Most parents are already concerned with how to provide for the everyday basic needs of the family like food and shelter. Should clothing be another problem to deal with? Read up on a few good ideas.
Repackage the idea of hand-me-downs. Most children, especially teenagers, frown at the idea of hand-me-downs. They think that hand-me-downs cramp their personal style. Give them the freedom of choice that they want by making the exchange of clothing a fun and creative activity that everyone can take part in. Have a designated area like a basket or a hamper for clothes that each family member does not use anymore. This way, anyone can put clothes in or take clothes out as they please. Mom's blouse can be used by her daughter or maybe and old shirt that a sibling does not want can be used as house clothes.
Shop at the right time. Knowing the best time to shop will save you a lot of money. Watch out when your favorite stores go on sale and buy during these times. Sales happen on end of seasons. There’s also the closing down sales where the stores get rid of everything in stock.
Watch out for bargain baskets. Even stores that are not on sale often keep bargain baskets somewhere in the shop. Look out for these baskets, which contain items in stock for a long period of time and haven't been sold yet. Some of them have probably also been on sale once or twice but remain in stock. No matter how unorganized these baskets may be, try to take the time to rummage through them too. You might find a good bargain in there.
Go the extra mile. Set aside time to take a trip to the outlet stores. The items sold here are often gotten straight from the manufacturer which is why items are sold cheaper than when you get them in boutiques or department stores. Of course, because you will not find these stores in malls or anywhere close to where you live, you may need to spend time and money to get to where they are. This is why you will need to plan. Try to set a date when your family and some friends can go together as a group to save on transportation cost. After all, saving money is what this is all about in the first place.
Don't hesitate to buy surplus. These shops often carry clothes of designer label which have slight manufacturing glitches. Sometimes a button may be missing or stitching may be lose but none that are too big to fix with a needle and some thread. These pieces of clothing still have great quality material and, not to mention, a designer label. The bargain prices that these items are sold for is worth spending a little time and effort for as well.
Put your creativity to good use. Even your old clothes and other items you can get out of bargains and sales can be spruced up to cater to your sense of style. All you need is a good imagination and a few of those sewing skills you probably learned at a home economics class you had back in school. Look through magazines and watch some DIY shows on TV and you'll be off to a good start.
You'll surely be able to use at least one of these tips to save on clothing costs and have fun with family and friends while doing so.
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