· Johnny Pump · Lifestyle · 4 min read
How to Save Money When Buying Clothes in the UK
Buying new clothes can be exciting, but it can also be expensive. Whether you're shopping for everyday essentials, workwear, or special occasion outfits, the costs can quickly add up. However, with the right strategies, you can save money on clothing without compromising on quality or style. In this guide, we’ll explore the best ways to cut costs when shopping for clothes in the UK.
1. Shop During Sales and Clearance Events
Retailers regularly offer discounts during seasonal sales, Black Friday, and Boxing Day. Shopping during these events can help you find high-quality clothing at a fraction of the price.
Tips for Shopping Sales:
- Wait for major sales – Look out for discounts during key events like January sales, mid-season sales, and summer clearance.
- Sign up for newsletters – Many stores offer exclusive discounts to email subscribers.
- Use price tracking tools – Websites like PriceSpy and CamelCamelCamel can help track price drops.
2. Buy Second-Hand and Pre-Loved Clothes
Thrift shopping has become more popular, and buying second-hand clothes can save you a lot of money while reducing waste.
Where to Shop Second-Hand:
- Charity Shops – British Heart Foundation, Oxfam, and Cancer Research UK offer great bargains.
- Online Marketplaces – Websites like eBay, Depop, and Vinted allow you to buy and sell pre-loved clothing.
- Vintage Stores – Many cities have vintage stores offering unique and affordable fashion pieces.
3. Use Cashback and Discount Apps
There are plenty of cashback and discount apps that can help you save money on clothing purchases.
Best Apps for Clothing Discounts:
- TopCashback and Quidco – Earn cashback on online purchases.
- Honey and Pouch – Automatically find and apply discount codes at checkout.
- Student Beans and UNiDAYS – Offer discounts for students on major fashion brands.
4. Buy Timeless and Versatile Pieces
Instead of chasing fast fashion trends, invest in timeless, high-quality clothing that can be worn for years.
Wardrobe Essentials:
- Classic jeans – A well-fitted pair can last for years.
- Neutral tops and shirts – Easy to mix and match.
- Quality shoes – A durable pair can be more cost-effective in the long run.
5. Shop at Outlet Stores
Outlet stores sell brand-name clothing at heavily discounted prices. Many high-street and designer brands have outlets across the UK.
Where to Find Outlet Deals:
- Bicester Village – Designer brands at reduced prices.
- McArthurGlen Outlets – Located across the UK, offering discounts on big-name brands.
- Online Outlets – ASOS Outlet and Nike Clearance store offer great online discounts.
6. Swap Clothes with Friends and Family
A clothes swap is a great way to refresh your wardrobe for free. Organise a clothing swap event with friends or check for community swap events in your area.
How to Do a Clothes Swap:
- Invite friends and family to bring good-quality clothes they no longer wear.
- Set up categories for different types of clothing.
- Swap and trade items instead of spending money on new ones.
7. Take Advantage of Loyalty Schemes
Many clothing retailers offer loyalty programs that reward you with discounts, exclusive deals, and cashback.
Best UK Fashion Loyalty Programs:
- H&M Membership – Offers 10% off first purchase and exclusive sales.
- M&S Sparks – Personalised offers and discounts.
- NextPay – Access to VIP sales before general customers.
8. DIY Clothing Repairs and Alterations
Instead of throwing out clothes with minor damages, repair them to extend their lifespan.
DIY Repair Tips:
- Sew on missing buttons instead of replacing the whole garment.
- Use iron-on patches to cover holes in jeans or jackets.
- Tailor oversized clothing instead of buying new items.
9. Buy Off-Season Clothing
Buying clothes when they’re out of season can save you a lot of money. Retailers discount items like coats in summer and swimwear in winter.
Best Times to Buy:
- Winter coats – Buy in spring or summer.
- Swimwear – Buy in autumn or winter.
- Party dresses – Buy after Christmas sales.
10. Consider Renting Clothes for Special Occasions
If you need an outfit for a wedding, gala, or other special event, renting clothes can be a cost-effective alternative.
Where to Rent Clothes in the UK:
- HURR – Designer dress rentals.
- By Rotation – Peer-to-peer fashion rentals.
- MyWardrobeHQ – Luxury fashion rentals.
11. Look for Multi-Buy Deals and Bundles
Some retailers offer discounts when you buy multiple items at once. This is especially useful for basics like socks, t-shirts, and underwear.
How to Benefit:
- Buy multi-packs of socks, t-shirts, and underwear for better value.
- Look for ‘3 for 2’ or ‘buy one, get one free’ deals on essentials.
12. Follow Brands on Social Media for Exclusive Discounts
Many brands announce flash sales and exclusive discounts on their social media pages. Following your favourite stores can help you catch deals before they’re gone.
Best Social Media Platforms for Deals:
- Instagram – Brands often share promo codes in their stories.
- Twitter – Follow brands for exclusive discount announcements.
- Facebook Groups – Join money-saving groups where people share the latest deals.
Conclusion
Saving money on clothes in the UK is all about being a smart shopper. By shopping during sales, buying second-hand, using cashback apps, and investing in timeless pieces, you can build a stylish wardrobe without overspending. Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, these money-saving strategies will help you get the best deals and maximise your budget.
