Budget-Friendly Clothing Hacks You Need to Know

Save on Seasonal Clothing

Summer Bargains: Bathing Suits and Swimwear

Spending more than $100 on a woman’s bathing suit is criminal, considering you’re paying for little more than a yard of fabric. If you can’t afford such prices, buy your new suit in the summer. By the time July rolls around, stores are looking to unload their bathing suits (and the rest of their summer stock) to make room for the fall clothing. Shopping for summer clothing when other folks are at the beach can save you 50 percent or more.

Winter Deals: Coats, Sweaters, and Boots

Likewise, wait to shop for your winter gear—boots, coats, sweaters—until the dead of winter. If you can make do with what’s already in your closet until then, you’ll find some hefty bargains.

Shop Smart by Size

Petite Clothing: Check the Children’s Department

If you buy petite clothing, are you tired of the meager choices and high prices at your local specialty or department store? Try stepping next door to the children’s department. Often, a size large boys’ T-shirt or girls’ jacket will fit just fine—and the price is likely to be a much better fit for your budget.

Men’s Clothing: Budget-Friendly Basics

Even if you’re not petite, you can take advantage of the price difference between women’s and men’s/boys’ clothing. Search the men’s and boys department at your favorite store for great deals on basics such as T-shirts, polo and rugby shirts, and sweaters. And ladies, boxer shorts and a T-shirt make great pajamas for women.

Army Surplus Stores for Durable Deals

Are you in the market for inexpensive—but durable—clothing items such as sweaters, coats, and pants? How about a duffel or tote bag? A dead hand grenade? The answer may be just around the corner, at your local Army Surplus store.

Army/Navy stores get their merchandise from big suppliers that buy surplus clothing (field jackets, woolen pea coats, and heavy woolen trousers) and equipment (canteens, knapsacks, and other camping stuff) directly from the government—and pass the savings on to you.

What’s your favorite trick for saving money on clothes? Share your best budget-friendly shopping hacks below!