Do you ever find yourself looking at your closet and wishing you had more options? Do you feel like you can’t afford to buy new clothes?
Or maybe you just don’t have the time to go shopping. Well, never fear! There are a few ways to get quality clothing for cheap or free.
When it comes to clothing, most people think that you have to spend a lot of money to get quality pieces. However, there are a few ways that you can get quality clothes for cheap or even free.
Getting clothing brand new is nice, but do you really need brand new clothes all the time?
After all, many of today’s fabrics, styles and fashions are very cheaply made and wear out before their time.
For example, I bought a brand new shirt 3 months ago, and with normal wear and tear, washing and such, it’s already threadbare. That $15 shirt was definitely not a bargain, was it?
In this blog post, we will discuss some of those ways.
So, whether you are on a tight budget or just looking to save money, keep reading for tips on how to get great clothing without breaking the bank.
Consignment Stores
More often than not, you will find name brand clothing that is a good quality construction here.
They are usually picky on what they will sell, so you are more likely to get clothing without tears or stains.
I have found that in our area, clothing goes for about 30-40% of what it will sell for brand new. I have found jeans, shorts, jackets, shirts as well as shoes at consignment stores.
As a matter of fact, this is the only place I have been able to outfit my oldest son, as he is growing so rapidly and thrift stores don’t usually have his size in anything.
Another bonus for consignment stores is that you can take gently used clothing to sell for cash or credit on other stuff. Decluttering and saving money on clothing? Win-Win!
Thrift Stores
This requires some careful digging to find good quality. We have an array of different thrift stores, with different quality in clothing. Some will just “hang and sell” whatever is brought in, no matter what the condition.
Others will actually inspect the clothing, make any minor needed repairs, and wash before moving out to the sales floor.
Finding quality takes a bit of time, and knowing what you want. Sometimes, you may have to replace a button, or fix a hem, but you can really get some good bargains at thrift stores.
Yard Sales
Again, digging for quality is the key here. I have seen many people put out worn out and stained clothing at a premium price.
Of course, if you are looking for rags, or quilt blocks, or “chore clothing” you may be able to get them to come way down on the price. Other yard sales I have seen great clothing at a great price.
Since you are most likely NOT going to be able to try the clothes on, it’s helpful to have an idea of sizes you need, and even know if those sizes vary by designer.
or example, I can get a “5” in Abercrombie, but a “3” in Guess. Knowing what you or your family’s needs and sizes are will be extremely helpful as you navigate the myriad of sales.
Host a Clothing Swap
A clothing swap is a great way to build your community while getting quality clothing. It’s basically trading outgrown, gently used clothing with friends and family.
It’s not hard to set up and the benefits are amazing! Check out full details here.
Check Online
There’s not much that you can’t find online – and that includes clothing.
I’m not a huge fan of buying a ton of clothes online just because I don’t feel great about buying brand-new clothes and having them shipped across the country to me (not really the best for the environment).
However, we’ve all been in the situation where we have a function to attend and need a certain piece of attire to complement the outfit – and just can’t find it nearby in thrift stores or at consignment shops.
Therefore, online stores can sometimes be the right choice.
Some of the best stores to shop online for cheap clothing include:
- Amazon
- LuLus.com
- Asos
- Dress Up
- 6pm
- Rue 21 (also has in-person stores in case you want to shop at a brick and mortar location and actually be able to try things on)
- Clothing Under 10
- Wish
- RomWe
- Zaful
- Old Navy
- TJ Maxx
- Target
- Depop
- Vinted
- BooHoo
- Wanelo
- UNIQLO
- Shein
- Nordstrom Rack
- H&M
- Kohl’s
- Zulily
There are also online thrift stores you can check out. Some of my favorites include:
- ThredUp
- Poshmark
- LetGo
- OfferUp
- Swap.com
Now, I will admit – sometimes the quality of these clothes that you buy online isn’t the best.
You’ll want to read customer reviews very carefully to make sure you aren’t going to
- a) have to wait months upon months for shipping (something that’s often the case with foreign clothing retailers like Wish) or
- b) have a piece of clothing that falls apart as soon as you wash it the first time.
Read reviews – reviews are everything!
Refer a Friend
Many retailers – even some of the more “posh” and expensive ones – have referral programs that allow you to earn free clothes.
All you have to do is refer a friend by sharing an online link or by word of mouth. You’ll get rewards points that you can use toward free clothes.
