Tip Tuesday: Purchasing a Garment!

Over vacation last week, my sister-in-law and I had a conversation regarding people buying clothes. Living in a bigger city, she meets all kinds of people, including those who have their brand new clothes tailored. We both mentioned that the only time we have had something altered was for a formal event or an expensive business suit.

This conversation totally reminded me of a project I repeatedly entered at 4-H fair, a purchased garment. For several years on the first day of fair, I stood in the "clothing" line awaiting my turn to have my purchased garment judged. Aside from my actually sewn projects, this display was relatively easy, and the thought process I learned has stayed with me longer than any sewing I ever did.

When I purchase a garment to wear today, I still mentally go through my check list upon inspection. If the item of choice meets all the requirements, only then will I allow myself to consider it a "purple ribbon" purchase.

1. Item. The first step is to consider what item of clothing you need depending on the occasion or event and any related accessories. Focus on this specific mission while shopping by not getting side tracked on something else that will take away time looking and money from the budget.

2. Budget. Set aside a budgeted amount depending on the garment needed. Allow enough for your specific need as a formal dress will cost more than a shirt.

Look at it by how much would you spend to wear that garment each time you wear it. Multiply that amount by how many times you will think you will actually wear it and that is how much you can spend. You will also know that a purchase was good by taking the amount spent divided by the times worn leaving a reasonable expense.

3. Complete the Outfit. Never buy a separate. Always have a something to match completing the outfit. Should you need a shirt to go with a skirt, then consider this in your budget.

4. Mix and Match. Stick to neutral, traditional items (especially for your professional wardrobe), that can be mixed and matched into several different outfits. This will allow you to be universal with your clothes and save you money and closet space.

5. Accessories. Include the price of specific accessorise into the price of the outfit, allowing room in the budget. If you need a specific color of shoes, then this will be included with the price of the outfit.

6. Fit. Never purchase clothes that do not fit. The likelihood of actually altering clothes is slim. Make sure the clothes flatter and enhance your look.

7. Design. Consider the design elements of the garment before purchasing. Do the colors go well with your skin color? What direction do the stripes go?

8. Fabric. Consider the appropriateness of the fabric for your particular need and lifestyle. Linens are an excellent choice in hot weather. Likewise, wool is guaranteed to keep you warm in frigid temperatures. Find fabrics that are easy to care for and will last a number of washings.

9. Quality. The garment itself should be sewn correctly. Therefore, do not purchase a garment that looks cheap and is falling apart. Do the seems match up accordingly? Is the hem sewn properly? Are their holes in the pockets?

10. Instructions. Always look at the washing instructions before purchasing a garment. If you do not have money or time to dry clean, then find a washable garment. Likewise, kids clothes should be easy to clean.

For more frugal tips, visit Learning the Frugal Life.