Tips for Saving Money on Clothing for Teens

Diane Hoffmaster
by Diane Hoffmaster

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Last month, while planning our Florida vacation, my daughter came to me and told me that only three pairs of her shorts fit her from last year. Great. Three days before we leave and she has barely any summer clothes to wear! While teens tend to grow slower than smaller children, they still outgrow their clothes. This means that saving money on clothing for teens is a priority.

Whether it is a growth spurt of a couple of inches or a broadening of the shoulders, my teens still need new clothes almost every season. And since they wear adult sizes and have particular tastes, this isn't always cheap! There are a few ways to save money on teen clothes that I thought I would share, to help you stay within budget as the new school year approaches.

Tips for Saving Money on Clothing for Teens


I have family members and friends who hand their teenagers $50 every time they go to the mall. Well, that just isn't happening in my house. Clothes generally are functional, versatile, and come in a limited supply.


I feel it is my responsibility to keep them clothed but that doesn't mean they get to buy a new wardrobe every season on my dime. Here are a few ways to start saving money on clothes when your teens tell you they desperately need something new.


Shop Second Hand:


Not all second-hand clothes are worn and out of date. There are several resale stores in our area that cater to teens and only accept high-end clothing. You get name brands they love but for a very reasonable cost. Look for a Plato's Closet in your area. That is one of our favorites.


More Teen Parenting Articles to Check Out



Shop online clearance sales:


While shopping in stores for clearance is also great, many clothing stores have clearance sections online as well. We regularly find great deals at some of their favorite stores just by going online and checking out their website. You can usually pair clearance clothes with online discount codes as well.

Consign what they don't want anymore:


Instead of giving away what they no longer wear, consider putting those clothes on consignment. The money earned by selling your teen's clothes will help cut the cost of the new items they insist that they need.


Join store email lists


Many retailers offer special coupons and bonus deals for people who sign up for their newsletter. Head over to your teen's favorite stores and sign up. Then, watch your inbox (especially your spam folder!) for the deal to show up!


Encourage a teenager clothing swap


I bet your teen's friends all have clothes that don't fit or that they don't like. Have a clothing swap party one weekend. Ask each teen to bring over 5 outfits that they no longer want or need. Then, everyone gets to swap outfits with each other. Make a night of it with movies and popcorn or whatever else your teens enjoy doing with friends.

Never pay full price online


There are millions of coupon codes online to help you start saving money on clothing for your teenagers. Never complete your purchase without checking various online coupon sites for great clothing discount codes.


Saving money on clothing for your teens means setting a budget, letting them know what that budget is, and sticking to it. If your teenager has a job, they can be responsible for purchases that they may not NEED but really WANT.


Let them know how much you are willing to spend and encourage them to find ways to get as much clothing as they can for less money! Have any other tips for saving money on clothes for teens?


Here are a few other posts you might enjoy!


Consignment Sale Tips from a Veteran Shopper

Back to School Shopping Tips for Teens


Diane Hoffmaster
Want more details about this and other budgeting & minimalist living ideas? Check out more here!
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  • Debbie Debbie on Aug 20, 2022

    In my area, $50 wouldn’t buy much. I have always bought my grandchildren's clothes since birth and now as they have gotten older (pre teens and teens), I give them cash for birthdays and holidays, so they can purchase what suits their personal style. Their respective parents purchase sports related items and pay their sports fees.


    In the VA/DC/MD locale, $150 barely buys a pair of tennis shoes, let alone an outfit. I donate all the clothing they have outgrown over the years, so they know their clothes will be passed on, therefore they take very good care of them. I have no clue where the donated clothing ends up. We don’t have many thrift stores in our local area, and I might explore them if we did for possibly myself.


    • Sue Sue on Nov 13, 2022

      Where are you shopping where it costs $150 for a pair of shoes? I could buy 3 or 4 good pairs on sale for that money - or more than an entire outfit. If you have time to comment online, maybe you should shop online; there's no way things should cost that much. Regardless of where you are, costs don't vary that much for major retailers let alone smaller ones.

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