Some online retailers that do this include:
- ThredUp
- Swap.com
- Rehash
- Stitch Fix
That’s right – you can share the joy of thrifting with your best friends and get rewarded in return!
Look for Online Giveaways
Every now and then, you may encounter free online clothing giveaways. There are a couple of good places to do this.
The first is at the Community Clothes Closet. This is a company that works to help seniors, students, disabled people, the homeless, and people with limited income find inexpensive clothing.
You do need to be referred to this program – but if you are, you can get free clothing for up to one year.
Another site to check is Sweepstakes Fanatic. This online site has sweepstakes that you can enter to win clothing on a daily or weekly basis.
Check Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is another site where you can check for free or inexpensive used clothes. Many times, people want to get rid of their old clothes but are just too busy to have a yard sale.
They’ll often put clothing out at the end of the road and put a notice on Facebook saying whoever gets there first can have the clothes.
In other instances, you may just have to arrange a pick-up time with the owner.
You may not always get the exact kind of clothes you need or want at that very moment, but there are always clothes to be found for free on Facebook.
Craigslist
Like Facebook, Craigslist is another place people commonly turn to in order to offload their old clothes.
If you want to score free clothing, click on over to the “free” link in the “for sale” section. You never know what you’ll be able to find!
Freecycle.org
The only downside to using Freecycle is that its offerings are somewhat limited if you live in a rural area.
That said, Freecycle is a website that you can tap into regardless of where you live (you’ll just have less to choose from, of course).
Essentially, this website is just an online network with local chapters all around the world.
Everything has to be given away for free – that’s the rule – so you’re sure to find some free clothing here.
Register for Rewards
If you’re a brand junkie, you might want to consider signing up for your favorite store’s rewards program.
Some stores will let you redeem points for gift cards while others will give you cash or cashback points on a credit card. Either way, it’s a smart way to fill your wardrobe if you like shopping at one store in particular.
Consider Starting a Fashion Blog
Do you love fashion? Love to write? If so, you may want to start a fashion blog. This is a great way to get free clothing from companies.
After you’ve set up your blog and attracted a few readers, there’s a good chance that companies will mail you free clothing in exchange for a review on your site.
This is a long-term approach – but if you’re in it to win it, give it a try!
Get “Clothing” Back for Tasks
You’ve probably heard of being able to get cashback for doing things like completing quick tasks or filling out short surveys.
However, you can also get clothing back, in many cases. There are all kinds of websites that will pay you to shop for clothing – like Survey Junkie and Swagbucks.
If you do a lot of online shopping, you might want to consider downloading the Rakuten browser extension. You’ll get cashback whenever you shop online, and you can use that extra money to buy new clothes.
A Few More Tips for Finding Quality Clothing
Here are a few more tips for finding great clothes when you’re on a shoestring budget.
Quality vs Quantity
A mistake that so many of us make when shopping for clothes is thinking that we need to fill our closets -when really, we should be focused on quality
Buy clothes made out of solid materials that you can mend and hem yourself.
Rather than spending a few dollars apiece on cheap shirts that will wear down after a couple of uses, you can buy staple pieces for your wardrobe that will last you many years.
Shop the Clearance Rack
Don’t be afraid to hunt for sales! Take advantage of sales and become best friends with the clearance rack. By being aware of super steep discounts, you can save a ton of money.
Buy Interchangeable Items
Build a wardrobe around a framework of just a few interchangeable items.
For example, you can buy a set of black dress pants for work that you absolutely love – and then just get a handful of shirts to go with those pants.
Don’t Buy In Season
When summer rolls around, the first thing on your mind might be buying a new swimsuit.
However, in order to save money, you really need to be a couple of seasons ahead (or behind).
Buying out of season can save you hundreds of dollars. You’ll get clearance prices on things you’ll wear eventually – you just won’t wear them right away.
Research Brands
While you definitely don’t have to be loyal to just one brand, researching the brands that fit you best is a great idea.
Figure out which brands work well for you! You might fit great in Old Navy clothes and not so great in Banana Republic.
By knowing what works well for you and your body shape and size, you can avoid a lot of wasted time and money.
How Can I Get Good Quality Clothes for Cheap?
Get more fashion for your budget – even if your budget is…well, zero!
The next time you are in need of some new clothes but don’t want to spend a lot of money, remember these tips.
