Shopping for clothes online can be super convenient. No driving to the mall, no waiting in line for the changing room, and items are always in stock in your size. But filling your cart can quickly add up and do some damage to your wallet. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to save money when buying clothes on the internet. With a few simple strategies, you can continue to enjoy the ease of online shopping while sticking to your budget.
Use Coupons and Cashback Sites
One of the easiest ways to save money when shopping online is by using coupons and shopping through cashback sites. Coupon codes can give you a percentage or dollar amount off your purchase. Before buying anything, search for the retailer name plus “coupon code” to find available discounts. Retailers also often email coupon codes to customers who are subscribed to their mailing lists.
Cashback sites like Rakuten give you a percentage of your purchase price back in cash rewards. Simply click through the cashback site before purchasing to earn cash back on eligible purchases. The cash reward gets deposited into your account and can be redeemed for cash.
Using these types of money-saving tools takes little effort but can result in big savings over time.
Shop Out of Season
Another way to save money online is to shop out of season. For example, look for winter coats and boots during the summer and shop for swimsuits and sandals in the winter.
Retailers are looking to clear out last season’s inventory to make room for new styles. Shopping off-season takes advantage of deep discounts, sometimes up to 60% off original prices.
Sign up for email alerts from your favorite retailers so you are notified when major seasonal sales launch. Being first in line for these sales gives you the best selection at the lowest prices.
Use a VPN
A VPN (virtual private network) can also help you save money when shopping online. Retailers use your IP address to vary pricing based on your location. By routing your internet connection through a VPN server in another country, you can trick retailer websites into thinking you live somewhere else.
You can use VPNs with free trials without burning your wallet. Connecting to a VPN server in a lower-cost country allows you to access better international pricing and deals. Just make sure to clear your cookies and cache when switching locations.
Buy Generic Basics
Focus your clothing budget on classic basics in neutral colors from inexpensive retailers like Uniqlo, H&M, and Target.
Think basic t-shirts, jeans, button-down shirts, blazers, and little black dresses. These wardrobe essentials tend to be affordable at lower-cost retailers.
Then, splurge selectively on statement pieces from pricier designer brands to mix in. This allows you to build a stylish wardrobe at a fraction of the cost. The key is mixing high and low.
Check Return Policies
Before purchasing anything online, always check the return policy. Can you return it for free? How many days do you have to decide?
Opting for retailers with generous return policies helps reduce the risk of getting stuck with clothes that don’t fit right or suit your style. Know that you have a safety net if something doesn’t work out.
Some retailers even allow returns of worn items. Check the fine print so you can shop confidently.
Buy Secondhand
Shopping secondhand is a great way to score major discounts on high-quality clothing. Sites like ThredUp and Poshmark make it easy to browse thousands of secondhand items at up to 90% off estimated retail price.
You can find barely worn pieces from premium brands like J.Crew, Anthropologie, and Lululemon for a fraction of the original cost. Just be sure to closely inspect items for flaws before purchasing.
Brick-and-mortar thrift stores are another option for secondhand finds. It takes more effort to sift through racks, but the deals can be even better.
Wait for Sales Events
Timing your clothing purchases around major sales events is another money-saving strategy. Mark your calendar for popular sales like:
- Black Friday/Cyber Monday
- Memorial Day
- Labor Day
- Post-holiday sales
Retailers also often run short-term flash sales in between major events. Sign up for email newsletters so you never miss a sale opportunity.
