Repair your clothes and save a bundle @ Saver Queen

Repair your clothes and save a bundle

Posted on January 10th, 2009 Saver Queen 11 comments

Repairing your clothes instead of shopping for new ones is a great tip, and one that I’ve mentioned before. But it is worth bringing up again, because I recently had an expensive leather jacket repaired and it reminded me just how useful this tip is.

Josh has a leather jacket that is only a couple of years old. Unfortunately the zipper broke on it, and it’s been hanging useless in the closet for months. Finally, in our rush to get everything done on our to-do list before our big move, I took it to the dry cleaners who repaired it for me.

The final cost: $13. That’s it – just $13 and the leather jacket was wearable again.

My new slogan: Don’t pitch it, find a way to fix it!

11 responses to “Repair your clothes and save a bundle”

dinah January 10th, 2009 at 08:27

thanks for reminding me to repari rather then throw-out and buy new. repairing is not only good for saving money, it’s wonderful for the Earth.
Fabulously Broke January 10th, 2009 at 09:09

Yes. I have a whole PILE of clothes to repair…. Of course, you’d imagine with no contract and being unemployed at the moment I’d have time to bring them in but.. no Sadly, they’re in another city..

Fabulously Broke in the City
Just a girl trying to find a balance between being a Shopaholic and a Saver…
livingmyrichlife January 10th, 2009 at 13:11

I’m hearing you. We purchased a sewing machine late last year so we can repair clothes more easily. Hand sewing just isn’t all that fun! Thanks for reminding me to put that on our list of things to do this month.
Sally January 10th, 2009 at 15:22

I am going to try. I was recently gifted a sewing machine – circa 1961 (that is older than me!). I have ordered a bunch of sewing books from the library and I am going to try and teach myself how to use it. I hope to be successful enough to use it to make gifts in the future. Should be interesting! At least it will be cheap “entertainment”.
Cara January 10th, 2009 at 15:52

I am so lucky that my mohter in law runs a sewing business..she does alterations, repairs and lots of home decor stuff! I also have a small cheap sewing machine that I bought to teach myself…I also would love to be able to sew so I can make gifts and repair stuff on my own.
Nancy January 10th, 2009 at 18:17

This morning I noticed my favourite black wool pea jacket was getting pretty worn looking. In the past I would have considered replacing it but instead I decided to take a long coat I rarely wear and have it shortened to jacket length. Much cheaper than a new coat!
Kate January 11th, 2009 at 20:59

So true!

Just a hint though: take the time to sit down and actually price things out. I’m usually all over the fix things wagon, but was more than a little horrified to discover that fixing my beloved -but cheap- bag would cost more to fix than it cost in the first place. Other times, though, it’s been a great bargain!
Middle Way January 12th, 2009 at 10:44

The only thing I’m somewhat good with doing is pant hems by hand. It has saved me a lot of money over the years.
Rosilen Sturdivant January 12th, 2009 at 15:46

I’m definitely into repairing clothes that people would normally pitch…. For example I have a great cream dress that’s only 1 summer old. It had a HUGE stain on it and I couldn’t get it out for the life of me. I dyed it purple and now I can wear it again this following summer.
Saver Queen January 13th, 2009 at 11:31

Love hearing from everyone on this one! kate, I agree with you – it’s worth doing the comparison. Some things that have been worth it to me, include the jacket -replacement cost – $300-$400; repair, $13 – and getting new heels put on shoes – replacement cost, $100; repair cost, $10. Nevertheless, it’s worth doing the comparison, especially since it’s easy to find cheap clothes this time of year.

Nancy – love the jacket idea!! Let us know how it goes!!
Andrea January 16th, 2009 at 15:28

I always fix little things like holes and buttons by myself. Thanks mom for teaching me how to do basic sewing! I really believe this is something that needs to be taught to the younger generation (I’m 25) because a lot of my friend have no idea how to do these things.

Also my gramma taught me to make quilts and knit. I love it and it’s a great hobby that doesn’t cost a fortune!