Shop Smarter: Kids Clothing Cost, Care & More

Shopping for children’s clothes should be fun! While it may seem like their needs are endless, you don’t have to get overwhelmed stocking their closets. With some smart shopping strategies and creative solutions, you can build a functional (yet trendy) wardrobe for your children affordably!

This guide examines factors impacting children's clothing costs and provides tips to help parents and caregivers build an affordable, well-rounded wardrobe through savvy shopping tips and innovative solutions.

Understanding the Cost of Children's Clothing

Estimates put baby expenses, including baby clothes, at an average of $14,000 during the first two years of their life, according to the latest data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Beyond the first year, the costs may go down, but the need for new outfits doesn't. As babies start moving and playing, expect the usual wear and tear to increase, leading to more frequent clothing purchases.

Remember, kids outgrow clothes faster than adults. Your family’s clothing needs could vary significantly depending on a range of factors like the age of your children, the season or climate and the size of your family. Don’t forget to consider factors such as local weather, which affects the types of outfits children need.

Factors That Influence Clothing Costs

The cost of clothing for a child is significantly influenced by factors like the child's age, size and local weather conditions. For instance, a child in elementary school may require a new set of uniforms annually, plus sportswear for gym class or sports activities.

Several variables affect how much you'll realistically spend on your child's wardrobe. Understanding these factors will help you plan:

• Growth Spurts:Growth spurts rapidly change children's size needs. When they grow into the next size, you'll need to replace much of their wardrobe. Avoid overbuying and only get what they need for the next season. Remember, they grow fast.




• School Dress Codes:Some public and private schools may require specific uniform pieces like polo shirts, trousers and dresses. These add an additional cost, so check policies before back-to-school shopping.




• Name Brand vs. Store Brand:Designer children’s brands come at a premium. For substantial savings, buy store-brand pieces that emulate designer looks for a fraction of the cost.




• Activity Level:Children involved in sports or active hobbies go through specialized gear and uniforms. Extra costs come with team jerseys, cleats, leotards, etc.




• Keeping Up with Trends:Kids want what’s cool, but trendy fast fashion wears out quickly. Stick to the basics and sprinkle in a few trendy novelty pieces each season.




• Quality and Durability:Well-made clothes last longer through washing and wear. Invest in quality materials and construction for staple items to maximize their use.

For parents with multiple children close in age, utilize some cost savings through hand-me-downs and reusing pieces as siblings outgrow them. However, you may need to buy more of certain staple items like winter coats, sneakers and basics to outfit multiple kids.

Special Occasion Clothing

Occasions like birthdays, religious ceremonies and weddings call for special clothing. Formal dresses, suits and accessories like ties and shoes come with premium price tags.

Here are some potential special occasions to prepare for:

• Birthday Dresses/Suits:Children typically have a special outfit for their birthday party, whether it's a dress for your baby girl or a suit for your little boy.




• Baptism/Communion Outfits:Religious milestone ceremonies usually call for elaborate and specific outfits. Depending on the child's age and the ceremony's level of formality, these outfits can be costly.




• Weddings:Celebrating formal events like weddings with friends and family will typically require formal dresses and shoes for girls, as well as dress pants and a blazer for boys.

Look for sales when shopping for formal occasion wear by scoping out deals online and in stores ahead of time.

Children’s Clothing Shopping Tips to Save

From smart shopping strategies to getting creative with clothing you already own, there are many ways to keep your child stylishly dressed on a budget.

Follow these tips to save:

• Shop Sales and Clearances: Take advantage of promotional sales events throughout the year. Check clearance racks for major bargains.




• Size Up: When possible, size up to extend the usefulness of clothing. Items with adjustable waists and hems provide extra room to grow.




• Capsule Wardrobe: Build a cohesive, mix-and-match capsule wardrobe of versatile essentials like t-shirts, leggings and sweaters. Fewer pieces mean more outfits!




• Clothing Swaps: Host a clothing swap with other parents to trade outgrown children's clothes. It recycles and refreshes wardrobes.




• Hand-Me-Downs: Pass down quality pieces to younger siblings, cousins and friends to recirculate well-loved clothes.




• Focus on Quality Over Quantity: Invest in fewer, high-quality, versatile staples that will endure for years rather than many cheap pieces that wear out quickly. Quality saves money long-term by avoiding frequent replacement.

Making Children’s Clothes Last Longer

Extend the life span and reduce wear and tear on your children's garments with proper care and maintenance. Using simple tricks and habits can keep clothes looking their best as they are handed down and worn by multiple children.

