I read a little article last month that pleasantly surprised me. People are spending less on clothes. Trends suggest that we are less interested in buying clothes than we have been in decades. While we’re spending more money than ever, those dollars are being directed elsewhere, typically more toward food and away from fashion, where retailers are reporting decreases in profit.
“A widespread movement that prioritizes conscientious shopping over conspicuous consumerism…has translated into demand for increased transparency, authentic brand values, sustainable production processes, an embrace of the sharing economy, and unique retail experiences, among other things.”
How cool is that?! People are realizing it’s a waste of money to buy cheap, poorly-made clothes, and wanting something better for themselves and for the world. They’re more willing to make do with what they have, accessorize rather than replace, celebrate vintage looks, shop second-hand, and swap clothes around with friends. It’s like the world is reading my mind!!
What do you think? Are you budgeting and spending less money on clothing these days? If so, what are you spending it on instead?
Karen says
While I spend a good chunk on my growing kid, I had gastric bypass in April and even though I have lost 130 pounds so far, I still won’t buy a bunch of new clothes. I bought 2 clearance shirts for 3.99 each and some clearance underwear at 1.99 each, but I am still making do with my giant overalls. I just recently ordered a pair of jammies because I kept getting tangled up in all the extra fabric at night. LOL! I guess if I wasn’t a stay at home mom, I would have to splurge on clothes. I’m still trying to find a place I can go back to work wearing overalls. Any suggestions on that? 🙂
Jody says
Wow! Congratulations on your incredible weight loss!
I definitely spend a lot less on clothing these days. Even thrift stores have lost a certain appeal. I have a closet full of clothes and feel pretty good about what I wear these days. I think that comes with a easier lifestyle and not really caring what the current fashion might be or what anyone else is wearing. Now I spend my extra money on my grandbabies. And as many vacations as I can afford.
Gardenpat says
Karen- I too had a gastric bypass a few months ago and am down 85 pounds. What was suggested in our support group and I have done now because my pants were literally falling down is to go every two-three weeks to a thrift store clothes shopping.
We found a new Salvation Army thrift store and they told us that at their store every Wednesday everything is half price! I have outfitted myself with a few nice pieces- including a like new reversible jacket and also a beautiful full length wool dress coat for $4 each!!
I’ve been able to get jeans for $1.50, shirts and sweaters for $1- $2. Plus it’s helped me pare down my wardrobe- a couple skirts/tops for Sundays, 4 pair jeans, 4 casual shirts- that’s about all I really “need” and it saves me time and money!
Lea says
No suggestions on where to go with the overalls but a friend who also had bariatric surgery had a support group that would swap clothes. As people last weight they would pass on what they “outgrew” to the next people. She had lovely clothes and didn’t have to buy anything until her weight stabilized. Maybe you can start something like that where you live!
And congrats on the weight loss! That’s amazing! Go you!
Lea
Shelle says
This has been true at our house. I’ve found such good deals on quality items at thrift stores and online buy/sell groups that I very rarely buy new clothing items anymore. For example, I wanted to buy my oldest daughter cute cowgirl boots for Christmas, but not cheap ones that would fall apart. I wanted something that could take a beating and perhaps stay in good enough shape to be handed down to younger sister in a few years. I kept checking our local buy/sell groups and just found a pair in great shape for $20. They would have been $80-$100 brand new. My daughter won’t care that they’re not new and she’ll get a quality pair of boots.
DH and I have definitely chosen quality over price the last few years too. After both of us experienced slight foot injuries from wearing cheap shoes, we only buy good footwear. I have two pair of Danskos that have been awesome and he prefers Danners or Ariats. These aren’t cheap brands, but our feet are thankful! We have fewer shoes taking up closet space, but the shoes we do have are ones we actually wear and won’t kill our feet.
Marcia says
Last year I aimed for no new clothing.
I didn’t quite manage it. But I think the total of my new clothing last year was:
1. underwear (lost weight, old stuff was too baggy)
2. 2 bathing suits (I swim 2x a week, and I wear them out)
3. One pair of shorts
4. Running shoes
This year:
1. One swimsuit
2. Running shoes
3. One running shirt
I do buy stuff for my kids. My boys wear out shoes and socks something fierce.
