INTRODUCTION
Clothing represents a large outlay of money for many individuals and families. However, if you follow the suggestions in this section, you should be able to decrease your expenditures for clothing, shoes, and accessories by up to 75 percent or more per year.
WAYS TO SAVE ON CLOTHING PURCHASES
1. When you are considering the purchase of some item of clothing, ask yourself: “Do I really need that garment?" “Do I really need a new white shirt, or will the ten white ones I already own be sufficient?” “Should I buy another business suit with five good business suits hanging in my closet?” An answer of “no” to these and similar questions can save you money-money you can put into your savings account or use for other purposes.
2. Make a list of clothes you need to buy. Be careful about buying on impulse. Even if certain items are on sale, resist the temptation to purchase them if they are not on your “needs list. For example, as a business executive, you have on your list the following items: A solid navy suit and a solid medium gray suit. Don’t buy a white suit and a red jacket, instead, just because you think they would look good on you.
Stay with your list and don’t spend more than you have budgeted for clothing. If you buy on impulse, you may have to use the money which was intended for the items on your list. If so, you will have to come up with additional money for those needed items.
3. Before you shop at any other place for clothing, shop the garage sales first. Clothes will, almost always, be much cheaper there than anywhere else. However, don’t expect to find the quality and quantity of what you need by going to one or two garage sales per year. You probably will have to spend from several hours each month to several hours each week and go to half a dozen or so garage sales each time to find what you need.
When you do go to a garage sale, always take a tape measure with you. The size may no longer be inside the garment, or the garment may have shrunk due to laundering. A pair of men’s slacks labeled “34 inches in length” may really be only 32 inches or less, due to shrinkage. A size 10 in one dress may not have the same measurements as a size 10 in another dress. You may find that a size 8 or 12 fits okay.
In addition, you may not have the opportunity to “try on” the clothes before you buy them unless you slip them on over the clothes you are wearing, so don’t wear heavy, bulky clothes on your shopping trips. If you forget to take a tape measure and you can’t try them on, you could always hold them up to you and get some idea of the fit.
Some of my favorite and most stylish clothes came from garage sales and at very low prices. For example: I have purchased blouses for 25 to 50 cents, skirts for 25 cents to $1.00, dresses for 10 cents to $1.50, a new jogging suit with long sleeves and long pants for $1.50, and almost new full slips for 25 cents. I have found women’s suits for $1.00 to $2.00. I have purchased suits, sport coats, shirts, and slacks for my husband at enormous savings!
Garage sales usually are excellent places to find baby and children’s clothes which often show very little wear and cost only a fraction of the price charged in stores for comparable new clothes.
4. Check stores which sell clothes which have been previously worn. Clothes are almost always much cheaper at these stores than they can be purchased new at “new” stores. Such clothing stores might be called thrift shops, secondhand shops, used clothing stores, resale shops, clothing exchanges, or second-time-around shops. Try these stores for men’s, women’s, children’s, and baby clothes. Some shops even specialize in designer clothes. These clothing stores may be run by churches or charitable organizations, or they may be privately owned. Check your telephone directory and the classified section of your newspaper for help in locating the stores.
Buying secondhand clothing is rapidly becoming an accepted practice in all segments of society. The stigma once attached to wearing secondhand clothing has all but disappeared. Today, people are admired for finding a used bargain. A number of prominent people I know purchase many of their clothes secondhand from thrift shops.
5. Check out used stores operated by organizations such as the Salvation Army and Goodwill Industries. In addition to other items, they will have used clothing at low prices.
6. Go to factory outlets. New clothing usually is offered at good discounts. Don’t always assume that there is a major flaw in a garment sold at a factory outlet. Even if there is a flaw, it may be so minor that it really doesn’t matter. The clothes may not even be seconds or imperfect garments. The clothing may be first-quality surplus items, samples, or discontinued lines.
I purchased a garment once at a factory outlet at a considerable saving, simply because it was slightly soiled. After one washing, it looked beautifully white. Caution--Even though you normally will find clothing at a large discount at factory outlets, don’t always assume that you are getting the best deal possible. You may be able to find the same or a comparable item ‘on sale at a cheaper price at a department store. Shop around.
7. Check out the “bargain basements’ at various department stores. Some offer expensive clothes at discounts, while others specialize in less expensive lines of clothes.
8. Shop the discount stores. Prices are almost always cheaper there. Such stores may feature manufacturers’ closeouts, slightly ‘irregular” items, and first quality clothing at discount prices.
9. When you need to buy clothes, consider placing an advertisement in the newspaper. (Hopefully, the newspapers in your area provide free ads of a noncommercial nature.) For example, your ad might read: ‘Want to buy good, used boy’s clothes, size 6. Call .‘ ‘Want to buy long, formal dress, misses size 10 or 12. Call .“ “Want to buy good, used maternity clothes, size 14 or 16. Call . ‘ “Want to buy good, used tuxedo, size 42 long. Call . ‘ Want to buy good, used man’s solid navy blue suit, size 40 regular, 34 inch waist, and 32 inch inseam. Call . ‘ “Want to buy used baby clothes for girl. Size 12 months. Call . ‘ You should be able to get clothes at great savings through an ad.
