Somehow — and you’re still not quite sure how this happened — the chore of buying clothes for your entire family has fallen onto you. Maybe your significant other doesn’t have time for clothes shopping and perhaps your kids could care less about what they wear every day; all you know is that, once again, you’ve been tasked with buying new duds for the whole gang.
This time, however, you’re determined to save as much time and money as possible. Here are four tips to help make clothes shopping for the entire family a more seamless experience.
Look for One-Stop Shops
Rather than head to the mall to buy a jacket for your daughter, a sporting goods store to find a pair of jogging pants for your sweetie and yet another place for shoes and a top for you, strive to find retail locations where you can tackle all your shopping needs at once.
As a major bonus, try to find an online retailer with a wide selection so you can shop from the comfort of your couch. For instance, Columbia is a prime example of a one-stop online apparel shop, where you can find the lightweight jacket for your kiddo, as well as other versatile athletic clothing for the rest of your family.
Know When to Splurge and When to Save
As you select different pieces of clothing that your family needs, think long and hard about when you want to spend a bit more and when you should look for more inexpensive items.
For example, T-shirts for everyone should be as budget-friendly as possible. Because you wear them right against your skin, you’re bound to wash them more often than a sweatshirt, and they don’t tend to last for a long time.
Be sure they fit and are made from quality fabric. But, beyond that, there’s no reason to spend £50 or £60 for one T-shirt. On the other hand, when buying shoes that you and your family members will wear all the time, it’s worth spending more on kicks that are built to last.
Check Out Thrift Stores
Are there any consignment shops or thrift stores in your area? If so, it’s worth checking out their selection to see if you can nab some great deals on duds for your family. In addition to their low prices, many second-hand stores have ongoing sales or offer weekly specials where everything is half off.
So, if your son is hoping for certain name-brand jeans that are out of your price range, you might find him a gently used or discounted pair at the thrift store.
Go for Simple and Versatile Clothing
Instead of trendy jeans and tops that may be “in” this year but seriously “out” next year, stick with simple and classic clothes for everyone, as much as you can. Additionally, try to find clothing for your family that’s versatile and can be layered and/or worn year-round.
For instance, rather than buy heavy-duty winter jackets for everyone, encourage your family to wear their favorite T-shirts from the summer under a classic blouse or shirt and then topped with a sweater and the lightweight jacket you got them online.
Saving Time and Money is More than Possible
While you might never adore the chore of handling clothes shopping for everyone in your family, you don’t have to let it drain your energy, time and bank account.
By looking for all-in-one stores that sell everything you need and knowing when to splurge and when to save, your family will be well-dressed in versatile clothing they’re sure to love for years to come.