8 Ways to Find Cheap or Free Clothing 

Introduction: 

I grew up in a home where we had enough, but not much more. I learned from my parents how to find bargains. After the US Army, my first job was working in a mall, selling in an Upscale Men’s clothing store. I could not afford to buy their clothes, but I was expected to dress professionally. At other times in my life, I used this knowledge during some of the leaner times. 

Listed below are my favorite picks for places to find clothes for ‘cheap’.  There are even some places where you can find clothes for free. If you do not know where the store locations are, GOOGLE either the name of the store, or ‘thrift stores in your area’. Also, it never hurts to ask for a discount if you do not have enough money to get what you need. 

Oh, in case you think people are going to look down on you, consider these facts. 

• Did you know, every sale thrift stores make helps someone improve their life. 
• Each year around 16-18% of shoppers use Thrift Stores 
• These stores employ around 189-200,000 folks. 

1. Goodwill Industries International (Goodwill) has more than three thousand thrift stores. You can also shop online at shopgoodwill.com. The money they receive helps folks obtain job training, and employment. They employ people regardless of race, color, creed and physical abilities. People working in their stores have an amazing variety of experiences from having worked in industries from Food Service to Corporate Management.  

TIP: If you are short of money, ask the Manager and request a discount. You may save enough on the clothes to buy something you need for your ‘Casa”.    

 2. The Salvation Army. It is an international movement that serves as an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Founded by William Booth in 1865. It has programs that assist survivors of domestic, violence, homelessness, human trafficking and natural disasters in addition to their other programs. 

TIP: If you need furniture, they occasionally provide some bigger items free. 

3. Organizational Thrift Stores.  These are large businesses and organizations that set up thrift stores. In my town, the Hospital, has a store. The clothing and items come from folks downsizing, moving, or just cleaning out closets, basements and garages. Once I bought an almost new Armani jacket for six bucks. When I looked it up, it cost over six-hundred dollars new. 

TIP: Don’t rush your shopping. Spending a couple extra minutes looking could reveal treasures.  

Note: Not all stores with the word ‘Thrift’ in their name operate the same way. Some are for profit-based businesses. But, if you find what you need, there is nothing wrong with saving money and making your money last longer. The only time I would keep this in mind is when I am donating items to them. I pick not-for-profit over for-profit businesses. 

4. Community Action Agencies. These are organizations, working with either county, or state programs, whose job is to help you. Most are not for profit, private organizations which get county, state and federal aid. Many times, they give a person a voucher to be used either in some business or at a thrift store. Some have clothing rooms on site. These agencies have many services. Be sure to talk with someone there to see what they offer. 

TIP: Be respectful and patient. These employees have a very challenging job. 

5. Government Agencies. Google government agencies that help with what you need. 

TIP: It never is a waste of time to apply for any benefits you feel you qualify for. Do not listen to people who say negative things about them. Each case is different. I know a man who was told to go to an agency and file for benefits. He did and has received monthly benefits for fifteen years. 

6. Garage/Yard Sales. Here you can usually save the most money if you find what you are looking for. Plus, you can always ask the person(s) running the sale if they have this or that. Many times, especially if you get there early, they have not put out everything yet. 

TIP: You can always make a counteroffer for a higher ticket item. Plus, if you are buying several things, you can offer a smaller amount for all of it, than what the individual items add up to. 

7. Churches. If you attend a church and are going through a difficult time, your home church should be the first place you seek help from. Schedule a time to meet with the Pastor or Elders and share your situation with them. I have never known of a church refusing to help one of their members.  

TIP: Take time before the meeting to write down what you need. Often, the staff may know of additional resources to assist you. 

8. Family and friends. It can be humbling, even embarrassing to go to your family and friends and let them know you are in need. I do not know one case where there was a legitimate need and the person’s family and or friends refused to help.  

Conclusion: 

I have used all these resources, at different times. They can and will help you. All you need is an attitude of willingness and patience to follow their guidelines. Be polite and respectful. Hold your head high, you should never feel less than when seeking help. I have lived in many places and met many people in my life. I do not remember meeting one person who did not need help at some point in their life.