Let's face it, purchasing kids clothes can be a stressful and expensive endeavor. Any parent can relate stories of going into a chain store of specialty shop and being shocked by the prices they find. Of course, since kids have a tendency to grow out of clothes faster then you can buy them; most parents are also powerless to resist these clothing prices. Who has the time to comparison shop when your trips to the clothing store occur between school getting out at 3 and soccer practice beginning at 4.
For those looking for a way to cut their kids clothing costs, there is something that they can do: plan ahead. Buying clothes out of season is the best way to find good deals. To clear out their inventory, most clothing companies will have monster sales to make way for new "seasonal product". This means that sweaters will be up to 75% less in June as they are in December. Visa versa for summer garb: want a great price on a child's swimsuit? Check out the prices in November.
This of course means a lot of planning ahead. To get the best deals, you're probably going to buy clothing about six months before your kids will need them (note: this may not apply to the southern states where shorts and t-shirts can be utilized year round). This means looking ahead to see how much your child is going to grow in that time. For those whose kids are older might have a little bit easier time then those who kids are babies. Kids will have growth spurts, but nowhere near what babies have. If you have friends with kids ask them how much they grew from a certain age. You can also check the internet or books for typical child growth charts.
When purchasing out of season clothes, it is always pertinent to pay attention to style as well as price. Since kids can be picky, make sure you purchase something that they will actually wear. What good is saving $5 on a sweatshirt if your child has a tantrum every time they have to wear it? Make sure they accompany you during the sale so that they can pick designs that they like. Also, try and pick more neutral colors and designs as kids will be more willing to wear these. You can always fill out an ensemble later in the year when the more contemporary seasonal designs are out, this is all about getting the major shopping out of the way (this is where you will spend most of your money anyway).
By following these simple steps you will be able to save a good amount of money on your child's clothes. Be sure to check chain and big box stores in season as sometimes they might have overbought and are looking to get rid of some of their product, including trendy kids clothes. This way you can get current product for sales prices that are usually reserved for off season.
About the Author
Author Kimberly Green considers herself an expert when it comes to finding deals on kids clothes
