Shopping for clothes can sometimes feel like a chore. Searching for your size in a sea of vanity sizing, figuring out what’s in style and still trying not to spend too much money is a lot to balance. Many customers make mistakes when refreshing their wardrobe that can lead to financial ruin.
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Here are some retail traps to look out for and how to make better decisions when shopping for new closet staples.
Buying Fast Fashion
We’ve all heard the term “fast fashion.” Simply put, fast fashion is when retailers reproduce runway trends with poor-quality materials and sell them for cheap. These pieces then sell quickly, but they also wear out just as fast.
“Shoppers must balance price and quality to ensure they get the best bang for the buck,” said Marty Bauer, an e-commerce expert at Omnisend. “Sometimes spending a few extra dollars now can save many more down the road.”
Amra Beganovich, founder of Colorful Socks, agreed, saying it’s best to avoid fast-fashion brands, no matter how cheap the clothes are. “It is better to invest in a piece that is of quality and will last, than have to throw away poorly constructed items and replace them every couple of months.”
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Impulse Buying From Social Media
Scrolling Instagram or TikTok and seeing what influencers are sporting can convince you to make an impulse purchase, but the products they’re selling might not always be high quality or fit you the way they fit them. Even if they are well made and they do fit, constantly purchasing clothes from influencers can add up. Melissa Cid, consumer savings expert at MySavings.com, said the best thing you can do for yourself is to give the potential purchases some time to marinate.
“It’s so easy to swipe up and buy when you’re tired and scrolling at night,” Cid said. “Instead, add items to a wish list and walk away. Giving yourself time helps you avoid buyer’s remorse, compare prices and even track down a better deal with promo codes.”
Shopping for Specific Occasions
Bauer warned that buying clothes for special occasions often means accruing an expensive pile of items that have been worn only once. “For example, shoppers purchasing a new dress for a company party or girls’ night out might spend a bit more to ‘look the best they can’ but will seldom wear the outfit again. This is a waste of money,” Bauer explained.
Bauer said the smarter thing to do is buy clothes that fit your budget. “Look for similar but lower-priced items that may not have the detail but will give the same look for one day,” he said.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 3 Biggest Wastes of Money on Clothing and How To Save