Tejas Prairie Hen says
I have worn basically the same size clothes for the past 30 years. I have shirts in every color and shade, styles come and go and come back, and I wear pretty much the classic style. To update my wardrobe, I shop at thrift stored and accept hand-me-downs from my daughters. My favorite church-run shop offers 1/2 price for seniors on Wednesdays. Yesterday I got jeans, skinny pants, two sweaters, a skirt,and great leather shoes for $13, including tax!
Carrie says
I wore out my two work pants this year and after patching the holes I started to feel embarrassed that if someone was really looking they would see the patch on my thighs. So I bought two pairs of jeans from GAP that I wear strictly to work and use the patched ones as my chore jeans. That being said, many of my work clothes are my casual clothes (jeans, cords, long sleeve tees, vests). I had to buy a few pairs of undies and a bra too. I always buy clothes on sale or have a coupon for it.
I did spend quite a bit of money this year on merino wool baselayers for a 4 day backpacking trip in CO. I got them half off but $40 for a shirt and long underwear is still a lot of money. I love the shirt and actually wear it now to work, running errands and even to bed when its been cold! My rain jacket wore out on the trip and now I get wet even in drizzle. I am planning on replacing that with a GoreTex jacket with any extra money I get.
Deborah says
We don’t spend a lot for clothes either. I did have to buy a couple of pair of pants last year. I lost a pant size and nothing I had fit. I lost the weight by going on thyroid meds. I was gaining several pound every month. I got up to around 150 lbs. too heavy for my height. I should weigh between 126 and about 135 or so. I’m at 132 fully dressed. This still seems heavy to me. I weighed 97 lbs almost 27 years ago when hubby and I married. I weights this for many many years! I was too light at that weight. Anyway, sorry to have written a book.
Cheri says
I don’t have much money to spend on myself, so when I do buy something it feels like Christmas. I think the trend is great and makes much more sense. My habit of buying mostly new will probably stick, though, as much as I support secondhand and vintage shopping. I have so little time to shop that I prefer to stick to stores I know will work for me or Ebay purchases that I can target easily.
I’ve bought a lot of secondhand clothing in the past, but I find that I often end up not liking these clothes much and thus waste a lot of money. Sometimes I get a gem that I wear for years, but I’ve stopped trying so much. I buy so few clothes anyway. I DON’T skimp on shoes no matter what, though. My Payless years are over. I have wasted so much money trying to make cheap shoes work on my long and narrow feet. They just don’t, so I’ve given up and now just buy high-quality shoes–just fewer of them. For me, a capsule wardrobe of new, well-made clothes that look good on me is the best kind of wardrobe for me and my efforts to simplify.
Sue says
A friend recommended this site ” thedUP” for good resale clothing. Hope this helps.
mandy says
I do rely on quality brands. My best and favorite coat I bought for my son when he was in high school and I wear his old sweatshirts that he’s grown out of. My favorite shoes are from my niece, she out grew them in high school. I’ve found it pays to purchase higher quality clothing. I shop my local thrift shop at least once a week, and once in a great while I do find well made items in my size. Ebay is also great for this if you’re looking for a specific item that you already know fits. I’d rather have just a couple of things that fit, are comfortable and last for years. I figure it’s worth the money to spend a bit more to get something you know will be around for a long time and you’ll enjoy having.
rachel says
I don’t have a bunch of extra money to spend on clothes all the time and honestly, I wouldn’t want to spend it on the styles that are out right now. I’m 32, I’m a SAHM and I do go out and about a lot but I’m not spending tons of money on trendy leggings/yoga pants that really aren’t flattering etc. So I just had to throw in my two cents that it’s not just money and crappy made threads, it’s trends too!
Carrie says
I’m 30 and also dislike most of the trends I’ve seen the last year or two. Leggings are for exercise or to sleep in! And those overpriced “pop-up” boutiques (Lularoe I’m looking at you!) are garbage. The dresses are made with either really thick or too thin fabric and $30 for a long sleeve tee is ridiculous. The patterns are so off the wall as well.
I do love the plaid shirts and vest trend that pops up in fall. I’ve always worn those types of clothes though. I also like that corduroys are making a comeback. I bought a pair of skinny cords last winter and they are just as comfy as my pjs.
Mavis Butterfield says
Sing it sister!!! I agree.
Naomi says
I started shopping for most of my clothes at Goodwill a couple years ago and I dont think I’ll ever go back. I find good quality brands and never pay more that $10 for an item. If you learn how to shop smart you can look great without spending much. Im glad more people are picking up on this!