How to Save Money on Children's Clothes in the UK

1. Buy Second-Hand Clothes

Buying second-hand clothes can significantly reduce your spending while still getting high-quality items.

Where to Shop Second-Hand:

• Charity Shops (Oxfam, Barnardo’s, British Heart Foundation, etc.) – Often have a great selection of children’s clothes at a fraction of retail prices.
• Facebook Marketplace & Gumtree – Many parents sell bundles of barely worn children’s clothes for cheap.
• Vinted & eBay – Online platforms with great second-hand deals on branded children’s clothing.
• NCT Nearly New Sales – National Childbirth Trust (NCT) events where parents sell gently used baby and children’s clothing.

Money-Saving Tip:

• Look for bundle deals where sellers offer multiple items for one low price.

2. Shop in the Sales & Use Discounts

Retailers regularly run sales, and using discounts can help you save even more.

Best Times to Shop Sales:

• End-of-Season Sales – Stores clear out old stock to make way for new collections.
• Boxing Day & January Sales – Great for stocking up on clothes for the year ahead.
• Black Friday & Cyber Monday – Discounts on branded kids’ clothing.
• Mid-Season Sales – Check stores like Next, M&S, and H&M for mid-year markdowns.

Where to Find Discounts:

• Sign up for newsletters to get exclusive promo codes and discounts.
• Use cashback websites like TopCashback and Quidco when shopping online.
• Check supermarket loyalty schemes (Tesco Clubcard, Sainsbury’s Nectar, Boots Parenting Club) for clothing discounts.

3. Swap Clothes with Other Parents

Children outgrow clothes quickly, and swapping with other parents can be a great money-saving solution.

Where to Swap Clothes:

• Local Facebook Groups – Many parenting groups organise clothing swaps.
• Community Baby & Toddler Groups – Check with local groups for swap events.
• Family & Friends – If you have friends with children, consider exchanging clothes.

Money-Saving Tip:

• Keep clothes in good condition so you can trade or sell them later.

4. Buy Bigger Sizes for Longevity

Buying slightly larger sizes can help clothes last longer, giving your child extra wear before they outgrow them.

How to Buy Smart:

• Look for adjustable waistbands on trousers and leggings.
• Buy stretchable fabrics that accommodate growth.
• Opt for rolled-up sleeves on jackets and shirts that can be adjusted as they grow.

5. Choose Supermarket & Budget Brands

Supermarket clothing lines and budget-friendly brands offer great quality at lower prices.

Affordable Kids’ Clothing Stores:

• Primark – Trendy and budget-friendly.
• George at ASDA – Affordable with frequent offers.
• Tu at Sainsbury’s – Often has 25% off sales.
• F&F at Tesco – Good quality and well-priced basics.
• Pep&Co (Poundland) – Cheap and cheerful children’s clothes.

6. Look for Multi-Buy & Value Packs

Many stores offer multipacks, which work out cheaper than buying individual items.

Best for Multipacks:

• Socks & Underwear – Supermarkets and high-street retailers sell affordable multipacks.
• T-Shirts & Leggings – Budget-friendly in stores like Primark and H&M.
• School Uniforms – Often cheaper when bought in sets.

7. Use Hand-Me-Downs

If you have multiple children or relatives with older kids, hand-me-downs are a fantastic way to save money.

Hand-Me-Down Tips:

• Store clothes in good condition for younger siblings.
• Swap between friends and family.
• Wash and refresh clothes to keep them looking new.

8. Take Advantage of Free Clothing Schemes

Some organisations offer free clothing for families in need.

Where to Find Free Clothes:

• Baby Banks – Charities that provide free clothes and essentials to struggling families.
• Local Churches & Community Groups – Many offer free clothing swaps.
• Freecycle & Olio – Apps where people give away unwanted clothes for free.

9. Repair & Upcycle Clothes

Instead of throwing away clothes with minor damage, repair or upcycle them.

Easy Fixes:

• Sew small tears or holes.
• Use iron-on patches for worn-out knees on trousers.
• Dye faded clothes to refresh their look.

10. Buy Off-Season for the Best Deals

Shopping for winter clothes in summer and summer clothes in winter can save you a lot of money.

Best Items to Buy Off-Season:

• Coats & Jackets – Buy in spring when winter stock is discounted.
• Swimwear & Sandals – Buy at the end of summer.
• School Uniforms – Buy during mid-year sales instead of at back-to-school peak pricing.

Conclusion

Saving money on children’s clothes in the UK is easy with a little planning. Whether you shop second-hand, take advantage of sales, swap clothes, or buy smartly, there are plenty of ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality.