How to Buy Back-to-School Clothes Without Overspending

Where to find clothes that cost less

The cheapest clothes come from discount chains, secondhand stores, and end-of-season sales — not from mall brands. Discount chains like Target, Walmart, and Old Navy sell basics (jeans, plain shirts, socks) for roughly half what department stores charge. Secondhand stores like Goodwill, Salvation Army, and local consignment shops have used clothes in good condition for $2 to $8 per item. Online secondhand platforms like Poshmark, Depop, and ThredUP let you search by size and filter by price, though shipping adds a few dollars.

End-of-season clearance happens in late July and August — stores mark down spring and summer clothes to make room for fall inventory. If you shop the last week of August, you may find summer clothes at 50 to 70 percent off. Thrift stores restock constantly, so visiting twice a month means you see new inventory without waiting for a sale.

Community programs sometimes distribute free or very low-cost school clothes. Check with your school's counselor, your local library, or 211.org to ask whether your area runs a back-to-school clothing drive or voucher program. Some are first-come, first-served; others are income-based.

Key Takeaways

• Discount chains and secondhand stores cost one-third to one-half what mall brands charge for the same basic items.
• Shopping end-of-season clearance in late August can cut prices by half, though selection shrinks as the school year approaches.
• Making a list of what your child actually needs before you shop prevents buying duplicates or items that won't match anything else.
• Thrift stores and online secondhand platforms restock frequently, so you can find new options without waiting for sales.
• Some schools and community organizations run free or low-cost clothing programs — ask your school counselor or call 211 to find out what exists in your area.

How to plan what to buy

Before you spend money, write down what your child actually owns and what is worn out or no longer fits. Many parents buy clothes they think their child needs and end up with duplicates or items that don't match anything. Start with basics: how many pairs of pants does your child wear in a week? How many shirts? How many pairs of socks and underwear do they go through before laundry day? That number is what you need to replace or add to.

Ask your child's school whether there is a dress code. Some schools have no restrictions; others require specific colors or prohibit certain styles. Knowing this before you shop saves money because you won't buy clothes that violate the code and sit unused. If the school has a uniform or color requirement, buy those items first — they are non-negotiable — then use remaining money for extras.

Stick to neutral colors and simple styles that mix and match. A child with five plain shirts and three pairs of pants can make fifteen different outfits. A child with five patterned or themed shirts and three pairs of pants may have only a few combinations that look right together. Neutral basics stretch your budget further because they work with more of what your child already owns.

Shopping secondhand without wasting time

Thrift stores have clothes at every price point, but finding your child's size takes time. Go on a weekday morning if you can — stores are less crowded, and staff can help you locate the children's section. Bring your child's measurements (chest, waist, inseam) written down so you can check sizes quickly without trying everything on.

Online secondhand platforms let you filter by size, brand, and price before you even click. Poshmark and Depop show photos from multiple angles, so you can see wear or stains before you buy. ThirdLove and Mercari have similar search tools. Shipping usually costs $3 to $8, so factor that into your price comparison — a $4 shirt with $5 shipping costs $9, which may not be cheaper than a $10 new shirt at Target.

Check the return policy before you buy. Some secondhand platforms let you return items within a week or two if they don't fit or look different in person. Others don't accept returns. Knowing this upfront prevents frustration if something doesn't work out.

Making discount store shopping faster

Discount chains move inventory quickly, so what you see this week may be gone next week. If you find something that fits and is the right price, buy it then rather than waiting. Prices at these stores don't usually drop further — they clear old stock by removing it from shelves, not by marking it down.

Shop with a list and a budget. Decide how much you can spend per item (for example, $8 per shirt, $12 per pair of pants) and stick to it. Bring a calculator or use your phone to add up as you go so you don't reach the register and find out you've overspent. Many parents find it easier to set a total budget — say, $150 — and stop shopping once they hit it.

Go early in the season if possible. Late August is cheapest but selection is thin. Mid-July has better selection and still-reasonable prices. If you shop in early July, you'll pay more per item but may find exactly what you need without multiple trips.

Stretching your budget with what you already have

Before you buy anything new, look at what your child already owns. Clothes that fit but are out of style or have small stains can often be worn under a new shirt or jacket. A shirt with a small hole in the armpit works fine under a sweater. Pants that are slightly faded look fine with a long shirt over them. This isn't about making do with damaged clothes — it's about using what you have so you spend money only on what's actually missing.

Hand-me-downs from older siblings, cousins, or friends can fill gaps. If you know another family with a child one size up, ask whether they have clothes to pass along. Many families are happy to do this and appreciate not having to store or donate the clothes themselves.

Shoes wear out faster than clothes, but they also cost more. If your child's shoes still fit and aren't falling apart, one new pair for the school year may be enough. Rotate between two pairs so each one lasts longer. Discount shoe stores like Payless (where available) and clearance sections at Target and Walmart have shoes for $15 to $25.

When to buy and when to wait

The best time to shop is mid-July through early August. Prices are lower than June, selection is still good, and you have time to return or exchange items if they don't fit. Late August is cheapest but risky — if something doesn't fit, you may not have time to find a replacement before school starts.

Avoid shopping in June. Stores are restocking and prices are full. Wait until mid-July when the first markdown happens. If you must shop early because your child's size is hard to find, focus on basics that are less likely to go out of stock (plain jeans, white socks, neutral shirts).

After school starts, prices drop again as stores clear remaining summer inventory. If your child needs something in September, you may find it cheaper then. However, selection will be limited and sizes may be picked over.

Keeping track of what you spend

Take a photo of each receipt or write down what you bought and how much you paid. This helps you see where your money went and whether you're on track with your budget. It also makes returns easier — you have proof of the price and the date you bought it.

If you shop at multiple stores, add up the total before you're done. Many parents find they've spent more than they planned because they shopped at three or four places and didn't keep a running total. A simple note on your phone or a small notebook prevents this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to buy clothes secondhand?

Yes. Thrift stores and secondhand platforms inspect clothes for stains, tears, and odors before they're listed or put on shelves. If you're concerned about cleanliness, wash or dry-clean items when they arrive. Secondhand clothes are worn but not unsafe.

What if my child hates the style I picked?

Involve your child in shopping, especially if they're old enough to have opinions about style. Let them choose between two or three options you've already vetted for price and fit. This takes longer but prevents buying clothes that sit unworn. For younger children, stick to basics and let them pick the color.

Can I return clothes bought at thrift stores?

Most thrift stores don't accept returns, so inspect items carefully before you buy. Try things on in the store if fitting rooms are available. Online secondhand platforms vary — some allow returns within 7 to 14 days, others don't. Check the policy before you purchase.

Should I buy clothes that are too big so my child can grow into them?

No. Clothes that don't fit now won't be worn, so you're wasting money. Buy what fits your child's current size. If you have money left over at the end of summer, you can buy one or two items in the next size up to have on hand, but prioritize what fits now.

What if I can't find my child's size at thrift stores?

Try online secondhand platforms where you can search by exact size. If your child wears an uncommon size, discount chains may have better selection than thrift stores. You'll pay more per item, but you'll actually find clothes that fit.