5 Genuine Ways to Save Money on Clothes Without Sacrificing Style in 2026

If you’ve ever peered into your wardrobe and felt like you have nothing to wear, you’re in good company. However, before you rush out to buy new items, consider getting thrifty. Luckily, there are numerous strategies to reduce your clothing expenses while still maintaining style. Whether it’s browsing through thrift stores, revamping old garments, or scouting for sales, here are five simple methods to keep more money in your pocket while still looking sharp.

Buy second-hand clothing

If you’re determined to get a bargain, shopping at second-hand stores can translate to big savings, just be prepared to do some digging! Besides great buys, most second-hand stores are non-profits that use their funds to help those in need.

Online resale has also become a genuinely easy way to shop second-hand without leaving home. Platforms like Depop and Vinted have grown into the go-to destinations specifically for clothing and fashion resale in Australia, with active, dedicated buyer and seller communities that make it easy to find quality pre-loved pieces at a fraction of retail price.

Meanwhile, it might also be worth visiting your local fashion or lifestyle market, you never know what you might find!

Repurpose or repair old clothes

If you’re handy with a needle and thread, why not jazz up an old pair of jeans or make a scarf out of an old sweater or blouse.

And instead of throwing away your old clothes, repair them! Mending a garment is much cheaper than buying a new one, especially when it comes to expensive items like jackets or dress pants. Whether it’s a faulty zipper, fallen hem or a missing button, there’s nothing that can’t be repaired.

Try a clothing swap

Clothing swaps can be a great way to save money. Set up a trading day with your friends or family members and exchange old or unused items. And if you don’t have someone to swap your clothes with, there are a number of clothing swap groups across the country.

Buy clothes on sale

Nothing quite beats a clothing sale! It’s no secret that people love saving money and one of the easiest ways to save big on clothing is to keep an eye out for sales. Most major department stores (like David Jones or Myer) have giant annual sales where they offer their best discounts of the year. We’d also recommend watching out for in-between season clearance sales.

If you don’t mind shopping online, a large majority of brands also offer discounts for first-time buyers. Meanwhile, most major brands offer loyalty programs, allowing you to save money on some pieces of clothing. For example, you can often earn a discounted price after you spend a certain amount.

Wash your clothes less often

It might sound gross but if you want your clothes to last, wash them less. Most people throw their clothes in the wash after one day’s wear, but this isn’t always necessary. Jeans, for instance, can be worn several times before they need washing. The same goes for jumpers, sweaters and even some dresses and skirts, air dry these garments in the sun instead. If it fails the sniff test, however, it needs to go in the laundry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the easiest way to save money on clothes? Buying second-hand, either in-store at op shops or through online resale platforms like Depop and Vinted, is generally the fastest way to see significant savings, often at a fraction of the original retail price.

Is it worth repairing old clothes instead of replacing them? Yes, in most cases. Repairing a garment, such as fixing a zipper, hem or button, is almost always cheaper than buying new, particularly for higher-cost items like jackets and tailored pants.

When is the best time to buy clothes on sale? Major annual sales at department stores like David Jones and Myer typically offer the best discounts of the year, alongside end-of-season clearance sales, which are a reliable way to pick up quality pieces at a reduced price.

How often should you really wash clothes to make them last longer? Not every item needs washing after a single wear. Jeans, jumpers and some dresses and skirts can generally be worn several times, or simply aired out, before they need a proper wash, which helps extend their lifespan.