Saving money with ‘Pre-loved’ clothes
If you’re willing to wear something that was previously owned by someone else, you could find some great bargains. Why not try:
Your local charity shop
Most charity shops on the high street pride themselves on only selling high quality items, so there’s a great chance you’ll find something to your liking. Some even have an online shop you can browse too, meaning you can get great second-hand outfits from all over the UK.
It’s best to approach charity shops with an open mind. If you go to a charity shop with a very specific item in mind, you may be disappointed. Instead, take a look at the clothes you already have at home, and think of colours and fabric textures that will match. Also, look out for items that are likely to go with several different pieces of clothing, such as a good pair of jeans or a smart jacket.
Some popular high street stores actually donate surplus clothes to charity shops in the local area. It’s cheaper than keeping all of that stuff in storage, and it’s better for the environment than putting it in a landfill. Most importantly, it means great bargains for you!
High street stores will often cut the labels out of the clothes before they donate them. Look out for this when browsing. It could mean that you’ve found an item that’s completely brand new and a lot cheaper than its original price.
While you’re there, why not make friends with the volunteers that work in the charity shop? Being nice costs nothing. Once you’ve built up a rapport, let the volunteers know what you’re looking for. They may keep an eye out for anything that might take your fancy.
More tips for saving money on clothes
Thinking of buying an item of clothing online? See if you can try it on in store first - if it doesn’t fit once you’ve ordered it, sometimes you have to pay postage fees to send it back for a refund or exchange. You can also find out whether you like it, and if it's worth ordering.
Make sure you check clothes for faults such as loose buttons or holes. If you find something wrong with the garment and still want it, you could ask the shop assistant if they could knock money off the price.
Be mindful of clothing sizes when buying vintage or older garments. Clothing sizes have changed over time, so an older size could feel like a bit of a squeeze.
Invest in a bobble remover. They’re great for removing frays or ‘bobbles’ from clothes such as wool coats and sweaters. This can take years off a garment and make it look almost brand new. You can buy bobble removers quite cheaply at high street shops or online.