Save money by repairing and rewearing

In a world of fast fashion, it’s easier than ever to quickly replace ripped or worn-out clothes with brand new ones.

You don’t even need to leave the house, and you can have your purchases arrive in just a few hours.

But in truth, lots of the items we’re throwing out could still have plenty of life left in them - and many people are starting to realise it.

According to a survey by John Lewis, just four in ten (38%) of its customers would throw out and replace a piece of clothing if it was ripped or worn out.

And almost half (46%) said they’d fix it themselves.

Make your favourite clothes last longer

Whether it’s sewing on a missing button or patching up a tear, the “make do and mend” approach can significantly extend the life of your wardrobe staples.

And that can, in turn, save you lots of money.

You’ll be getting more value from what you already own, and you won’t have to do as many online orders or trips to the shops.

So at a time when household budgets are under strain, getting handy with a needle and thread could be a practical habit that helps ease the pressure.

Young adults embracing second-hand fashion

Another way to keep costs down is to buy second-hand clothing - and interestingly, this option is very popular with young adults.

In fact, the John Lewis survey found that eight in ten 18 to 28-year-olds have bought second-hand fashion.

And nearly a third regularly wear items that are more than 30 years old.

You can find plenty of items that are as good as new on platforms like Vinted, eBay and Facebook Marketplace.

It’s also worth checking out your local thrift or charity shops, as there could be loads of stylish bargains waiting to be snapped up.

Whether you’re fixing up what you already own or buying second-hand, giving clothes a longer or a second life is a great way to keep costs down.

And of course, they’re both sustainable options too, so you’ll also be doing your bit for the planet.