Clothing for your child is a necessity. However, this is not an excuse for buying clothes every month. Clothing can last long when properly cleaned, washed and kept. Hence, the only time you actually need to shop for clothes is when your child has outgrown them or when they are too worn out.
I seldom buy clothes for my three kids. The younger ones would wear second hand or third hand clothing especially the baby clothes. Of course when the clothes are too worn out, it is necessary to get new ones. This happens to clothes that are frequently worn and washed. For example, school uniforms need to be replaced yearly as it is worn too frequently.
To save on clothing cost, below are some tips for you to consider:
• Maintain the condition of the clothes so that it can be re-used and passed down
• Swap clothing between siblings or cousins and relatives
• Teach your kids to buy extra clothing out of their own pocket money or allowance
• Buy only at second-hand or consignment shops
• Teach your kids to mix and match and they can get several outfits out of a few clothing items only
• Buy good quality and long-lasting clothing
• Buy clothing items that can be paired with other existing items in the closet
• Teach your kids to take care of their clothes e.g. avoid getting stains on them
photo credit: markhillary
Teach your kids early so that when they reach their teens, they know how to keep the cost down and still look and feel good at the same time.