• Wash clothes inside-out in cold water to prevent fading and protect prints/graphics.




• Air dry clothes whenever possible instead of machine drying to avoid heat damage and shrinkage.




• Hang delicates and sweaters to dry.




• Use gentle wash cycles and laundry bags for delicates to prevent damage.

• Hand-wash extra delicate fabrics, special occasion pieces and embellished garments to prevent damage from rough machine wash cycles.

• Treat stains right away as soon as they occur, before they have time to set in.




• Make homemade solutions with diluted dish soap, vinegar or baking soda.




• Avoid harsh bleach, which can degrade and discolor fabrics over time. Spot test stain removers first.

• Promptly re-sew loose buttons or make minor repairs to holes/tears with iron-on patches to prevent further damage.




• Keep a sewing kit stocked and teach older kids basic mending skills.

• Neatly fold or hang clothing to prevent excessive wrinkling and damage.




• Use hard, wide hangers for shirts and bag delicate items.




• Donate or sell unworn clothes.

• Demonstrate how to gently hand wash, spot clean, hang up clothing properly and check for stains/damage. Make it part of their chore routine.




• Start habits early to ingrain clothes care and respect. Praise them for reporting damage right away.

With some basic care and maintenance habits, you can keep quality clothes looking great through multiple children for years of use.

Seasonal Clothing Checklists

Shop smart by breaking down your child’s needs by season and watching for sales. Take stock of what they already have for each season and make a list of any gaps you need to fill. For example, focus on summer clothing essentials like shorts, tees and sandals during spring and early summer. When retailers discount summer styles, stock up on versatile pieces you can use year after year.

• Back-to-School: Stock up on polos, button-downs, pants, leggings, sneakers and backpacks during end-of-summer sales. Get school dress code-compliant pieces at the best prices. Buying basics allows you to create many school outfits.




• Winter Clothes: Look for cozy staples like sweaters, boots, heavy coats and long sleeve knits on clearance in fall and early winter. Get base layers, hats and gloves.




• Summer Basics: Load up on shorts, swimwear, sandals, sleeveless tees and tanks during spring and early summer promotional sales.




• Fall Outerwear: Buy lightweight jackets, vests, hoodies and thermals at discounted prices at the end of summer to carry through the fall season.

Planning your shopping around end-of-season sales events ensures you get the best deals on the key items your child needs for each part of the year.

Shop and Save at The Children's Place

Focus on quality construction and fabrics that allow repeat wear across school years as kids grow. Also, take advantage of seasonal sales events, store promotions and sizing adjustments to maximize the cost-efficiency of uniform pieces.

When looking to refresh your child's wardrobe on a budget, be sure to check out the fun and affordable styles at The Children's Place child looking stylish at prices you'll love.

As a quality retailer since 1969, we carry all the trendy styles and versatile staples you need to keep your girls and boys looking fresh year-round. We've got cute leggings, graphic tees, hoodies, dresses, and more in the coolest prints and patterns that are perfect for school, playdates, or just hangin’ out at home with the family. All the comfy and durable activewear and denim are made to handle your children's busy schedules! And with extended sizing options in slim/plus for girls and slim/husky for boys, you can find the perfect fit every time.

Whether you're shopping for summer styles, fall faves, back-to-school must-haves or winter wardrobe updates, The Children's Place offers high-quality outfits at the best prices that will have your crew dressed to impress all year long. We help take the guesswork out of keeping everyone happy with styles they'll love for every chapter of childhood.

To save even more and get exclusive perks (like double points and $5 rewards for every $50 you spend!), apply for our My Place Rewards Credit Card , where every memory & milestone is a reward. Start shopping with coupons and building your child's dream wardrobe today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best ways to save money on children's clothing?

Take advantage of seasonal sales, shop thrift, and consignment stores, participate in clothing swaps, and check online resale sites. Shop quality over quantity. Sign up for store loyalty programs for exclusive discounts.

Should I buy clothes in larger sizes for my child to grow into?

Only if it's the next size up and for select staple pieces like pants, jackets and shoes with adjustable closures. Buying too big risks them never fitting right or wearing them out before they fit.

How often should you buy new clothes for kids?

Limit major shopping trips to 2-3 times a year before school, holidays and summer. Shop sales in between to fill specific needs only. Let kids outgrow clothes rather than overfilling closets. Buy quality over quantity.

What are some tips for shopping for children's clothing online?

1. 1.Read reviews before you buy.

2. 2.Take advantage of size guides.

3. 3.Be aware of return policies.

4. 4.Compare prices from different retailers.

5. 5.Use coupon codes and online promo codes.