How I Save Money on Clothing

Just because I'm a guy, it doesn't mean I can't save money on clothing. While I admit that shopping is not one of my favorite things to do, and I'm far from what you might consider a "metrosexual" or anything close to it, I still have to wear clothes, and since that's the case, I might as well save money in the process.

With a watchful eye upon my wallet, and my sixth grade home economics background in hand, I attack the world of fashion with my money saving skills.

Saving Sizes

Throughout the years, my size has fluctuated -- though not significantly -- enough to call for getting large or smaller sizes of clothing occasionally. After making the mistake of donating some nice articles of clothing to charitable organizations several times, only to regret it once I either gained or lost weight later, I made it a habit not to always toss old clothing just because it didn't fit anymore. This tactic has saved me money when I either regain or lose weight, as I have clothing that already fits and I don't have to go out and get everything new.

Slight Adjustments

Thankfully though, I don't always have to gain or lose weight to make ill-fitting clothing right again. While this next tip might have you feeling a little guilty if or when you try it, the savings it provides may make you feel at least a little better.

I'm far from a master sewer or even good at sewing, but I can at least do some emergency stitching occasionally and sew a button back on. This last skill has saved me with regularly, as I can fix popped buttons on shirts or pants, the latter of the two, being my main point for this tip.

I've come up against some feisty pairs of paints in my time. It seems that while in the closet, their waistlines somehow adjust (it couldn't be me). As I've mentioned though, I'm wary of just tossing out clothing because it has decided to change its size, and I have found that there is often a little leeway in certain pants' button placement. Therefore, I can cut the button off if needed, and re-sew it in a new spot to adjust the waistline.

I know -- sad, but true. It does however save me buying a new pair of pants.

Donation and Resale

I've built a reciprocating relationship with resale opportunities and charitable donations. Clothing can often last a surprisingly long time, and as with most people, I occasionally tire of certain styles or clothes before they've met the end of their usefulness. While I enjoy finding resale bargains on clothing, I often repay the compliment, donating my lightly worn items to similar shops, therefore saving money, getting the tax write-off for charitable donations, and continuing the cycle of life for those articles.

Keeping an Eye on Opportunity

It's amazing just where, when and in what amount free clothing can pop up. At sporting events, as gifts, when signing up for slot clubs at casinos, and as employer freebies free clothing is surprisingly abundant. Giveaways and promotional items can make for great ways to pick up free or reduced-price articles of clothing and can save you a lot of money in the process.

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Disclaimer:

The author is not a licensed financial professional. The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. For financial advice, readers should consult a licensed financial advisor. Any action taken by the reader due to the information provided in this article is solely at the reader's discretion.