Shopping Clothing Outlets

The number of clothing outlet stores has increased tremendously over the last several years. Today, there are malls made up entirely of outlet stores.

Plan Ahead

If you want to take advantage of bargains by shopping at clothing outlets, plan your trip before you go. Careful planning can save you time, "wear and tear" on your body, and money.

Make Your List

Survey your wardrobe and the wardrobe of family members. Make two clothing lists--one for "have" and one for "need/want," with priority given to those items most important to your family's wardrobes. On your list, also write down information regarding types of garments--shirt, blouse, jackets, trousers, shoes, etc.--as well as the color and fabric choices needed.

Budget Your Spending

Before you shop, determine the total amount you can spend, including how much to allow for each clothing item. For example, you don't want to spend a large amount of your budget on clothes for just one season or for just one occasion. Invest your clothing dollars in simple, classic designs that will remain fashionable for many seasons. Take a calculator to help you stay within your clothing budget and to help figure sale prices and discounts.

Be Prepared

Take Samples

If you are planning to buy garments to match some you already have, be sure to take the garment with you, or take a belt, vest, or some threads from an inconspicuous area. A small material sample can be taken from a facing, seam allowance, or a hem that needs shortening; tape sample to the clothing list. Keep samples and the clothing list in a separate container (cosmetic bag or reclosable plastic bag) in your purse so they will be handy when you need them.

Know Sizes Needed

If you buy for other members in your family, and most of us do, keep a list of their sizes and various measurements (e.g., chest, waist, hips, inseam, sleeve length). Update measurements periodically, especially for children. Keep a tape measure with your clothing list to check measurements when needed. Sizes are not always consistent from one designer label to another, so check measurements frequently. A suggested Size Chart is included at the end of this publication.

Clothes for Shopping

Make sure to wear the type undergarments you will wear under the clothes you plan to purchase. Undergarments affect the overall fit and look of an outfit.

Clothes that are easy to take off and put on help make shopping easier. Avoid one-piece garments and those that must be pulled over the head. Wearing separates will also make changing easier.

Be selective in the jewelry you wear on a shopping trip; a good suggestion to protect jewelry from getting lost or broken is to leave it at home. Shoulder purses leave both hands free for shopping. Take out any unnecessary items to lighten your load. Comfortable shoes are of the utmost importance for your shopping trip to the outlet stores. If special shoes will be worn with a particular garment, take the shoes to better judge how the complete outfit will look.

Before You Go, Know:

• Store hours.
• Type of clothes sold.
• Do the stores accept personal checks, credit cards, or cash only?
• Location and directions.
• Fitting room facilities.

Allow Extra Time

Popular outlets usually are crowded, so allow extra time to compensate for cashier/customer lines. If you hurry through your shopping trip, you may overlook good buys or a major defect in a garment.

When You Arrive

It's a good idea to walk through the store or mall first to see how the clothes (or stores) are arranged. Most outlet stores arrange clothes by type and size, but some sort by style also. You would not want to spend time looking through casual slacks if you want dress slacks. Look for special sale signs also; you may get lucky and get there at the beginning of a sale.

Store Policy

Find out about the return policies of the store. Most outlet stores will have their exchange/credit regulations posted in the fitting room or at the check-out area. If not posted, ask the cashier or sales personnel. Some stores do not allow returns or exchanges. Many will exchange but will not refund your money. Some stores will exchange but only for a limited time after purchase date. (Get in the habit of keeping all sales receipts, even if the store does or does not allow exchanges or returns. Special problems can be handled more readily if there are purchase slips.)

Fitting Room

If there isn't a sign posted, ask about the number of garments you can take at one time into the fitting room. This will help you plan your shopping time. If there is a limit, you may want to select the items first on your list. Try these on. If you have several you are considering, hold on to them and make final selections later. If there is no fitting room limit, you may want to try on several items to limit trips (and taking clothes off and on) to the fitting room.

Fit of Garment

Be careful about the fit of a garment. No matter how good the price, if it doesn't fit, it's no bargain. Be sure it is comfortable and that you can sit, stand, bend, move, and reach with ease. Try to see yourself from all sides. Is the hang of the garment good? What does the overall appearance say about the garment? If your first impression says "poor quality," that's what it will say to others.

Look for the following criteria to help determine a good fit:

Collar/Neckline

• Flat against the body; not too tight as to be uncomfortable, not so loose that it gaps
• No pull lines or wrinkles

Shoulders

• Seams not seen from front or back
• Armhole not too snug
• Armhole seams at tip of shoulder; do not drop off; not cut in.
• Sleeves hang straight and don't twist
• Sleeves good length (cover wrist bone when elbow is bent)

Chest

• No wrinkles
• Buttons do not pull or gap
• Enough room for comfort, but not too much as to be baggy
• Darts fall in center of bust and end at least 1/2 inch away from bust point

Waist

• Falls naturally
• Band not too tight, nor too loose
• No wrinkles or pulls

Hips

• Garment falls smoothly over hips; no bulges, wrinkles, or pulls
• Enough room to sit comfortably
• Side seams perpendicular to floor; don't swing to front or back

Hem

• Parallel to floor
• Good length for style of garment and your figure

Once you have looked at all items on your list, you are ready to evaluate the quality of the items you have tentatively selected. Ask yourself the following questions: What care is required? Does it have to be dry-cleaned or is it washable? Dry-cleaning adds more to the cost of a garment. If the garment is washable, is it hand or machine washable? Do I want to take the time to hand wash an item? Is ironing going to be necessary? If the care label gives such instructions, often ironing will be necessary.

Defect Detection

When buying at outlets, be careful about defects...examine items thoroughly. Here are some points to consider:

• Are all parts the same size? (One sleeve smaller than other; one or both too small for garment?)
• Are collar and lapel points the same width and/or length?
• Is lining correct size for garment? (Does it show at bottom of jacket or sleeve?)
• Will wrinkles press out?
• Are top and bottom the same size?
• Are all pieces the same color?
• Are ties or belts the correct size and a good color match for the garment?
• Is fabric design going in the right direction?
• Are there holes, runs, snags, or cutting errors in the fabric? Hold garment up to the light.
• Were all parts pressed properly during construction?

Buy and Repair

Some of the best savings at outlet stores come from damaged items. If you can make simple repairs yourself, it can mean a tremendous cost reduction. If the quality of the fabric is good, it fits well, and you have the skill you can:

• Replace buttons
• Add a fashionable belt
• Redo a hem
• Change length
• Add an attractive trim
• Add or remove shoulder pads
• Lower a too-tight armhole
• Taper side seams
• Restitch some seams
• Finish seam edges
• Use appliques, ribbon, or pockets to cover other small defects in some garments

After you have noted any imperfections, you must decide if you can make the necessary corrections or improvements. Also, consider the time you will spend making the repairs.

Is the Price Right?

After you have made selections, you must now decide which ones to purchase.

Consider the cost-per-wearing. Is this something you will wear often, perhaps once a week? Or is it something you will wear only twice a year? Will it mix and match with at least three other garments in your wardrobe? Does it duplicate something you already have? Do you really need it? Do you like it, or is it the price you like? Don't fall into the "I can't go wrong at this price" trap. You can go wrong if it is not something you will wear and enjoy.

If the garment is for someone else, ask these questions: Can it be exchanged or returned? How much trouble will it be to exchange and/or return? Will it fit? Will they really like it? Will it be comfortable? Is there something they need more? Will it be easy to care for? Will it go with items they already have?

Buy only sure things. If there are doubts, don't buy.

Mississippi State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status.

Publication 1849
Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. Ronald A. Brown, Director