10. Purchase “seconds” or “irregulars” if the flaws are so minor that they are not noticeable to others and do not decrease the comfort or durability of the garments. Even if a belt is missing, you always can buy a belt to match or use one of those hanging in your closet. A puckered seam usually can be taken out and re-sewn. ‘Seconds’ and “irregulars” normally are much cheaper than comparable “first quality” garments.
11. Shop around for the best price. In general, don’t buy the first thing you see at the first store you enter. You may find the identical item next door or down the street for less money.
12. Buy most of your clothes only when they are on sale, preferably 50 to 75 percent or more off. It usually is only a matter of time until most clothes will be on sale. It should be a very rare occasion when you will need to pay the full price for a garment. For example, end-of-the-season sales can save you quite a lot of money on your clothing expenditures.
13. Buy most of your clothes in simple, classic, basic, traditional, and conservative styles which will not look outdated in a year, but rather will stay in style for many years. Thus, your overall clothing expenses over the years should be much less.
14. Limit your purchases of “fad” clothing. “Fads” usually go out-of-style in a year or less. Having to buy a new wardrobe each year could get relatively expensive. If you do purchase a “fad” garment, spend as little as possible on it.
15. Buy multipurpose, versatile garments, such as a tweed sport coat, a dress with a jacket, a skirt and blouse, slacks which can be worn with several shirts or blouses, a two-piece dress, a reversible jacket, a shirt which would look good with or without a tie, a jacket which can be worn with several different skirts or pairs of slacks, a garment which can be “dressed up” or “dressed down” for different occasions, a shirt or blouse which can be worn as a lightweight jacket, a shirt and blouse which can be worn outside as well as inside of slacks and skirts, a reversible vest, and a suit with an extra pair of coordinated slacks. You should need fewer clothes if the ones you buy are multipurpose; and, as a result, you probably will spend less money.
16. When you buy a raincoat, consider a fabric one with a detachable, warm lining. The coat with the lining in can be worn in cold weather. The lining can be removed when the weather is warm. If you live in an area with a relatively mild climate, such a dual-purpose coat could eliminate the need for an additional overcoat and save you money on your clothing costs.
17. Limit your purchases of seasonal clothes. Rather, select most of your clothes in year-round fabrics and styles. Seasonal clothes could spend six months out of the year occupying space in your closet. This could be compared to your savings account drawing interest only six months out of the year. If you can wear most of your clothes year-round, you should need fewer clothes and be able to reduce your clothing costs.
(Of course, in extremely cold climates, a few heavy, ‘winter’ clothes may be necessary.)
18. Build your wardrobe around a few basic colors. Concentrate on “separates,’ so you can mix and match the different color-coordinated garments for a different look, thus expanding your wardrobe. If none of the garments in your wardrobe can be coordinated, you are limited to wearing a garment in only one way rather than in several combinations. You should need fewer garments if you can coordinate most of them. Fewer clothes should mean that you have less of your money tied up in clothes.
19. Simply limit the number of garments in your wardrobe. In general, fewer clothes should mean less money invested in clothes. For example, a few years ago a female acquaintance of mine had few other clothes than the following in her business wardrobe: A two-piece, woven, wool and polyester blend navy suit; a two-piece, woven, wool and polyester blend beige suit; a matching silk skirt and long-sleeved blouse of a multicolor design, but with the predominant color being mauve; a long-sleeved mauve blouse; and a pair of navy pumps with one-inch heels. She mixed and matched these items, always looked well dressed, and didn’t have to spend hours worrying about what to wear each day.
If you are a businessman, you could limit your business wardrobe in a similar manner. For example, you might limit your business suit wardrobe to only four suits.
Consult current books on business dressing for essentials for your business wardrobe.
20. Limit your purchases of clothing decorated with frilly lace or other trimmings which may wear out before the rest of the garment. Especially limit such ornamentation on children’s clothes. Since children are “rough” on clothes, the lace, etc. will be even more susceptible to wear and tear. If you do buy clothes with ornamentation, make sure it is sturdy enough to last as long as the garment itself. Otherwise, you could find yourself having to replace clothing prematurely. Replacing clothing costs money.
21. Buy garments which are well constructed (especially children’s clothes). Inspect each garment carefully and completely before you buy it. If garments are poorly constructed, you may find that they have to be discarded after minimum wear. Replacing them costs money.
22. In general, buy clothes with no more than an absolute minimum of ornamentation. Highly ornamented clothes could go out-of-style more quickly than plain ones. Being able to wear your clothes for several years will save greatly on your clothing bill.
23. Buy clothes that feel good on you. If you have doubts about a garment, don’t buy it. If it doesn’t feel good on you, you will never be completely happy with it; and you probably will wear it very rarely. You will have wasted your money, since the garment will only be taking up space in your closet.
24. Don’t buy a garment that is skintight. If you gain several pounds, you may be unable to wear it; and you will have wasted your money. You should allow, also, for possible shrinkage if the garment is to be washed.
