Economizing Measures ~ Refurbish Your Clothes Closet

We all need clothing, and we all need to replace it at some point. We all 

know how to shop a sale at the Mall but there are other ways to save 

money when shopping for clothing. These ideas will work better for 

some than others depending on the sizes you need and what type of 

clothing you need.

No matter whether you need a summer blouse, jeans, a suit for work or 

even a wedding or prom gown, I would recommend looking at second 

hand shops first. From consignment shops to charity shops like 

Goodwill and Salvation Army and a variety of resale shops, the choice 

is quite large. While it's true you will find 'old' clothes, you will also 

find brand new, worn once and only worn a few times clothes as well, 

all for pennies on the dollar. Pretty much all sizes will be available but 

you will have an abundant choice if you are the average size. And 

remember that if it is a bit too large or too long, it can be altered to fit 

at a minimal cost unless you can do it yourself, in which case it is no 

extra cost.

Also try yard sales, church rummage sales and freecycle.com to find 

what you need. On freecycle you can even post your want or need. 

Another free source of clothing is to have a clothing swap. This is 

quite popular now, simply call together a group of friends to bring to 

one location all their clothes and accessories they no longer want and 

trade with each other, and have a get-together at the same time.

There is usually a plethora of children's clothing at all the sources I've 

mentioned and most in good condition simply because children grow 

out of them so fast. Shoes too can be had for children and adults from 

all the same places.

Always check the clothes and accessories carefully before you buy 

and if you can, try them on so as not to waste the money you do 

spend. You are being frugal and green as you are saving clothes from 

the landfill by giving them a second life.

And for the green note for today, reuse what you have by mending, 

when it is too worn for work or school, wear it on off days, when it 

is too worn for that, use it as work clothes for cleaning and painting, 

after that use it for rags, quilt or craft pieces, save buttons for other 

uses. Every small amount kept out of our landfills really does help. 

Let's take a lesson from our grandparents and our other ancestors 

and use everything we can until there is nothing left of it. Then, if 

it is a natural fiber like cotton, linen, silk or wool, add it to the 

compost pile.