Genuinely sustainable clothing can be expensive but a small clothing budget doesn’t mean that you can’t be planet-friendly.

Better still, shopping for low cost sustainable outfits can be a lot of fun. Our How to Guide shows you how.

1. Buy nothing. The cheapest (and most extreme) approach! It might seem out of reach, but a quick social media search will soon locate others who are on the same path and have tips and encouragement to share.

◦ Check out what you have in your wardrobe and consider whether you really need anything else.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash

◦ Where there are gaps, ask friends to raid their own wardrobes or wait until your birthday/ Christmas.

◦ If you need support, take a social media “buy nothing new” challenge.

2. Get the sales dates in your calendar. Many sustainable brands run sales and offers where you can pick up good deals on high quality clothing.

◦ Try to plan your shopping in advance so that you can be sure to catch the sales early when you’ll have the best choice.

◦ Regularly check to see what needs replacing so that you can get a head of the game and avoid paying full price.

◦ January sales – from 1st, throughout January

◦ Spring clearance sales fall in late March to early May

◦ Easter sales start 2-3 weeks before Easter (mid-March 2026)

◦ Summer sales usually start in mid-June and peak around the beginning of July.

◦ Winter sales start on Black Friday (end of November) and then ramp up on Boxing Day

1. Make the most of Christmas and Birthdays. If you have the option, consider asking for higher price sustainable items like boots, shoes and coats, for your birthday or Christmas. People will often be thankful for gift ideas and you can ask for money from different people to make up the cost of a more expensive item.

2. Shop Thrift/Charity Shops: It’s an obvious one but that’s because it’s such a good choice! Exploring local thrift stores and charity shops for second-hand clothing can lead you to unique pieces at a fraction of the original price while supporting charitable causes.

3. Online Resale Platforms: If you haven’t tried online platforms like Depop and Vinted, you are missing out! These peer to peer outlets are fantastic for picking up a bargain and for selling unwanted items. It feels good to save money and save clothing from land-fill

4. Clothing Swaps: Organise or participate in clothing swap events with friends or community groups. It's a fun way to refresh your wardrobe without spending much money. Check out our blog on how to run a swap.

5. Capsule Wardrobe: Another classic, the capsule wardrobe is your sustainable, minimalistic, reliable friend. Invest in a few high-quality, versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched. This approach reduces the need for frequent purchases and helps you create a sustainable wardrobe.

6. DIY and Upcycling: Get creative by upcycling old clothes or making simple alterations to breathe new life into your wardrobe.

7. Renting Clothes: Consider renting outfits for special occasions instead of buying new ones. This is a sustainable option that allows you to wear something new without the commitment.

8. Educate Yourself: Learn about sustainable fabrics and practices. This knowledge will help you make informed choices when shopping, even on a budget.

9. Prioritise Quality Over Quantity: It may take a bit more planning but focusing on buying fewer, high-quality items that will last longer is much cheaper in the long run.

These tips can help you shop smarter and stick to your budget while being eco-friendly. We’d love to hear about your experiences!