Saving money on clothes

Clothing costs can be lowered by choosing durable items, avoiding fast-fashion and making careful purchasing decisions. 

  • Second-hand clothing and shoes provide a more affordable option for many purchases. Items can be found through platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and Trade Me, as well as through local not-for-profit second-hand clothing shops. 
  • Before purchasing, check the label for cleaning instructions to avoid buying items that require dry cleaning. 
  • Consider reselling any good quality clothing that you no longer need. TradeMe removed the 7.9% success fee for casual sellers on Marketplace in March 2026. Marketplace fees – Help - Trade Me 
  • Children’s clothing may be able to be swapped within your local community through friends, not-for-profits and other charitable organisations.  
  • For new items like underwear, socks and uniforms, look for department store sales or see if the school uniform shop has a second hand area. 

Maintain clothes for longevity 

Caring for clothing and footwear can extend lifespan and reduce replacement costs, helping to save money over time. 

  • Repairing clothing early helps extend its life. Keeping a basic mending kit allows small issues like loose buttons or small holes to be fixed quickly. YouTube has many videos on how to mend clothing. 
  • Extend the life of leather shoes by regular polishing.  

 

Ensure that each family member has clothing suitable for staying warm and dry throughout the year to help reduce the risk of illness and the need for medical visits. Choose footwear that fits properly, to provide greater comfort and help reduce the risk of future foot problems. 

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Takeaway

Clothing costs can be managed by choosing items carefully, buying less, buying essentials during a sale, and maintaining what is already owned.

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