Keeping the Cost of Clothing down in 2012
Clothes are one of those things that you can’t live without! However, with money tight many of us are looking for ways to save on our domestic costs and our clothes shopping budgets are one area we may be tempted, if unwilling, to cut our cloth. The problem with buying the cheaper variety of clothes is simply that poor quality is less likely to last. Buying the best quality clothing you can afford should save money in the longer term, but where to look?
Discount stores and Factory Outlets
Whether on or offline these can allow you to make some great savings without scrimping on quality. However, when shopping at outlets or discount stores remember that the more you put in the shopping basket, the more it will cost. It’s easy to be tempted to just add one more item because they are on offer. If you are shopping in one of these stores plan ahead and only buy what you set out to get in the first place!
Off-season shopping
Always try to buy off-season or at the end of a season. Even the most expensive outlets will be keen to get old stock out of the way and so shopping at this time for clothes will always offer the most economical deals. Currently winter clothing is subject to some heavy discounting and there are plenty of deals about to prepare you for next winter.
Online Everything is cheaper online isn’t it? Certainly it’s far easier to get some great deals on designer gear and good quality clothing, via the internet. La Redoute is a good example, offering great deals and offers on good quality designer French clothing. Sign up for as many newsletters as you can – and of course keep an eye on sites like the Spy, dedicated to finding the best offers and voucher codes going. Always keep an eye out for deals on accessories and try to make the most of these.
Charity shopping
Yes, predictable, but still worth considering. Today’s charity shops are not just the haunt of students. Charity shops still offer the cheapest clothing it’s probably possible to find and their ranges include some surprising finds when it comes to designer, high quality wear. If you get the opportunity try to visit smaller rural towns, which often have wealthier than average populations and incredibly charitable ones!
Care and maintenance
As your mother probably told you, or still does, clothes that are well cared for will last longer. Follow the instructions on the label when washing and try to avoid the drier for your best clothing. Fold and hang clothes when not using them and try to iron at the lowest possible temperature. If you don’t know how to sew then learn. As they say, a stitch in time saves nine. It can also save you expensive replacement items!
Saving money on clothes shopping is easily achieved, keeping a close eye online on retailers and discount sites, good care and maintenance and buying the best quality you can afford means that not only will you access savings on your clothing but it should also stand the test of time.
Written by The Spy, 27 January, 2012 - 09:00
