NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / September 21, 2026 / Keeping up with your children's clothing needs is often tricky. Clothes that you buy your kids today might be too small next month after an unexpected growth spurt. Plus, you never know when your child may return from an adventure on the playground with stains on their shirts or holes in their jeans. The costs of new kids' clothes may pile up quickly. The average family spends hundreds of dollars per child on clothes and shoes during back-to-school season alone.¹

Some families may use personal loans to buy pricier outfits for special occasions, like school dances. But high-quality everyday clothes for your children don't have to cost a fortune. The following savvy tips may keep your kids in cute, comfortable outfits all year long.

Shop secondhand

Expensive children's clothing stores aren't the only place to get great kids' clothes. You may find excellent deals on high-quality clothes by scanning the aisles at thrift stores and consignment shops.

Thrifting may also save your family money on other expenses for your kids, like toys, furniture and books. According to a study by CapitalOne Shopping, Americans who thrift spend an average of $1,452 less than their peers each year.²

But what if there aren't many secondhand stores in your area or you don't have time to sort through racks in search of a bargain? Fortunately, online marketplaces like eBay, Facebook Marketplace and Poshmark make it easy to find the right pre-loved clothes for your kids from the comfort of home.

Organize a clothing swap

Chances are, you're not the only caregiver in your community paying a premium to keep your children clothed. A clothing swap lets multiple families work together by trading items as their kids grow. For example, a pair of pants that your neighbor's kindergartener has grown out of might be perfect for your toddler. And your toddler's cute old baby booties may get a second life with another neighbor's newborn.

Here's how you could organize a swap of your own:

1. Set a date and location: Consider a public park or a community center that people may easily access.
2. Get the word out: Reach out to families in your neighborhood, your children's schools, your workplace or other social and community groups.
3. Ask for volunteers: See if a few other caregivers could help set up the event.
4. Gather supplies: You may need tables, chairs, clothing racks and refreshments.
5. Plan for leftovers: Consider donating any clothes left after your swap to a local shelter or community group.

If your clothing swap is a success, you may make it annual or even seasonal.

Take advantage of off-season deals

Saving money on kids' clothes isn't just about where you choose to shop. A little strategic timing goes a long way. Try shopping out of season to make the most of deals all year long.

For example, if you rush out during the first week of December to buy your child a winter coat, you'll likely notice a big markup. However, the same coat may be much cheaper in mid-July, when the demand is lower.

Note that shopping out of season means buying clothes months in advance. If your child is still growing, consider sizing up so they don't grow out of their clothes before they get a chance to wear them.

Break out the sewing machine

Imagine taking out a classic car loan to buy your dream convertible. Having the skills to change the oil or repair a flat tire yourself may help the car last longer. Clothes often work the same way. With some basic sewing skills, you could keep your children's clothes in good shape for years. For example, patching a hole in your kid's jacket may help it survive another winter.

With sewing skills, you may also customize clothes so they fit your child better and suit their preferences.

Keep the closet stocked for less

Mix and match cost-saving clothes shopping strategies throughout the year to maximize your savings. By spending less on everyday clothes, you make room in your budget for pricier purchases like Halloween costumes, uniforms and sneakers for sports.

As your children grow up and develop their own personal styles, make special memories hunting together for treasures at the thrift store or teaching them sewing tricks that make their favorite outfits last longer.

Contact Information:

Name: Nagarameshwar J.
Email: nagarameshwar.j@iquanti.com
Job Title: Director

SOURCE: OneMain Financial