Save Money - Buy Pre-Owned Clothes
http://www.culturesociety.net/articles/9011/1/Save-Money---Buy-Pre-Owned-Clothes/Page1.html
Dave Matthews
Dave Matthews is writing on behalf of Room 14, online retailers of mens designer clothes. By Dave Matthews
Published on 02/10/2010
I think it's fair to say that we're all a little short of money at the moment It seems that our expenses keep going up whilst our income is going down
I think it's fair to say that we're all a little short of money at the moment. It seems that our expenses keep going up whilst our income is going down! This shouldn't prevent us from looking our best so why not try buying pre-used clothing? This is a great money saving tip, especially if you are buying clothes for kids too but where are the best places to shop for second hand clothes? Read on for some handy hints.
Before you go out shopping for some used clothes you will make life a lot easier for yourself if you do a bit of forward planning. You should start by getting a small pad or notebook that you can carry around with you as well as a pen and tape measure. In your notebook make a list detailing each article of clothing that you think you will need for the coming 6 months or so. If you intend to buy for various family members then keep a separate page for each member.
If you are buying for yourself then make sure that you keep a record of your various measurements. Again, list them in your notebook as it can be surprisingly easy to forget. For example, if you are going to be shopping for a new pair of jeans then lie a pair that you already own on the floor or bed. Measure the waistband from side to side and double it for the actual measurement. To make sure that you get the right fit you should also measure the 'rise'. This is the distance from the crotch to the top of the waistband. The 'inseam' measurement you need to take refers to the distance from crotch to the bottom of the pant leg. If you are picky about the size of the leg opening then obviously you should measure this too.
When it comes to buying used clothing, it is always going to be your best bet if you go for sizes and brands that you are know are likely to fit you best. Ebay is an excellent choice for shopping online as it is easy to search for used clothes by brand and size, however you may end up paying a little more than you did if you were to go shopping at an actual thrift store. If you think that added expense balances out with the convenience then you will find this an easy way to find what you are looking for. As with all ebay purchases remember to check the seller's previous feedback and request additional information if necessary.
As mentioned before, thrift stores are an excellent place to go shopping for clothes. It may take you a little more time and perhaps a few trips to find just what you want, however the savings you make could be massive. Don't forget to bring your tape measure and your little book of measurements with you and try any items of clothing on before you buy them if possible. Most thrift stores wont have a returns policy so check all clothes for rips, tears, stains or holes. It's definitely worth making that extra effort if it means that you can buy a pair of jeans for £10 instead of £40 or more.
Another couple of alternative websites you may wish to try are Gumtree and Craigslist. Car boot sales and yard sales are also excellent places to buy seconds hand clothes so keep an eye on the classified adverts in your local newspaper to find out when sales will be taking place.
Before you go out shopping for some used clothes you will make life a lot easier for yourself if you do a bit of forward planning. You should start by getting a small pad or notebook that you can carry around with you as well as a pen and tape measure. In your notebook make a list detailing each article of clothing that you think you will need for the coming 6 months or so. If you intend to buy for various family members then keep a separate page for each member.
If you are buying for yourself then make sure that you keep a record of your various measurements. Again, list them in your notebook as it can be surprisingly easy to forget. For example, if you are going to be shopping for a new pair of jeans then lie a pair that you already own on the floor or bed. Measure the waistband from side to side and double it for the actual measurement. To make sure that you get the right fit you should also measure the 'rise'. This is the distance from the crotch to the top of the waistband. The 'inseam' measurement you need to take refers to the distance from crotch to the bottom of the pant leg. If you are picky about the size of the leg opening then obviously you should measure this too.
When it comes to buying used clothing, it is always going to be your best bet if you go for sizes and brands that you are know are likely to fit you best. Ebay is an excellent choice for shopping online as it is easy to search for used clothes by brand and size, however you may end up paying a little more than you did if you were to go shopping at an actual thrift store. If you think that added expense balances out with the convenience then you will find this an easy way to find what you are looking for. As with all ebay purchases remember to check the seller's previous feedback and request additional information if necessary.
As mentioned before, thrift stores are an excellent place to go shopping for clothes. It may take you a little more time and perhaps a few trips to find just what you want, however the savings you make could be massive. Don't forget to bring your tape measure and your little book of measurements with you and try any items of clothing on before you buy them if possible. Most thrift stores wont have a returns policy so check all clothes for rips, tears, stains or holes. It's definitely worth making that extra effort if it means that you can buy a pair of jeans for £10 instead of £40 or more.
Another couple of alternative websites you may wish to try are Gumtree and Craigslist. Car boot sales and yard sales are also excellent places to buy seconds hand clothes so keep an eye on the classified adverts in your local newspaper to find out when sales will be taking place.