All of them will help you save money on clothing and get high-quality items that will last for years. What is your favorite way to get quality clothing at a low cost?
updated 03/28/2022 by Rebekah Pierce
Heather’s homesteading journey started in 2006, with baby steps: first, she got a few raised beds, some chickens, and rabbits. Over the years, she amassed a wealth of homesteading knowledge, knowledge that you can find in the articles of this blog.
Learn more about Heather and the rest of the writers on this page.
What great ideas! With growing boys, I’m always looking for ways to stretch our dollars. Thanks!
I have acquired clothes all four of these ways, though the “swap” was a homeschooling swap, clothes were involved. With six children, buying new is pretty much out of the question : ) Thanks for sharing this valuable information.
Oh this is the ONLY way we shop. Second hand clothes mean you’re saving the environment, your wallet and your health since the nasty fire retardants have been washed off of them. Plus…they’re softer which is a good thing for kiddos with sensory issues.
~Honey
#BB100
For clothes for the kids, hand me downs have saved me big time! My best friend has a little girl younger than my daughter and a son older than my son, so we swap clothes. Love seeing the clothes get used again!
The kids consignment shop is my other big favorite — even better to shop at the end of season for the next year! Last year I got a new winter coat and snow pants in the next size for just 6 bucks for my youngest!
Stopping in from Boost Your Blog Challenge!
Hi there! Found you via BYB!
As a mom to many, consignment stores are WONDERFUL for stretching the budget! Love them!
I’ve noticed lately that at the thrift stores they are creating sections with higher quality items and NEW items and letting you know their location in the store. This helps so much and saves time digging. I’ve seen so many wonderful new children’s items. Thanks for the post and have a wonderful day.
I love thrift stores! I found this awesome Nautica sweater about 10 years ago (when they were popular) for only $5. The only problem it had was a small hole in the arm, which I quickly sewed up. It looked good as new and held on for a couple of more years. I will have to see if my local area has any consignment stores.
I do all the above, with the exception of the clothing swap. With lots of kids we have to save money where we can, and one of thos eis by purchasing clothes that aren’t brand new. I also do not buy clothing that is not on sale at the store. My kids know this and when we go in a store, they bee-line right for the clearance rack. LOL It’s become so engrained in my 13 year old, that she only asks for pricey items as special gifts for birthday or Christmas. And she is beginning to shop the same way I do.
I agree. There is no need to pay full price for quality clothing. And like you said, all the newer stuff wears out way faster than it should. Here in Tennessee, we have Goodwill everywhere. In fact, I have worked at one, inspecting the clothing. Most of the time I just go on Sundays because that is $1.00 day for the color of the week. And you can still find many nice clothes then. Thanks for participating in the Boost Challenge.
Julie
I Create Purty Thangs
I heart thriftin’, reusing, recycling and swapping!
I do a few of these already but have always wanted to try a clothing swap. Seems like a great way to get clothes for free and since a lot of my friends have the same style, it’s most likely going to be in styles similar to my own.
I get a lot of my clothing from thrift stores. I just can not see spending that much money on clothes
I’ve done all of the above! I love clothing swaps when I find some friends that wear the same size as I do, otherwise my favorite is rummage sales because of their super cheap prices!
I always look for sales everywhere and there are thrift stores in our areas everywhere. They sell very cheap clothing but are of good quality and totally fashionable!
I absolutely love consignment sales, the Spring ones are just starting up and I can’t wait to go shopping. I usually get our daughter’s entire wardrobe (minus special pieces) at the sales and save so much! I’ve also gotten real big into thrift shops here lately and have scored some really awesome pieces for both my daughter and husband. Yard sales around here aren’t so great, people want almost full price for their items. I can sometimes go to the store during a really great sale and use discount codes and get things much cheaper than some people’s yard sale prices. We’re on a tight budget so I’m all about saving 🙂
I hate shopping too! It’s one of the reason’s I like to buy clothes this way. At least if I HAVE to go shopping, I don’t feel like I have been robbed when I am finished : )
Never thought about a clothing swap. That sounds like a good idea. Maybe will try that sometime.
Visiting from 100 Challenge.
I don’t do well with digging but I might have to search out the consignment stores to see if the ones in our area are a bit more organized than the thrift stores. I usually just watch for the sales and I am blessed to be surrounded by boys who simply don’t care what they wear.
Yes, thank God for boys who don’t care what they wear!
definitely want to host a clothing swap. thanks for a great post and reminder. 😉
Great idea about the clothing swap. The biggest problem with consignment stores for me is I am so tall that it’s hard to find things that fit.Visiting from BYB.
Great tips here, my friend!
