Clothing budget

chardonnay_2

bargain rzl, - just to say i don't think there is anything wrong with the amount you are spending - you can afford it, are single with no dependants, and are young (can't remember what age you said you are). you could be spending that on one outfit, but well done for trying to curb so you can get your flat.

it's just unfortunate that all your stuff needs replacing at the same time - might be an idea to buy one lot of stuff a month so to spread the cost and the date they will all need replacing again.

i would recommend going through your wardrobe and be brutal - if you have clothes that are too small / too big ebay them and generate cash to pay for their replacements. same with shoes / bags you no longer like or use.

i remember you saying you were going to scan your collection of opera programmes to declutter - could you sell these on ebay?

good luck

JennyB

I used to buy cheap clothes - I was particularly fond of supermarket clothes - especially Sainsbury's - but others too like Next, Dorothy Perkins etc. However, I found that they often looked awful after just a few washes making them quite expensive on a cost per wear basis. I've had tops that I've worn literally once for this reason. In particular I found things lost their shape or shrunk.

I've now got a bit more money than I used to have and I've started buying better quality clothes and my discovery is that I think it's cheaper in the long run to buy more expensive (better quality) clothes. I guess it's the better quality materials that they use - they seem to hold up better to washing and wearing and so look good for longer.

So what does everyone think? I pretty much swear by the "buy cheap buy twice" theory in other areas of spending but I'm a new convert to it in relation to clothes. My mum was saying that clothes didn't used to be so cheap (poor quality?) and I'm thinking that perhaps it's old-style money-saving to buy better quality and then look after your clothes and keep them for longer.

Sian100

I think it all depends- you can get some quality items in cheap shops if you have a good look (and try and avoid impulse buys while you're looking!)

A few people in another thread mentioned that you can often get high quality, originally expensive clothes in second hand shops for a fraction of the price. I agree with this, particularly when it comes to leather bags, scarves, knitwear, and sometimes winter coats, again if you have a really good look around. I suppose buying second hand may be a good compromise, where you have both the low price, and the higher quality to ensure it does not just fall apart. Sometimes you find things which have hardly been worn.

Anyway, just my opinion!

suep

Sorry , is it only me, but Next and DP's are expensive for my budget, cheap is Primark and Peacocks or charity shops, what do others think?

seraphina

I agree - I'd rather have fewer, better-made clothes than more cheap stuff. In general, I find Primark/Peacocks and even Next stuff not worth it.

The other benefit is resale values - I've sold Boden tops on ebay for more than I've bought them for. So I don't feel too bad buying more expensive clothes as I know I can get some money back by selling them if I go off them.

lightisfading

No same here suep, even if cheaper does last longer it costs more out of one wage packet!!

I've bought a fair bit off ebay though. I'm a 'big girl' and thus find it even harder to get good clothes cheaply, but jeans especially seem good on ebay, last 3 pairs have cost about £15 inc postage and fit perfectly

SnowyOwl_2

SueP - I would agree with you! I'd still rather buy cheap and buy twice than spend £90 on a skirt, £150 on a jacket or £25 on a scarf. Perhaps I would spend that on a really good quality tailored suit which I would intend to have for several years. I'd kick myself if I found it in the sale later though. For everyday wear cheap (Primark, Matalan etc) rules. And I have to admit to having some "cheap" things in my wardrobe which are a number of years old.

Charity shops are unfortunately a bit hit and miss regards sizes, brands and range, so I don't depend on them - but they are worth a look anyway as the occasional gem does show up.

lolabug_2

suep wrote:

Sorry , is it only me, but Next and DP's are expensive for my budget, cheap is Primark and Peacocks or charity shops, what do others think?

Yeah DP's and Next is expensive in my book...cheap is Primark etc.
I always find that adult Next clothes last ages. (childrens don't seem as good) I have lots DP trousers and tops that I have had for over 5 years, worn very regularly (I don't have that many clothes) which are in very good condition.

Sian100

suep wrote:

Sorry , is it only me, but Next and DP's are expensive for my budget, cheap is Primark and Peacocks or charity shops, what do others think?

Yes, me too, suep!

Unfortunately I'm tall, so I have to go to places like DP and Zara for trousers, as Primark don't exactly have a tall range! (they have long length trousers, but long length isn't long enough) Otherwise I would probably buy all my clothes at the very cheap end of the high street. I suppose other people must have similar height or figure woes too when clothes shopping which means they have to spend a bit more money.

I like having less money for clothes in a way though- it's more of a challenge to try and look decent. Isn't it great when someone compliments you on something you're wearing, and then you tell them it only cost a tenner and you bought it five years ago? Or you could of course have more class than me and not mention the price.

Back on topic though- I do admit that some cheap buys haven't lasted very well. But then, some have. I wonder why that is? Could it be that natural fabrics last better than man made ones?

suep

Isn't it great when someone compliments you on something you're wearing, and then you tell them it only cost a tenner and you bought it five years ago? Or you could of course have more class than me and not mention the price.

Yes it is, and I do !

I can't work due to a chronic illness. I am married and my husband works, but his money mainly goes on the mortgage and other household bills. I suppose because I don't work and have no social life I don't exactly need smart clothes and I live in jeans (£8.00-£10 Primark) and various tops from the same place, most of my clothes I've had for years and they are still ok. My DD has recently got a part time job at Next while shes at college and she gets a good discount, but it still doesn't match up to good old Primark prices.

I'm not saying if I had the money I wouldn't buy better quality, but I havn't so I make the best of it.
sue