If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to spend less on clothes in 2025, you aren’t alone.
A recent Luke Zion Jewelry survey of 885 Americans revealed that the rising cost of living has caused 58% to rethink their apparel expenses. Survey respondents reported spending an average of $1,445 annually on clothes and shoes, with an additional $457 estimated yearly for jewelry.
According to the survey, 18% of American consumers plan to combat apparel spending in 2025 by embracing “No Buy” challenges. These initiatives typically involve eliminating non-essential purchases for a defined period, such as a month.
However, there are many ways to refresh your wardrobe and maintain your fashion sense without giving up shopping altogether.
7 Strategies To Spend Less on Clothes
These simple money-saving methods will help you reduce your apparel spending without sacrificing style.
Thrift Items
Shopping at thrift stores is one of the best ways to save on clothes. According to Capital One Shopping, thrifters save over $1,700 annually by buying secondhand apparel versus brand new.
Purchasing pre-owned pieces for your wardrobe benefits your wallet and the environment. Earth.org estimates that 92 million tons of textiles worldwide are discarded every year. Shoppers can help keep apparel out of landfills by giving their business to thrift stores.
“I love visiting thrift stores, especially when traveling abroad,” says Georgia Konidari, writer and founder of World Wild Schooling. “Some of my favorite finds have been in big, cosmopolitan cities where thrift shops often have a great selection of designer pieces.
“The key is to know the areas where stylish locals donate their items and to visit often,” Konidari continues. “Check for local thrift guides online or ask locals for recommendations.”
Shop at Similar, More Affordable Stores
Saving money on your wardrobe can be as simple as swapping expensive stores for more reasonably priced alternatives. For instance, many budget-conscious shoppers turn to Nordstrom Rack or Lulu’s instead of overspending at pricey stores like Anthropologie.
Many affordable brands offer high-quality, stylish clothing at a much lower price than their costly competitors. By branching out and shopping at new-to-you stores, you can often capture the same style aesthetic for less.
Repurpose Old Pieces
You don’t have to trash all your clothes to transform your wardrobe. Instead of throwing old items away, repurpose them into new pieces. Experiment with DIY projects to refresh used clothing items that are still in good condition and worth holding onto.
Dyeing, embroidering, cutting, or patching your clothes can give them new life. Even if you don’t consider yourself particularly crafty, a few simple customizations can revitalize dull apparel you’ve grown tired of.
Swap Clothes
You probably know many fellow clothes lovers interested in resetting their wardrobes without blowing their shopping budgets. Consider hosting a clothing swap party to trade apparel and accessories with your friends.
Trading clothes is an excellent way to fill your wardrobe with new pieces at no cost. Turn it into a fun social event by tapping into your network and welcoming guests. The more party attendees, the more style variety you’ll have to browse.
Find Less Expensive Alternatives for Pricey Items
Big-name clothing brands overcharge for items because they know they can get away with it. If you’ve got your eye on a specific apparel piece but can’t justify the price, try to find a cheaper option from a less popular label.
Lululemon, for instance, is a trendy clothing company famous for its stylish athleticwear. One of the brand’s most popular items is its Align Tank Top, which costs upwards of $70. However, you can find many similar Align Tank alternatives with the same functionality for a fraction of the price.
Invest in Versatile Staples
Maximize your shopping budget by choosing pieces you can use with many outfits for various occasions. Timeless classics that never go out of style, like basic white shirts and a well-fitting pair of jeans, are staples in any wardrobe.
When you prioritize quality over quantity, you’ll spend less in the long run because you won’t need to replace cheap apparel as frequently. Stock your closet with high-quality essentials, and watch your clothing expenses drop over time.
Take Advantage of Sales
In many instances, when you shop matters just as much as where you shop. Sales are an excellent opportunity to purchase new pieces for your wardrobe at a discounted price. Well-established clothing stores like ASOS, Zara, and Banana Republic host regular savings events where you can score significant deals on items from your fashion wishlist.
“I almost exclusively wait for sales from outdoor retailers when buying hiking and camping gear,” explains Alex Sills-Trausch of Explore With Alec. “You generally have a good idea of the dates each year, and if you stick to that system, you can save 30-50% from what you’d normally spend.”
Some brands also offer year-round incentives, such as a percentage discount after signing up for email newsletters. Research savings opportunities, like limited-time deals and upcoming sales events, before purchasing a new apparel piece to guarantee the lowest price possible.