These are great ideas, I think I’ll share them!
Good tips. I am 17 weeks pregnant and don’t want to spend all the money it takes to buy NEW maternity wear. I will definitely try out some the locals you’ve listed. I am also going to suggest a clothing swap with some friends.
I think I was just here for #SITS! I know I added your blog to my feed. I’m a little overwhelmed with two challenges back to back! #BYB100
i love the clothing swap idea.. super clever! glad i stopped by!!
Great little space you have here. We live in East TN on farmland that has been in my family for 4 generations, so your place feels a bit like home. Hope we can cross paths online and share some homesteading tips.
that would be awesome! Welcome, Melissa!
Oooh, I like the idea of a clothing swap! Sometimes you can just find some fantastic sales in the off season too….as another idea for cheap clothing. I usually hit consignment, etc -but… -I always keep in mind to shop off season!
You’re speaking my language! I LOVE thrifty finds and can spend hours digging through thrift store and consignment racks – I think it’s super fun (much to the annoyance of my kids!) and can’t figure out how people justify full wardrobes of full-priced clothes when there’s so much stuff out there for so cheap that can be super cute and unique
thanks for the great suggestions. I LOVE thrift stores and finding great bargains. I have a hard time paying full price for things and it just doesn’t seem as fun as stumbling across wonderful deals.
I once read that, to find the best clothing, call your Goodwill/thrift store and find out what day they do markdowns/have sales. Either go that day for deals or in the following days for new stock!
These are all great tips. I find that these work well for my kids and even my husband. I, on the other hand, have the hardest time finding clothes this way! I guess I just need to do a better job of searching out some quality consignment stores in my area.
Ya know I recently found some really great Target clothes at a local GROCERY store! On clearance! Between that and a couple of awesome consignment store finds, I’ve totally reevaluated my shopping experiences. I’m definitely going to be shopping more at thrift stores and consignment stores!
We have some great Thrift stores in our area which I frequent quite often. It’s unbelievable what you can find if you are willing to take the time to look. I haven’t been to a clothing swap yet but it’s a great idea! Visiting from the BYB challenge.
these are fantastic ideas. It’s hard for me to buy used. I’m not sure why – I guess it’s the unknown. However, I don’t have the money to buy used so I don’t do anything at all. 🙂
Thanks so much for participating in the blog challenge! It’s so nice to meet you.
I’ve seen people sell and swap clothes through local Facebook groups too. All great ideas!
I love thrifting, but I have the WORST luck! I never find the goodies.
I just wrote about this too! It’s such a blessing that these are available for us to save on our clothing budget.
Great ideas! I love a clothing swap. It’s been too long since I hosted one with my lady friends!
Great tips! We do get pre-owned clothing for the girls often because they grow so quickly! I don’t buy myself a lot of clothes, but I do go for quality when I do!
This is such a Great post! I am always looking for a way to save on clothes. Thanks for sharing.
This is great! Thanks so much for sharing – as a single mother of three I needed to be reminded of ways to save money. Just in time too, we will be Spring shopping soon.:-)
Great idea! I go to a thrift store in my friend’s ritzy suburb and I can get designer stuff for a song!
Love the ideas!! I can always use more clothing–especially for my clothes queen 7 year old daughter (and only girl). 🙂
I do most of my clothes shopping at thrift stores like Goodwill. There’s also a really awesome charity store nearby that sells clothes for super cheap. So awesome!
I’ve always wanted to host, or at least take part in a clothing swap. It sounds like so much fun!
Those are such great tips. Clothes can be so expensive especially for kids who out grow them so fast.
Love thrift store and consignment stores when looking for clothes. I have scored a ton of good deals. Not much time for yard sales and never been to a clothing swap party but sounds fun!
Great tips! I’ve always wanted to go to a clothing swap… maybe I should just host one myself this spring!
Awesome tips! I pretty much never pay full price for my clothes.
These are all excellent tips! I love buying clothes at thrift stores and consignments shops. There is a great children’s consignment store in my city called Once Upon A Child and most outfits are about $5. Plus the employees are very selective with what they will accept so you know that anything you buy has been carefully selected and is in excellent condition.
Another great way to get cheap/free clothes is through websites like freecycle.org and believe it or not, Facebook! I’ve been seeing more and more ways to buy used clothes on Facebook through different local pages.
Great tips! We have a lot of great consignment shops where I live, so I always visit those.
Thanks for this. I would have never thought to host a clothing swap. what a fun idea thanks