Clothes and Down-to-Earth Ways to Save Money

When money is in short supply it focuses the mind and removes prejudices as to what can and cannot be done.

People who would normally be classed as ‘well heeled’ use these tips, and many similar to them. So, don’t be shy, just read and have a go.

1. Don’t be snobby about Charity Shops. There are often very good bargains to be found here and the ONLY place you should be buying your NEXT and GAP clothing especially for the kids. Donate your own unwanted items – you may be helping out another person who is also trying to get rid of their mortgage and save money.

One local barrister always buys her suits, etc. from Charity Shops, and she always looks exceedingly well dressed. Also, the author attended a Board Meeting dressed completely in Charity Shop finds and was complimented on how smart she looked. It can be done!

Charity items that are donated to local shops usually go to a central sorting point for redistribution, which helps to eliminate the possibility of walking into someone who is wearing your 'donation' and vice versa.

2. When buying socks for ordinary wear, stick to one colour, i.e., black or navy blue. When one sock wears out there is only need to discard one sock instead of the pair, as you will have another matching one to take its place. Tesco socks seem to be the best value and quality for everyday wear.

3. Supermarkets and clothing stores are past masters at the art of marketing. Jeans are displayed with a matching jacket to make you buy the entire outfit instead of just the jeans that you had originally intended to purchase. Beware, you have been warned. Now is the time to think – save money.

4. Some supermarkets, Tesco, with their Florence and Fred range and Asda with their George range, offer remarkably good value on many items and you can really save money here.

5. This is obvious in their school uniform ranges. They are much cheaper and the quality is good, comparing very favourably with the outfitters recommended by the schools. In the case of blazers, all you will need to do is buy the school badge from the official outfitters and sew it to the supermarket blazer.

Keep a look out before the start of the autumn school term when the advertising really kicks in. It is worth waiting to see what the supermarkets offer before buying in a regular school outfitters.

6. It is always worth asking at the School Office if you can buy unclaimed lost property items. Some very good items of clothing remain unclaimed and it is a shame to see them eventually consigned to the bin when they could be put to good use. Contribution from Julie of Southampton. Thank you.

7. If new trainers are pinching your heels/toes, and being generally uncomfortable, before throwing them to the back of the wardrobe and buying a new pair, try the following. Rub some soap moistened with a tiny drop of water on to the inside of the heel/toe material to soften up the rubbing spots. Contribution from Chrissie M. Chelmsford, Essex. Thank you.

8. When ordering name tapes for children’s clothes, if you have two children, i.e., Colin and Barbara, the best way to do this is as follows: Order labels as: C. Smith B. For Colin, tuck under or cut off the ‘B’ and the reverse for Barbara, tuck under the C. One bulk order is usually cheaper than two separate orders. Have a look on Google for the names of several name tape providers.

9. Dry your clothes outside instead of using the tumble dryer. You will save energy and your clothes will last longer. Did you know the lint collected in the filter is made up of fibres from your clothes?

If you would like to read our other tips on clothesjust click here to save even more money.

Do you know of a good clothes tip? Why not pass it on to us via the Contact Us