We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More »
We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. See the Community Noticeboard for more info. Thank you for your patience.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
Pensions Planning: The NUMBER
Options
Comments
-
For some people shopping is a way of life. Back in the mid 90s my neighbours at the time spent all week at work, Saturday mornings would be down the town and they would land back home with a new (logo) outfit to go out in that night. We are all different.
I would go out with the on an evening, but was happy with my 'Geordie Jeans'1 -
MarriedWithKids89 said:I know that everyone's number is different but I am curious how anyone can spend several thousand pounds per year on clothes. This figure is supported by www.retirementlivingstandards.org.uk so it's not without foundation. I ask because I buy new clothes/trainers whenever I need them, I buy Next/M&S/brand names, however I barely spend £200-£300 per year on new clothes. What is the experience of others here? Especially if you are already retired?
This thread demonstrates that we are all different, but a lot of us on MSE would be savers rather than spenders, so I wouldn't expect to get a lot of posts from people who are high spenders on clothing.
The problem for many of us here appears to be loosening the purse strings a bit and spending more when we can afford to.
As for me - I spend very little on clothing, and have picked up the occasional item in a charity shop, but there are some areas I've found are worth spending on.
Are you familiar with the Vimes theory on boots, by Terry Pratchett? Sam Vimes 'Boots' theory of socioeconomic unfairness (samvimesbootstheory.com)
We walk twice a day at least with our dogs and when the ground is wet we wear hiking boots. We do climb the occasional hill, but we aren't really climbers, their purpose is to keep our feet dry and provide reasonable grip. We found problems with cheap boots and as they were replaced we gradually moved to more expensive ones.
On dry days I used to wear trainers, but found I was wearing out the soles quite quickly. I've moved to walking shoes instead, and although they are a bit more expensive to buy they are more comfortable and do last longer.
In cooler weather I will wear a fleece, and again find that with very regular use they wear out and need replaced.
So retirement has seen a move to buying fewer items, less formal clothes, but often more expensive clothing for a specific purpose.
I dare not mention cycling clothing. As I've said to people before, I have a very strict budget for cycling related expenditure. It is fully spent until September 2026......
9 -
Nebulous2 said:
Are you familiar with the Vimes theory on boots, by Terry Pratchett? Sam Vimes 'Boots' theory of socioeconomic unfairness (samvimesbootstheory.com)
My everyday boots cost me £250 10 years ago and are still in brilliant condition especially when cleaned and polished. I have worn them at least 99% of all the days I have owned them. Chippewa. The last time I looked they were priced at over £400 new and second-hand pairs were listed at more than I paid new.
Buy quality. Same with my jeans which only cost me £150 a pair.3 -
ader42 said:Nebulous2 said:
Are you familiar with the Vimes theory on boots, by Terry Pratchett? Sam Vimes 'Boots' theory of socioeconomic unfairness (samvimesbootstheory.com)
My everyday boots cost me £250 10 years ago and are still in brilliant condition especially when cleaned and polished. I have worn them at least 99% of all the days I have owned them. Chippewa. The last time I looked they were priced at over £400 new and second-hand pairs were listed at more than I paid new.
Buy quality. Same with my jeans which only cost me £150 a pair.I think....0 -
I buy my Jean's from supermarkets, do buy t..shirts from next but also from primark...do spend more on shoes and boots...walking boots for winter 80 pound range, Caterpillar boots 120 or so but last ages...seldom worn...couple pair of decent trainers..good old Adidas samba...I'm approximately 2.5..3.5 years from retirement..60/611
-
My wife is often complaining about the quality of clothes available to buy. When we had a M&S in the town centre she also was disappointed with the range of women's clothes available.0
-
westv said:My wife is often complaining about the quality of clothes available to buy. When we had a M&S in the town centre she also was disappointed with the range of women's clothes available.1
-
hugheskevi said:MarriedWithKids89 said:I know that everyone's number is different but I am curious how anyone can spend several thousand pounds per year on clothes. This figure is supported by www.retirementlivingstandards.org.uk so it's not without foundation. I ask because I buy new clothes/trainers whenever I need them, I buy Next/M&S/brand names, however I barely spend £200-£300 per year on new clothes. What is the experience of others here? Especially if you are already retired?
An annual budget of £200 would usually be fine for me - much more (eg £300 - £400) and I could renew my entire wardrobe each year, except for maybe the few pieces of formal wear I have, coat and hiking boots which are all very occasional big expenses. I can't see how I could use an annual budget of £500+ without updating things well before they are required
Personally I have never seen the point of expensive clothes unless necessary due to technical performance (sports watch, running shoes, suits, hiking boots, coat on my case), I prefer to invest in keeping healthy and fit, my clothes are just for practical purposes.
But clothes can be a bottomless money pit. I recall chatting to a couple of young colleagues who spent a fortune on watches and trainers. The watches had no features, they were just fashionable. Ditto the trainers, just for fashion, no practical use at all.
I have no interest in fashion and the awkward feet mean that shoes are difficult to find.
I got a new running watch for my birthday this year (and as a reward to myself for running my first marathon). It was expensive but the previous one had done maybe 6 years in all weathers and I wear it as my only watch. I changed size so needed to buy some new running kit as well.I’m a Senior Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the Pensions, Annuities & Retirement Planning, Loans
& Credit Cards boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com.
All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.3 -
Shoes I only wear Salomon for 90% of my daily life. In the past 4 years I think I've spent about £30-£40 net. I buy 2nd hand on ebay but very good hardly worn ones. The most I've paid was £33. Then I sell them on after 12-18 months and generally clear about £20.
Kids shoes is another story and financial nightmare entirely mind you, which just keeps pushing my retire date back.
Jeans same pair has lasted me since I last went clothes shopping in 2004. From H&M so probably paid about £30 maybe.0 -
You should always have a good pair of boots and a good mattress...because if you're not in one you are in the other.2
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

Categories
- All Categories
- 350.9K Banking & Borrowing
- 253.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 453.5K Spending & Discounts
- 243.9K Work, Benefits & Business
- 598.8K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 176.9K Life & Family
- 257.2K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.6K Read-Only Boards