There are two forms of savvy shopping. There’s the type of shopping at discount stores, which will always survive the test of time but arrives with its apparent pitfalls. Then, there’s simply shopping shrewdly, sticking to the brands you know and love, but utilising various tips and tricks to help you save.

It’s the latter that is going to be the focal point of today’s article.

Some of these savings aren’t necessarily as direct as you might imagine. In other words, by the end of today’s guide, you are highly unlikely to waltz into your favourite high-street retailer and pick up the best garment on the hangers for a coupon-busting price.

Instead, savvy shopping is about the subtle tricks, as we’ll now take a look at.

The old adage applies; try before you buy

It’s a bit of a cliche, but give us time. While the rise of online shopping has meant that far fewer of us are doing this, there’s no doubt that the high street provides an experience that its internet equivalent cannot rival.

For the purposes of today, we’re talking about trying on clothes before you buy them. Like it or not, not all brands are equal when it comes to sizing, and your safest bet is to simply try the items, in-person before parting with your cash.

Yes, some brands offer free returns online, but to make your time as efficient as possible, the high street needs to be at the top of your thoughts. Furthermore, those brands offering these free returns are starting to change their ways.

Check the sales, but not just any sales

A few decades ago, sales were a big deal. Retailers would slash their prices by as much as 50% to shift end-of-line stock, and the consumer would benefit as a result.

Nowadays, it’s a different story. Prices are slashed all year round, and the sales themselves are nothing more than an extension of this.

With that in mind, it’s essential to know which sales you’re checking. The clearance sections of stores are always going to be worth a browse, but if you’re looking for something specific, then it’s best to wait for the seasonal sales.

For example, summer clothes will be reduced come the end of August, and the same applies to winterwear in March. By planning your purchases around these times, you’ll be in a much better position to snap up a bargain.

Get to know your fabric types

This is a surprisingly important tip and one which is often overlooked. The truth is that different fabrics react differently to wear and tear, and some will last longer than others.

Cotton, for example, is a fabric that will last you a long time. It’s hard-wearing and will withstand repeated washes without losing its shape or quality. On the other hand, polyester is a synthetic fabric that is cheaper to produce.

It’s not necessarily a bad fabric, but it’s not going to last as long as cotton. As such, when you’re looking at garments made from different materials, it’s essential to consider this along with shopping at those brands which champion sustainability.

Check the care label

This is closely related to the previous point, but it’s significant enough to warrant its own section.

When you’re looking at clothes, check the care label. This will tell you how the item should be washed and will also give you an indication of how durable it is.

As a general rule of thumb, items that can be tumble-dried will be more hard-wearing than those that can’t. Similarly, items that need to be dry cleaned will be more delicate than those that can be machine washed.

Again, it’s all about providing as much bang for your buck.