6 Clothing Items You Should Never Go Cheap On

If you’re budget-conscious , the thought of replacing items in your wardrobe might make your wallet weep. You may be tempted to find the least expensive shoe or piece of clothing that fits.

However, shopping with this mindset could be a mistake. GOBankingRates spoke with several experts about their take on buying new clothes, and they agree that there are certain pieces you should never go cheap on . Keep reading to learn which ones!

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The Difference Between Being Frugal and Cheap

Before diving into the specific clothing items, it’s important to know the difference between being frugal and being cheap. Being frugal means spending your money intentionally and focusing on getting the most value out of every dollar.

Frugal people buy clothing to create a staple wardrobe. They collect versatile, quality items, such as sweaters, dresses and jeans, that they can use for years to come.

On the other hand, being cheap means avoiding spending money whenever possible. You focus on paying the least amount for goods and services and aren’t very concerned with quality or value.

You may be shifting from frugal to cheap if you continue to wear clothes that no longer fit or are in disrepair. You may also be in the cheap zone if you regularly buy the least expensive piece of clothing only to replace it with a comparable version a short time later. Ultimately, you may spend more on apparel than your frugal friend who bought a slightly more expensive but higher-quality item the first time.

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Clothing You Should Never Buy Cheap

These items are worth paying more upfront for.

Shoes

“Don’t cheap out on shoes, because we’re on our feet all day long, right? If you’re not buying quality shoes, they may end up being uncomfortable, the shoes are going to start to smell, and they’re going to start falling apart when you may not have even had them that long,” said Leah Wise, stylist and founder of CrashGal Couture .

In addition, “Good quality shoes are worth the extra money, because they usually provide better support for your feet, which can have a health benefit. There are certain brands that feel absolutely great and aren’t too expensive, like Clarks shoes,” said Cleve Gantt, certified financial planner (CFP) at Gantt Financial Advisors, LLC .

Dress Pants

Gantt said, “I have also found that good quality dress trousers last a really long time and are worth the extra money because of how long they last. I think good quality dress trousers help you look better when it may be most important, like when you are interacting with customers.”

Jeans

“You should never go cheap on jeans, because you don’t need a whole lot of them. [You need] two to three good pairs of jeans that you rotate between, because no one is going to notice that somebody’s wearing the same jeans over and over again, because you style them differently. This is why it’s important to splurge on a pair that is good quality and fits your body well, so you can keep wearing them over and over,” said Wise.

Athletic Wear

“From my personal experience, the main type of clothing you should not go cheap on is performance and athletic wear,” said Nathan Mueller, CFP and founder of BlackBird Finance . “When engaging in a sport or hobby you have done for a while, being frugal with the equipment is not in your best interest. Spend the extra money and buy higher-end, because you’re engaging in this activity for performance and are at a level where you can appreciate it. On the contrary, considering used or cheaper gear can make sense if you are starting out in a new sport.”

A Little Black Dress

Wise advised, “It’s worth investing in a little black dress, because this is a piece you can default back to no matter what. It can be dressed up or down to fit any occasion. It is a complete outfit on its own or the base of a fabulous ensemble. The sheer amount of wear this dress will get means the investment should be top-notch in quality and looks.”

A Tote Bag

“Investing in a fashionable yet functional tote is key, so it can accompany you anywhere and everywhere. Not only should it be large enough to hold all your belongings, but it should also be strong enough to hold all your belongings without fear of a strap snapping. I recommend leather for more structure and durability,” said Wise.

How To Save Money on Clothing

Even though buying high-quality items may cost you more upfront, that doesn’t mean you have to pay full price. Here’s how to save money on clothing:

Shop Sales

“Stores are always running sales and promotions, and this is the easiest way to avoid paying full price and still get quality items,” said Wise.

Stores may run sales for holidays or annual events, like Back to School.

Go Thrifting

Todd Stearn, founder and CEO of The Money Manual , said, “You can find high-quality, barely worn clothes at thrift stores for all kinds of reasons, whether it was an online order that didn’t fit the original owner well and they never returned it, or they buy new clothes frequently and get rid of last year’s items. You may find a better selection at thrift stores in wealthy areas.”

Avoid Trends

“Whether it’s a trend from decades past that’s having a moment or something new, trendy clothing can go out of style fast and then just sit in your closet. That makes it a terrible value at almost any price. Buying classic, timeless pieces is a great way to make sure you’ll keep wearing your clothing purchases for a long time to come,” said Stearn.

Snag Off-Season Deals

“Shopping [regular] sales is great, but true clearance sales are where you want to be. Stores often mark items way down to make room for the next season. If you can change your mindset to be excited about buying clothes you probably won’t get to wear for a while, you can save big,” said Stearn.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : 6 Clothing Items You Should Never Go Cheap On