No matter your style, you want to look your best, which often means wearing the latest styles. While finding this year’s fashions is rarely difficult, the prices can be startling.
Suddenly, you’re trying to decide what you can do without just to afford a dress or even a pair of shoes.
Thankfully, there’s a way you can indulge your love of fashion without blowing your budget. We’re talking about wholesale women’s clothing.
So, what is wholesale clothing and how do you know if you’re getting a great deal? Here’s everything you need to know about looking great on a budget.
What is Wholesale Women’s Clothing
Okay, so what is wholesale women’s clothing? Sometimes, manufacturers or designers go a little overboard. They produce more merchandise than they can sell. They also don’t want to deal with storage costs.
Instead of tossing the clothing into the trash, they try to recoup some of their losses by offering it, often in bulk, to other sellers—but no, this isn’t resale. You’re still getting new clothing, only at a significantly lower price.
The wholesale outfit purchases the clothing at extremely low prices, sometimes for pennies on the dollar. The wholesale business does mark up the clothing, they need to cover their operating costs.
However, even with the mark-up, you’re still getting a great deal.
How to Find Quality Wholesale Women’s Clothing
Browsing through online catalogs and store racks can be depressing. You find a great blouse or skirt that fits your style and looks great on you.
Off to the checkout, you’re happily thinking until you look at the price tag. Now, you’re trying to decide between this week’s grocery bill or a fabulous new outfit. This is when wholesale clothing has an advantage.
Chances are, you can afford both groceries and a new wardrobe. However, before you start filling up your shopping cart, not all wholesalers are the same. Some may be less than reputable, which can transfer into the offered clothing.
So, how do you know if the clothing is worth buying, even with its low prices? There are a few things to consider.
Look at the Designs
Yes, some women could care less about current styles. They know what they like and don’t pay attention to trends.
Other women prefer dressing in clothing reminiscent of another decade. Think of beaded skirts from the sixties or corduroy bell bottoms that scream the 1970s. If this is your thing, you’re not out of luck.
Not only do clothing styles tend to repeat, but you can also find wholesalers that specialize in a specific era.
With that being said, most women shopping for wholesale fashion are looking for the latest designs. This means if zippers are in and buttons are out, the wholesaler should have a good representation of these items—this also applies to the fabrics.
One year, satin may be the rage and the next season cotton is what everyone’s wearing. Prints are also something to consider, which can include everything from floral and animal prints to stripes, checkers, and plaids.
If you’re not sure what this year’s fashion trends are shaping up to be, you can read reviews of the latest fashion shows. Think of New York, Paris, and Milan. You can also do some window shopping at nearby high-end boutiques.
These stores typically have a good pulse on the fashion industry.
Fabric Quality is Key
Even though wholesalers typically purchase a majority of their bulk clothing from respectable retailers and designers, this doesn’t always guarantee quality. Don’t worry if you’re not an expert when it comes to fabric quality. Most shoppers aren’t and rely solely on the labels.
While reading the label is a good start. You can find out the type of fabric and even information on care.
However, labels aren’t always correct and this should also be a red flag. If the label claims the blouse is 100% silk but you’re positive it’s a blended fabric, you probably want to shop at another wholesaler.
High-quality fabrics are made from natural fibers. Think of wool, cotton, linen, and silk. The fabric weave should be uniform and tight. If there are gaps, you’re wandering into buyer-be-warned territory.
Don’t forget to check the seams; the seams should be uniform without any bunching. If the clothing meets these criteria, it’s probably made from a quality fabric.
Why does quality matter, especially at bargain-friendly prices? Even when you’re getting the latest women’s fashions at a discount, you still want the clothing to last through more than a couple of washes.
Quality fabrics also look better, and this can be important when you’re wearing the latest women’s fashions. Just because you’re paying rock-bottom prices doesn’t mean you want to look like it.
Have a Plan Before You Start Shopping
Going into a wholesale women’s clothing shop or visiting an online store can be overwhelming. Suddenly, everything you see in fashion magazines is available at affordable prices. Going overboard is easy, especially when you don’t have a plan.
A good place to start is in your closet. Inventory what you have and are planning on wearing throughout the season or year. Now, think about what pieces you need to update your look.
Once you have a general idea of what you need, start thinking about some pieces you’re longing to own. Maybe it’s a little black dress or a fun printed skirt. Add these items to the bottom of your shopping list.
Once you have a list, think about your budget; what can you afford to spend without giving up necessities like groceries? Now, you’re ready to hit the wholesale stores and websites to update your wardrobe with the latest women’s fashions.
You Can Wear the Latest Fashions on a Budget
Purchasing new attire doesn’t have to strain your budget. An economical alternative to waiting for end-of-season sales is exploring wholesale clothing options.
Wholesale outlets offer stylish and quality garments at prices that are significantly lower than retail, allowing you to update your wardrobe without breaking the bank.
By saving on the bulk of your clothing purchases, you might even find yourself with extra funds to invest in a special piece you’ve been eyeing.