How to Score Big Savings on Your Apparel

Scoring deals on clothes is easier than ever, but savvy shoppers can save even more. These tips will help you get the most bang for your buck and keep your wardrobe fresh without breaking the bank.

One great tip is to hire clothes for special occasions like weddings. This is becoming an increasingly popular trend for women, and it’s a great way to avoid the hassle of buying new clothing.

Shop online

Having a budget closely tied to your shopping list is one of the best ways to save money when buying clothes online. This allows you to factor in essential items and add luxuries without wasting your paycheck.

Shoppers should always be aware that retailers employ tactics to lure them into spending more than planned. This can include warnings that the items in their cart are about to disappear or even re-targeting them with ads. With comparison shopping apps and portals, cashback credit cards and smart couponing tips, online shopping is easier than ever to save on clothing.

Look for coupons

Whether you’re shopping for everyday apparel or a special occasion piece, there are a few ways to save on your purchase. Coupon codes like those you can get Black Friday Kohls, for clothes and shoes can be found online; even apps will search for sales on the products you want. Another tip is to find out how long the item has been in the store. If a new article just arrived, it’s unlikely to go on clearance immediately. On the other hand, if the item has been in the store for a while and there are still plenty left, it will probably get marked down. Also, check if the retailer offers rewards memberships and sign up for them.

Shop a season ahead.

One of the best ways to save on clothes is to shop for a season ahead. For example, wait until Memorial Day or Fourth of July sales hit stores instead of buying spring clothing when it debuts in February. The same goes for summer styles, which are typically sold in May.

You can also score discounts on fall and winter clothing in January when retailers are clearing out their inventory to make way for next season’s looks. Another smart time to buy is right before the weekend when retailers often mark down items they want to push during the rush.

Repair or replace

If your clothing has holes, rips, or other signs of wear and tear, assessing whether it’s worth the effort and expense of repairing it is important. You can fix a simple hole or rip by watching a few YouTube videos and stitching on your own, but more serious alterations may need to be taken to a tailor, which can add up quickly. When deciding whether to repair or replace, consider the value of the item and your sentimental attachment to it.

Go to a clothing swap.

A clothing swap is a fun and eco-friendly way to refresh your wardrobe. It can also be a great opportunity to spark conversations with new friends and find one more piece of clothing you’ve been eyeing for a long time.

Organizing a clothing swap can be simple. Decide how many items each person will bring, and ensure plenty of rails, tables or clear surfaces for displaying folded sweaters and shirts. Having full-length mirrors and a dressing area is also helpful for the swappers.

Remind your guests to bring quality over quantity and only to exchange items they intend to care for (including washing, mending or hemming). A token system can be used in place of money to keep things fair.

Go to a garage sale.

There’s nothing like a garage sale to help you save money on clothing. Watch for shoplifters; don’t leave your wares unattended for long periods.

Make it easy for shoppers to identify your items and make good choices by displaying them well. Organize by category (like books together and clothes together) or theme, and put the best stuff up front to draw in customers.

Don’t overprice your items, and be ready to haggle if you have to. But don’t go too low either; you want to sell, not donate. Consider accepting electronic payments (like Square) to speed up the transaction process.

Sell your old clothes.

Clothes may be a great fashion statement, but if you’re still hanging onto pieces that have been sitting in your closet for years, consider selling them. It can be a good way to get some extra cash.

Several resale websites and clothing apps can help you sell your old clothes. However, it’s important to remember that some services are more popular.

When selling your clothes, taking clear and detailed photos and providing accurate descriptions is important. You’ll also want to sell items with seasons in mind. For example, selling your bathing suits in the middle of winter would be better.