the fabric, and check the care label.
Natural fibres like cotton, wool, and linen tend to last longer than synthetic materials like polyester. Even when shopping second-hand, quality clothes will hold up better over time and are better value for money in terms of cost for quality.
For me, it doesn’t really matter about buying branded items. These often just increase the price tag and I feel that having a well-known or sought after label doesn’t always equate to better quality or longevity.
For myself, I think it’s better to learn how to spot clothes that are good quality.
12. Avoid Impulse Buys
We’ve all been there – buying something on a whim because it looked cute or was on sale. But impulse buys often end up unworn and regretted. Case in point – remember that floral sundress I was talking about earlier?!
Before you buy, ask yourself:
- Do I really need this?
- Will I wear it more than once?
- Does it go with at least three things I already own?
This latter question is always a good litmus test for buying a new item that will fit your existing simplified wardrobe. Versatility is key so thinking about your wardrobe in terms of how many complete outfit options can help. It’s no good buying something new if you don’t have anything to wear it with – or you’ll end up not wearing it, or having to buy more clothes just to make up a new outfit.
If you’re unsure, walk away and give yourself a day to think about it. Chances are, you’ll realise you don’t actually need it.
13. Learn Basic Sewing Skills
Knowing how to sew a button or hem a pair of trousers can save you money on repairs and alterations. It also means you can tweak second-hand finds to make them fit perfectly.
You don’t need to be a pro – there are loads of tutorials online to help you with the basics.
14. Don’t Underestimate Outlet Stores
Outlet stores and clearance shops are fantastic for finding discounts on high-quality brands. You can often get last season’s stock for a fraction of the original price.
Just remember to go in with a list, and maybe a budget and friend to offer kind but honest support so you don’t get carried away!
15. Practice the One-In, One-Out Rule
A great way to save money (and space) is to adopt the one-in, one-out rule. For every new item you buy, donate, sell, or swap one you no longer wear.
This keeps your wardrobe manageable and encourages you to think carefully about new purchases. Is what you’re buying better than what you have already? Do you like it more? Does it fit better?
CONCLUSION
Saving money on clothes doesn’t mean sacrificing style. With a bit of planning, patience, and creativity, you can build a wardrobe you love without emptying your bank account.
Remember, it’s not about how much you spend – it’s about making thoughtful choices and finding joy in the process. So, whether you’re hunting through charity shops, waiting for the perfect sale, or swapping clothes with friends, there are many ways you can save money when buying clothes.
And now I’d love to hear from you! Do you have any other tips to share to add to this list that might help others? Please leave a comment at the end of the article.
THE SIMPLIFY YOUR WARDROBE WORKBOOK
Many of the tips I’ve talked about in this article come down to planning your wardrobe and purchases.
This helps us be more mindful about what we’d like to buy, where and how to buy it so we can avoid some of those impulse buys that are destined to sink to the back of our wardrobes, mostly unworn.
To help you with planning your own wardrobe and spend money more wisely, I created the Simplify Your Wardrobe Workbook.
This workbook will take you through the step-by-step process of assessing your wardrobe, how well your clothes work for you right now and how to build a more streamlined collection of clothes that you love to wear – without spending a fortune.
Whether clothes are important to you or not, I think this workbook will help you create a wardrobe that’s just right for you!
Click here to learn more about Simplify Your Wardrobe.
Here are some articles to help you create a simplified closet, capsule wardrobe and be more intentional and strategic about your shopping.
- 14 Frugal Living Tips to Help You Save Money and Thrive on Less
- 29 Ways to Be Ruthless When Decluttering Clothes
- 12 Capsule Wardrobe Tips: A Simple Wardrobe Made Easy
- 14 Amazing Benefits of a Capsule Wardrobe
- How to Overcome Buyer’s Remorse and Learn for the Future
- Minimalism and Shopping: How to Shop with Intention
- Shopping Perfectionism: 8 Tips to Stop Obsessing Over Making the Perfect Purchase
GET A FREE WARDROBE DECLUTTER CHECKLIST
Knowing what you already have in your closet is a great first step to saving money whilst enjoying and making the most of an easier, more versatile and fun wardrobe!
To help you make a start on simplifying your wardrobe and decluttering your clothes I’ve created a free checklist. Pop your details in the box below so I know where to send it.
Antonia Colins is the creator of Balance Through Simplicity, helping busy people declutter, simplify and live more intentionally. She has over 20 years of personal and professional experience in juggling work and family life and supporting individuals to remain independent and enjoy their home more. In her spare time, you can find Antonia walking, gardening or planning her next travel adventure! She lives in the UK with her husband and teenage kids. Read more about Antonia.