If you're a clothes horse or supporting a growing family that seems to go through clothing faster than groceries, then you know how expensive the constant purchase of clothing can become. In this article, we'll cover how you can save money when you're buying clothing, how you can make your clothes last longer and how to get by with less clothes all together.



1. Organize a clothing swap with friends.

Whether it is five stylish young women exchanging clothes they no longer wear or five moms trading kid's snowsuits, a clothing swap is a great way to pick up "new" items at no cost and unload your unwanted clothes. Such an event done with a handful of friends can provide a lot of options while enjoying a few hours of fun together.

2. Find a good tailor.

A good tailor is worth his or her weight in gold. Someone skilled in alterations and repairs can help you take in the gorgeous dress that was on sale, but just didn't fit right. They can also turn out worn cuffs, let out old pants or fix stretched or ripping seams.

Remember, an alteration to a favorite item may only cost $5-$10, whereas new items will cost you ten times that amount.

3. Hit the outlets.

Outlet shopping is a great way to save money, but remember that a lot of these clothing items landed at the outlets for a reason. They may simply be overstock, or they might be mislabeled. When outlet shopping, always try on a few different sizes and inspect all the items thoroughly. But if you don't mind a minor stitch out of place or a less popular item, you can find great deals.

4. Buy classic items off-season.

While it's important to have an item or two each season that reflects the trends, don't buy key wardrobe pieces in season. For example, if you're buying a winter coat, wait until the end of winter to pick up a classic coat for a fraction of the price. Ditto for swimsuits and shoes - just don't pick up anything that's so trendy that it is not likely to last another year.

5. Sign up on mailing lists.

Whether it's your favorite web site, department store or local designer boutique, you should always sign up for the mailing list. You'll be the first to know about upcoming sales, designer specials and events that are for "preferred" customers only. Also, don't be afraid to simply ask about upcoming sales, most clerks will be happy to tell you. Just be sure that if it is a web site offering mailings, it also has a clear privacy statement and easy means of "opting out" of future deliveries.

6. Go consignment hunting.

Consignment shops are a great place to pick up high-end, designer items that are gently used, or even sell your own clothes. Consignment clothing sales are also catching on in the children's clothing market. So, if you have a growing brood, they can be a great resource for updating those outgrown wardrobes.