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If you’ve ever gone clothes shopping — and who hasn’t — you’ve probably been a little shocked at the price tags on some of those garments. Unless you’re shopping at places like Target, Walmart or thrift stores, it’s not uncommon to find even a basic T-shirt for $40 or $50. Even accessories, like belts and purses, can be ridiculously expensive.
While everyone needs clothes, and you should be able to update your wardrobe when the time is right, there’s such a thing as spending too much money. Shopping experts weighed in with the top clothing items they think you should never pay more than $20 for. Here’s what they said.
Basic T-shirts
T-shirts are great to have in your closet, but do you really need to spend $50 for one?
“While some brands charge high prices for these summer basics, there’s no reason to pay more than $20 for them,” said Todd Stearn, founder and CEO of The Money Manual. “Between well-reviewed items from discount retailers, out-of-season clearance sales, and thrift store finds, you should have no trouble finding attractive, durable pieces for less.”
Madison Sloan, owner of Little Sloans and a clothing expert, added, “A good T-shirt doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Look for options made from quality materials that fit well without the hefty price tag.”
If there’s a specialty shirt that you absolutely must have — like one from your favorite band — you can always splurge for that. Otherwise, stick with discount retailers for your T-shirts and save your hard-earned money for other things instead.
Tank Tops
Like T-shirts, tank tops should never cost more than $20. Ideally, they’ll be much less than that. Sloan suggested stocking up on several tank tops for layering and stylistic purposes, but also keeping an eye on those price tags.
Dresses
Dresses can also be on the pricey side, especially if you’re shopping for designer brands or at stores like Nordstrom or Macy’s. But while you should get something you like and that’s of high-quality material, you don’t always have to spend more than $20 for these. The exception is if you’ve got a very specific event, like a wedding, and need the right dress for it. Otherwise, it’s OK to get something you can use in more casual settings — possibly even more than once.
“Many people think that once they’ve been seen wearing a dress on social media, they can’t wear it again,” said Stella Rousou, expert shopper and business development and partnerships director at Style DNA. “Remember, it’s OK to wear the same items multiple times — don’t feel pressured to constantly buy new things just for the sake of variety.”
Socks and Underwear
Having good quality undergarments, such as socks and underwear, is important. But again, you don’t need to spend $20 on these. If you are going to spend $20, it should include multiple pairs of the things you need — not just one or two.
“These are items we wear every day, but that doesn’t mean we need to spend a fortune on them,” Sloan said. “Look for multipacks or budget-friendly options that offer comfort and durability without the high price tag.”
With any garment you buy, including lesser-used clothing accessories, ask yourself if you’ll wear it again. If the answer is no, reconsider adding it to your cart.
Shorts
Casual shorts are another clothing item you shouldn’t spend more than $20 on.
“There are plenty of shorts available for under $20 that offer decent quality and comfort,” said Simon Elliott, founder and operations director of CLIFTON. “Unless you are looking for specialized performance or designer shorts, there is no need to spend more.”
Focus on quality, comfort and style, but don’t forget about your budget. If you’re looking for a pair of running shorts and can only find ones that cost $30 or $40, look elsewhere.
Children’s Apparel
If you’ve got kids, stick with cheaper — but still decent quality — garments until they’re old enough to appreciate the more expensive options or have stopped growing so fast.
“Children grow quickly, meaning any clothing you buy for them is going to be temporary. So it doesn’t make sense to pay more than $20 for an item of children’s clothing,” Stearn said.
Accessories
Accessorizing is the perfect way to transform any outfit, but you should be able to get a lot for under $20.
In particular, Rousou suggested keeping costs low for things like sunglass chains, hair accessories and even basic vests. The same goes for belts, basic purses, scarves and beanies.
“Quality is key to ensuring longevity in your wardrobe, but it’s important to strike a balance between splurging on expensive pieces and sticking to budget-friendly basics,” Rousou said.
Expert Tips for Saving Money on Clothing Items
Here are a few ways to save when shopping for clothing items:
- Shop the sales. “Take advantage of sales, discounts and clearance sections where you can often find high-quality items at reduced prices,” Elliott said.
- Prioritize quality. Look for clothes that have solid construction rather than focus on the brand name. “Many lesser-known brands offer excellent products at a fraction of the cost,” Elliott said.
- Shop at alternative stores. “You can discover some excellent basic tees and vests at stores like Zara, Next, Arket and Uniqlo,” Rousou said. You can find other everyday clothing items at these stores, too, generally at a discounted price.
- Think twice before you buy. “Fashion should be fun and affordable!” Sloan said. “So, the next time you’re updating your wardrobe, think twice before splurging on basics. Your wallet will thank you!”
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