14 Tips to Save on Used Clothing for the Whole Family

My last post was about how you can save on new clothing for the whole family. But sometimes you just can’t afford to buy new.

Fortunately, you don’t have to sacrifice style simply because you can’t afford to buy brand new clothes. There are ways to look good and save on used clothing at the same time. Check out our tips to save on used clothing for yourself and the whole family.

How to Save on Used Clothing Purchases

1. Shop Secondhand Stores

There are plenty of sources you can go to if you want to save on used clothing. Here are a couple of examples:

• Facebook Groups – Check out Facebook for used clothing buy and sell groups in your community or surrounding area. I’ve used this idea in the past with a lot of success.

• Online Used Clothing Stores – Shops like thredUP, Poshmark, and Swap.com are great resources to find used clothing in good condition.

• Local Secondhand Clothing Stores and Thrift Stores – Many cities and small towns have at least one secondhand clothing store to save when you buy clothes.

2. Buy for Multiple Family Members at Once

When you buy used clothing, another way to get a deeper discount is to buy in bulk. In other words, buy several clothing items at once rather than spreading out purchases. For instance, buy for several family members at the same time.

If a larger discount is not automatically given for a larger purchase, request one. There’s no harm in asking, and you might save extra money.

3. Get to Know the Sales Clerk

Build up a rapport with the sales clerk in used clothing stores you frequent often. This will encourage them to give you additional discounts and other perks. You might also find that they let you know when they receive certain items you’re in search of.

4. Pass it Down

My mom came from a family of seven children born during the depression. Back then, money was scarce, and they passed clothing down from one child to another to save money. They called these clothing items, “hand-me-downs”.

Although that’s somewhat of an old-fashioned term, passing down clothing is still an effective way to save money.

5. Recycle

Did you know you can use the good bits from old partially worn clothing to make smaller clothing? Just like Molly Ringwald in the movie, “Pretty in Pink”, with sewing skills and tools, you can recycle clothing.

Buy larger, barely worn clothing or use what you already have and recreate smaller clothes. You can save on used clothing for each family member with this trick.

6. Clothes Swap with Friends

If you’re trying to save on clothing costs, there’s a good chance other people you know are trying to do the same thing. Talk to your friends, co-workers, and family to arrange a clothes swap.

Just like it sounds, everyone exchanges clothes that no longer fit or work for other clothing that will. Not only will you save on used clothing, your friends will too.

7. Rent Your Clothing

The cost of formalwear for a special occasion can eat up most of your clothing budget for the year. A lot of people end up spending a bundle of money on one expensive outfit.

Instead, try renting used clothing for that special day. Sites like renttherunway.com let you pay to rent your attire and spend less than buying it outright.

8. Buy Fewer Items

Another way to save on used clothing is to keep less clothing in your closet and drawers. The alternative is to buy fewer clothes and wash them more often.

Other Ways to Save on Used Clothing

Making smart buys is one way to save on used clothing. But, there are other ways you can save on used clothing too. Here are a few more ideas:

9. Skip the Dry Cleaners

Many people don’t take advantage of their own at home resources and skip the dry cleaners. You can use your own dryer and a product called, Dryel, to dry clean clothes in your dryer. Also, you can pull out an ironing board and iron to press your own clothes and save money. Yes, it takes time, but you’ll save a ton of money caring for your new and used clothing.

10. Only Wash Full Loads of Laundry

When doing laundry, make sure loads are full, but not overfull to save on used clothing and new clothing alike. Small loads take more water, detergent, energy, etc. Too full loads cause clothing to need an additional wash cycle adding to your clothing costs and budget.

11. Get a Side Hustle

If you need to buy clothes, but lack money, get a side hustle. While this isn’t really a way to save on used clothing, it will help you pay for clothes.

A few ideas are mowing lawns, babysitting, washing cars, virtual assistant work, freelancing, rideshare driving, renting extra rooms, etc. There are plenty of ways you can side hustle to get extra money for clothes.

12. Lose Weight

Have you put on a few extra pounds? It’s a common problem, but it can cause you to spend more money when you’re forced to buy larger clothes.

On the other hand, getting fit can help you lose the weight and maintain your clothing size. This will allow you to save money and improve your health at the same time.

13. Sell Old Clothing

It takes time to go through closets and weed out old clothing that doesn’t fit or isn’t being worn. However, it lets you sell old clothing and apply the money toward other trendy used clothing you want.

14. Give to Charity

Old clothing that you can’t sell can be given to charity. How does this save you money? You can use it as a tax deduction to reduce your overall tax liability. Check with the IRS to ensure your donation qualifies.

Summing it Up

Clearly, there are many ways to save on used clothing for both yourself and your entire family. Try some of these tips to spend less on this budget category and use the money for other needs.

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Have you tried buying used clothing to save money? Do you feel buying used was a smart idea?