Shopping for clothes is something that everyone has to do at some point or another. For some, it is a dreaded chore; some consider it a stress relief and for others it is something that makes them so very happy that they can’t wait to go. Regardless of where you fall in the above categories, you have to clothes shop. If not, you would be forced to wear ragged and out dated gear.

The average person spends about $600 a year on new clothes. Of course some may spend less, and others will spend a whole lot more. You have to take into consideration where you do the majority of your shopping. If you shop at discount stores or thrift stores, you may actually end up spending more than the average person. However, you will end up with a lot more clothing items than someone who shops at high end department stores.

If you are the type of person that enjoys the finer things in life and prefer to only buy clothes that have a designer name tag, you are bound to spend more than $600 a year. Many of these designers will charge their customers over $100 per piece but usually, it is a lot more than that. Department stores often have whole sections designated for one designer only. This is to lure the customer in to that section in hopes that they will buy at least one item.

A great way to shop and save money is at a thrift store. You can often find brand new or gently used clothing at a fraction of the price that you would pay at a department store. If you were to spend $600 in a thrift store, you could clothe your entire family for a year. However, many people will not do this for fear of what others would think of them. This is a ridiculous way to think. Shopping in a thrift store is perfect for someone on a budget.

Regardless of where you shop, be mindful of prices and trends. Don’t spend a ton of money on something that you will tire of in a month. This will increase your yearly spending. Try to purchase classic items that can be worn for years.