25. If possible, try on clothes before you purchase them to make sure they fit. For example, a junior size 7 dress in one brand may not have the same dimensions as a junior size 7 in another brand. Also before you buy, be sure that the store will honor a refund or an exchange if you decide later that the garment does not fit or does not suit your needs. If the store has a no-exchange or a no-return policy, make absolutely sure the garment fits you and your needs exactly before you buy it. Following the above suggestions could prevent you from having to bear the expense of a garment you can’t or won’t wear.
26. Save the sales slip, labels, hangtags, important “papers,” extra buttons and thread, and special packaging for a garment you buy. Take them with you if you return to the store for a refund or an exchange. Having proof of purchase when you return a garment may mean the difference between getting the adjustment you desire and having to keep the garment.
27. When purchasing clothes for adults, look for wide seams to let out should you gain weight. Narrow seams will not permit you to increase the size, thus you may have to put garments aside until you lose weight. If you don’t lose weight, you will have wasted your investment in the garments. In addition, you may have to purchase more clothes.
28. When purchasing women’s skirts or dresses, look for deep hems to let out if styles change to longer lengths. Letting the hems down saves YOU the cost of replacing the clothes.
29. Buy slightly soiled new garments at significant savings. Wash or dry-clean them, and they should be as good as “first-quality” garments. Don’t buy them if you don’t think the spot, etc. will come out.
30. Don’t assume that expensive “designer” clothes are always better quality than other clothes. My husband has a “designer” shirt which is twice as difficult to iron and doesn’t look as good as his other shirts. The “designer” shirt cost four times as much as some of his best-looking shirts. Don’t buy clothes just because they have a “designer” label. You could be just wasting your money.
31. Don’t have older clothes altered if you can buy comparable used items for less than the cost of the alterations. For example, don’t pay $6.00 to have a blouse taken up if you can buy a comparable one at a garage sale for 25 cents.
32. Convince yourself that buying only certain expensive “labels” of clothes is not essential and that you will judge a garment first by its quality and ability to serve your purposes before you look at the “label.” You could save a sizable amount of money by not being a “label” person.
33. In general, don’t buy at expensive, prestige clothing stores. The prices of garments at such stores usually are significantly higher than identical or comparable items at other stores.
34. If you are purchasing a piece of clothing such as a shirt, blouse, jacket, or sweater which will be worn with other items, think about what you have in your present wardrobe. Buy the color and style that will go with the largest number of your garments. The greater the number of items with which you can wear your new purchase, the more wear you can get from it and the fewer clothes you should have to buy.
35. Buy baby and children’s clothes in sizes somewhat larger than needed, since they outgrow their clothes so quickly. Of course, you don’t want the garments to be so large that they look unattractive; but neither should you buy a “perfect fit.” Replacing quickly outgrown clothes can put a strain on your clothing budget.
36. In general, buy some of your baby and children’s clothes as cheaply as possible since they are outgrown so fast. Shop carefully, and you won’t have to sacrifice quality or style.
37. Buy children’s clothes with built-in growth features, such as elastic in the waist (which expands), cuffs on the slacks (which can be let down), knitted clothes (which “give”), deep hems (which can be let down), and generous seam allowances (which can be let out). These features will enable children to wear the clothing for a longer period of time as they grow, thus decreasing the need for additional clothing.
38. Before purchasing an item of clothing, consider its care cost, particularly dry cleaning. For example, the care of a non-washable blouse or shirt which might need to be dry-cleaned after each wearing could become very expensive if worn frequently. The cost of dry cleaning a non-washable, light-colored suit which may need cleaning after one or two wearings could, over time, amount to more than the original cost of the suit. Even a dark-colored, non-washable suit will need to be cleaned eventually.
Dry cleaning is becoming more and more expensive, and it adds to the overall cost of a garment. So, limit your purchases of clothes which must be dry-cleaned. Of course, some clothes, including most good-looking men’s and women’s business suits, must be dry-cleaned; and this will have to be built into your clothing budget. Be sure to read the care label attached to a garment before making a final decision on whether or not to purchase it.
39. Limit your purchases of clothes which must be washed separately. They will require washing by hand (which wastes your valuable time), or they will require separate washing in the clothes washer. Washing one piece of clothing at a time in a clothes washer seems to me to be an unwise use of water and electricity.
41. When buying knee highs, thigh highs, and regular hose, buy several pairs of the same color. When one ‘stocking” gets a run (visible to others), you can wear its mate with a “good” mate from another pair. This process can reduce your hosiery bill by a sizable amount.
42. Buy several pairs of socks in the same color and style. When one sock wears out, don’t throw the pair away. Save the good sock and wear it with a mate from your sock drawer. Cut your sock expenses by a considerable amount.
43. When you buy panty hose, buy several pairs of the same color and style. When one leg in each of two separate pairs gets a run which is visible to others, cut off the leg portions (which have the runs in them) just below the reinforced part of the panties. Put aside the leg portions which have the runs. Wear the remaining leg and panty of each pair at the same time. This will give you a great deal more wear from your pantyhose.
44. Launder washable ready-to-wear garments before you make any alterations to them. They could shrink. If you wait until after they are altered to launder them, they then may be too tight or too short and unwearable. If they are unwearable, you will have wasted your money and will be out the cost of replacement.
