It’s no secret people waste money in some interesting ways. When we think about throwing away money, we envision expensive daily coffee habits, trips to the spa, leaving the lights on or overpaying for car insurance.
While those are often budget busters, many of us fail to notice we might just be wasting a lot of unnecessary cash on our clothing.
That number is a little shocking, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to wasting money on clothing. We need to consider 10 percent of our energy bill goes to running our clothes dryer.
The average person drops $500 a year on dry cleaning alone. Yes, our clothing can actually be costing us a lot.
And, not just in poor fashion choices…
Six Ways you’re Wasting Money on Clothes without Realizing It:
Washing Money Down the Drain
We all know laundry can cost us precious time, but this chore can also waste money. Detergents and fabric softeners can be costly and far too often we add more than we need in each load.
Besides wasting money on cleaners, overusing detergents traps dirt and bacteria on our clothes which can ruin our clothing’s appearance and by holding in unpleasant smells. And, don’t forget about the actual costs of electricity and water used to wash a load of laundry!
We can reduce this waste by:
- Running full loads,
- Using half the amount of detergent normally used,
- Adding a bit of vinegar to each load,
- Line drying laundry, and
- Upgrading to energy efficient models when old machines wear out.
Taking Laundry to the Dry Cleaner
One way we are wasting money on clothing is by overusing the dry cleaners. While we enjoy the fresh pressed look and free wire hangers, the cost of dry cleaning garments can quickly add up.
Thankfully, we can cut down on this bill without scrimping on cleanliness.
Also, get dressed immediately before leaving home to avoid unnecessary stains and wrinkles.
Cheap Impulse Buys
We often impulsively buy clothing we never will actually wear just because it’s on sale. This naturally leads to piles of merchandise with tags still attached filling our closets.
Granted, a little retail therapy is good now and then. However, we do need to step back and examine if we will actually wear the item or if it can be worn with other pieces we already own.
Instead of opting for the latest trends, look for timeless and quality pieces that are versatile and will never go out of style.
Buying Ill-Fitting Clothing
Unfortunately, many of us never try on clothing before we bring them home. If clothing doesn’t fit well, this can set us up for frustration, buyer’s remorse, and add yet another garment to your closet you will never wear.
Before purchasing, try on items or check the store’s return policy to make sure you get a good fit. When buying clothing, spend a little extra for alterations or tailoring to ensure it looks nice.
While it might be more time consuming at first, over time you will save money on clothing.
Playing the Name Game
Everyone has their favorite brand or designer, but these can be costly pieces to purchase. Instead, carefully select a few favorite garments from that label and then supplement your wardrobe with basic staples that can be found at a discount retailer.
No one will know that black t-shirt or cami isn’t name brand and you’ll still look amazing without sacrificing money.
Overlooking Second Hand Items
The thrill of wearing a new outfit is hard to beat. However, we can waste money on clothing without realizing it when we only buy new items.
We might be surprised at the variety of clothes and accessories available at thrift stores, online swap sites, consignment stores, flea markets, and yard sales that are priced at a fraction of the price of new items.
It’s not rare to score a designer brand, vintage clothes or even new items. You just never know what you might find!
What tips can you share for avoiding wasting money on clothing? Please share it in the Comments. Thank you.
