School Clothes Shopping: What to Expect & Tips to Save
It’s always exciting to pick up new outfits for your child, but shopping for school clothes can take a big bite out of your budget. You still need to pay for all those school supplies, after all!
So, how much should you expect to spend on school clothing essentials this year? What factors affect pricing for kids’ school clothes? And most importantly, how can you save and still score amazing deals at this point in the year? Read on for a breakdown of average costs per child along with tips to keep your total clothing bill under control. We’ll cover everything you need to know to pick up fun styles your student will love without breaking the bank.
What Influences the Cost of School Clothing?
What you'll pay for school gear depends on tons of important factors. Keep this in mind to be prepared for your family’s school clothing shopping.
Location and Cost of Living
Where you live has a big impact on the cost of living and the cost of your clothes. For example, clothing costs in cities are generally higher. Smaller towns and rural locations typically have lower costs.
Climate is something to think about, too! If you live in the south where it’s warm and sunny year-round, you may want to consider buying fewer pairs of long pants, instead choosing to invest in more shorts and dresses. In the north where cooler temperatures arrive with fall, you'll need more cozy sweaters, jeans and outerwear. Families who live in areas with all four seasons will need to factor in all weather conditions when budgeting for school clothes.
Your Child's Age
Little kids grow fast, so they need more frequent clothing upgrades. Plus, they tend to be rough on clothes, resulting in rips, holes and stains. Plan for at least some wardrobe updates every year for busy preschoolers and toddlers on the move.
Bigger kids want all the latest styles. Tweens and teens often like to keep up with the newest trends throughout the year. Depending on your teen's dedication to staying on-trend, spending on high schoolers can be more per school year than for elementary school kids.
Public vs Private School: Uniforms and Dress Code
Whether your child goes to public or private school can have a big impact on your clothing costs. The majority of public schools do not require uniforms, although some schools enforce general dress codes. On the other hand, most private schools have official uniform programs that require students to wear (or avoid) specific shirts, bottoms, footwear and accessories.
Filling your child's wardrobe with matching uniform pieces will cost more upfront, but school uniforms often save families money in the long run. That's because you end up buying fewer clothes overall to mix and match. Try buying school uniform pants, school sweatshirts and polo shirts in bulk or during sales to save.
Tips & Tricks for Scoring Back to School Shopping Deals
While some costs are fixed, smart shopping can help reduce your total bill. Try these tips to save on all kinds of styles!
Making Use of Secondhand or Hand-me-down Clothing
One of the most effective ways for school shoppers to save money is with hand-me-down clothing. Solid colored tees and classic kids denim never go out of style!
You can find a lot of affordable options, including low-cost school uniform basics. If you have an older child, invest in high-quality school uniforms that can be hand-me-downs for their younger siblings.
Where and When to Find the Best Deals on School Clothes
Savvy school shoppers don't just buy clothing items randomly, they seek out sales and steep discounts. Timing your shopping can lead to impressive savings. Shop when retailers have the best deals and large seasonal sales. Online platforms often offer discounts and promotional deals. Look out for great deals by following retailers on social media or signing up for emails!
Here are some more tips for finding unbeatable deals:
Shop end-of-summer sales in July and August for first dibs on awesome marked-down styles.
Sign up for brand loyalty programs to earn points for shipping and email lists.
(Check out our coupons and online promo codes and start saving today!)
Even More Ways to Save on School Clothes
When it comes to saving on school clothes, some of the best shopping hacks come from parents themselves. Beyond hitting sales and buying in bulk, there are even more clever ways to keep costs down.
Buying kids' clothes one size up allows room for growth spurts, so you get more than one season's use out of shorts, tops and other wardrobe basics. Focus your spending on core pieces like solid shirts, pants and leggings in colors that will coordinate with a lot of outfits. Then supplement with budget-friendly accent pieces like patterned tops and kids’ graphic tees to mix it up. Planning ahead also pays off!
Shop Unbeatable Deals at The Children's Place
As the #1 kid's clothing destination, The Children's Place makes it easy to outfit your crew in awesome clothes at the best prices. You’ll find cute graphic tees, leggings, dresses, hoodies and more in fun prints perfect for school, play and every occasion. Our durable, age-appropriate fabrics and extended sizing ensure you get the ideal fit to handle whatever adventures your kids have planned. Find tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, uniforms and more to mix and match for a versatile wardrobe. Parents agree — The Children's Place has the styles the whole family will love.
Score major deals on already affordable pieces with frequent sales. And when you sign up for My Place Rewards or the My Place Rewards credit card, you save big time with every dollar you spend. Plus, you'll get access to exclusive discounts and bonus events.
Visit your local The Children’s Place store or shop online to see our latest arrivals. Use your My Place Rewards Credit Card and start earning rewards on purchases for your growing child.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I plan to spend on school clothes?
This varies based on where you live, how many kids you have, whether your kids are going through growth spurts, whether they attend public or private school, etc.
How do I know how much to save for back-to-school shopping?
Make a list of essential clothing items needed and estimate quantities. Multiply quantities by standard prices to get a baseline idea. Factor in a bit extra for some fun trendy pieces. Review store flyers/coupons for additional savings opportunities.
What are the most cost-effective items to buy?
Grab great value multipacks of socks, underwear, pants and other clothing items. Stock up on versatile basics like shirts, pants, leggings and sweaters in colors your child can mix and match.
Should I buy bigger sizes so the clothes last longer?
Sizing up a little allows room to grow and gets you more months of wear per piece.