If you’ve ever wondered how to save money on clothes, you’re not alone. If you’ve ever marveled at how expensive your kid’s clothes are compared to yours, you’re definitely not alone.
Most parents pull their hair out on a regular basis, lamenting hefty price tags on clothes that their kids are just going to grow out of in a few months. Buying clothes for kids at full price is pretty self-defeating.
Luckily, there are a few tips and tricks you can shove up your sleeve to help you save money when you’re buying clothes for kids. Keep reading to learn what they are.
Skip the Stylings
We’ve all fallen prey to those adorable, pulled-together looks on the mannequins at your favorite kids’ store. They’re trendy, on-season, and complete with all the perfect children’s accessories that you’d always dreamed of outfitting your kid with.
If you’re on a tight budget, though, avert your eyes. Store windows are designed to sell you on products.
Perhaps you’re totally in love with one element of the outfit. That’s okay!
If you love those pants or that button down, go for it. Just keep in mind that the rest of the styled outfit is going to rack up your bill big time.
Kids Consignment
If you’re averse to consignment or thrift shops, you should drop the stigma that the clothes there are second-rate as soon as possible. Shopping at these locations are some of the best money-saving strategies out there.
There are tons of dedicated kids consignment shops, too. You’re not the only one whose kid seems to grow at the speed of sound!
Once your kid outgrows their clothes, selling them to a consignment shop is a great way to earn some extra cash for the clothing budget. Some consignment shops will even offer more if you’re willing to take store credit versus cash, which is great if you plan to turn around and shop at the same space.
Shop Off-Season
Want to know when jackets and coats are at their highest price? In the winter, of course.
Shorts, tees, and sandals? In the summer, of course.
Take a peek at the clearance section at the height of each season. You’ll likely find once-expensive coats slashed to discount prices in the summer. If you’re able to think ahead and envision the clothes your kid still needs for a season that’s not in full swing, you’ll save buckets of money in the long run.
Bonus: no more scrambling to pull together your kid’s winter or summer wardrobe as a new season fast approaches.
Take Advantage of Garage Sale Season
This tip goes both ways: both as a buyer and a seller.
It’s the same principle as thrift and consignment shops. Everyone’s kids grow fast, so why not outfit your kid for half the price in clothes that have only been worn for a little while anyway?
As a seller, you can make some great extra cash while clearing out your kid’s cluttered closet full of clothes they’ve outgrown. It’s a great excuse to clean yours out, too!
Check sites like Garage Sale Tracker and Yard Sale Search to find the best local sales. List yours there if you live on a side street that doesn’t get too much traffic.
Scout the Sales
Back-to-school sales are getting better and better. Some stores mark things down just before school to as much as 60% off. It’s equally beneficial for both of you; you get your kids clothes for cheap, and they get to clear out their summer apparel to make way for new winter lines.
Old Navy and Kohl’s both have famously generous back-to-school sales that you should definitely check out!
Shop Smart Online
Shopping online has a slew of benefits that shopping in person doesn’t, but be wary of how much you buy in one go. Shipping prices can rise in a hurry for big orders.
Try to find sites that offer free shipping if you spend a certain amount, or only shop on sites you know you have a coupon code for.
As far as pluses go, shopping online definitely gives a bigger variety of clearance and sale clothing at once. Instead of hitting up three or four back-to-school sales in person, you’ve got all of them at your fingertips. It’s also easier to stick to a specific shopping list when you’re searching the web versus browsing in a store.
Two Kids, One Pair of Boots
If you’ve got or expect to have more than one kid, make sure that the expensive things you purchase can be used again! Those $100 Barbie rain boots probably seemed like a good idea when your oldest was whining in the store for them, but once your son can fit into them, you’ll be wishing you bought a simple black pair.
Stick to neutral and dark colors to ensure you’ll be able to reuse clothing for kids at different ages. This is good advice mostly for expensive winter wear, like snow boots, snow jackets, and gloves.
Embrace Play Clothes
If you send your kid to school in nice khakis, it’s going to make you really mad when they come home and get grass stains on the knees as soon as they step outside and start playing.
Instead, get your kids in the habit of changing into play clothes as soon as they get home. These can be simple cotton t-shirts, comfy shorts, and durable sneakers that you can all find for pretty cheap consistently throughout the year.
One study has also found that clothes actually affect our behavior, too. That means that your kid will be more well-behaved at school since they know they’re in their school clothes, which aren’t meant to get dirty. They’ll wait until they get home to unleash the beast within!
From Your Kid’s Clothes to Your Clothes
You’ve read up on buying kids clothes on the cheap, but what about you? Now that your kid’s clothes are all set, you need to style yourself to match your little guy or gal!
Need ideas? Check out all our outfit inspiration to find the perfect fit for every occasion!
