When discussing frugal clothing, most people think about how to purchase clothing affordably. Of course, we could talk about shopping at thrift stores, garage sales, eBay, or Amazon. However, another aspect of frugal clothing is that clothing that is cared for lasts longer. It’s always cheaper to keep something nice and get more use out of it, than to shop for new, correct?

How many of us follow the washing instructions on our clothing to the letter? If we did, it could save us money. Clothing lasts longer when it is properly cared for.  Cold water, warm water, high heat, or low heat, it makes a difference if you are trying to keep the size and color of your clothes like new.

 To save money, sometimes you have to spend money. Invest in good quality clothing. Items that are well made will cut clothing costs in the long run. If your favorite pants shred in the washing machine, or that nice shirt shrinks in the dryer, savig money on clothes becomes irrelevant. 

 Durable clothes do not have to be purchased from high end stores with large price tags. Consignment shops and thrift stores also sell good quality clothing. You will have to take the time to look for them, but the deals that you find will be well worth it. Marshalls comes to mind, I have bought nearly all of my Tommy Hilfigger clothes there, and if I told you they were from Macys, you would believe me. 

 Store your clothing properly. Wire hangers are no good for sweaters or fine fabrics. Instead, purchase plastic or satin covered hangers. Wire hangers can rust and leave stains on your clothing that the other hangers will not.  Hangers for pants help keep them wrinkle free and some  things are not meant to be hugn at all.

 Be careful about storing certain fabrics in cleaning bags. Silk and wool clothing need to breathe. Plastic storage and dry-cleaning bags do not allow for that.  

 If you need to store your clothing, use garment bags and other storage devices. If your closet is cramped, storage boxes can be used to store sweaters and seasonal clothing when you don’t need them. Shoes can also be stored in shoe boxes or over-the-door shoe hangers to avoid clutter.  Clothing storage is now more reasonable than ever, from bins that slide under the bed, to space bags that make storage compact and easy. 

 If you do get a stain on your clothes, treat it as quickly as you can. This will keep the apparel from being damaged. Wash the items by hand so the stain will not set in and then launder as usual. Your washing machine  probably came with some nice cleaning and stain tips, and of course there are resources on the web to help get just about anything out of your clothing.

 Try not to buy too many trendy clothes. They are more expensive, and when the fashion fades, you will be left with items that you won’t want to wear anymore. Purchase outfits that are more practical and not attached to fads.  We are looking to save money on clothing here, not spend  hundreds or thousands of dollars to  just  store them away for 20 years until that trend comes back.  Hey bell bottoms  did.