5 Cool Cheap Clothing Brands to Know: Your Guide to Fashion's Best Kept Secret

It can feel nearly impossible to find great clothes that don't break the bank these days. As fashion becomes pricier and pricier, plenty of people are under the impression that they have to choose between looking great and sticking to a budget. But here's the reality: You don't have to spend a fortune to build a stylish wardrobe.

In this guide you'll get introduced to 5 clothing brands that prove affordable doesn't need to mean unfashionable – whether it's about stretching your college budget, getting started professionally, or just someone who loves a great deal. These brands have everything from everyday staples to fashion-forward (and Instagram-worthy) styles that will keep you looking fresh without spending a bunch of money.

What Really Makes a Clothing Brand Affordable?

Before we get into our top picks, let's clarify what "affordable" actually means. It's not just cheap prices we care about – it's also about real value for money. A truly affordable brand offers:

• Durable materials that stand the test of a few washes

• Mixing and matching to energize the basics

• Budget-friendly and fair pricing with high quality that lasts

• Regular sales and promotions

• Decent return policies if something doesn't work out

Well, here are five brands that come with all of that and more.

Brand #1: Uniqlo – The Emperor of Minimalist Basics

Why Uniqlo Stands Out

It also built its reputation on one simple concept: make quality basics that everyone can afford. This Japanese brand doesn't go in for flash-in-the-pan trends; instead, its clothes remain stylish year after year, thanks to timeless design.

Price Range and Value

Best Items to Buy from Uniqlo

Heattech Underwear: It's the best underwear for freezing weather, it actually works and it only costs $9.90 a piece, that actually works better than some of the expensive ones I have tried!

Supima Cotton T-Shirts: At $9.90 each, these T-shirts are soft and sturdy and sold in dozens of colors. They make great layering pieces or could be worn on their own.

Ultra Light Down Jackets: These down jackets pack down super small, are warm (not for all temperatures), and they look good enough to wear around town. Approximate cost: $59.90

Shopping Tips for Uniqlo

• Subscribe to their email list to have weekly promotions sent to your inbox

• End-of-season sales up to 50% off - shop now

• Be sure to look at their collaborative lines for special designs at regular prices

• Pay close attention to their size chart, as Japanese sizes can be quite different than American brands

Brand #2: H&M - Trendy Fashion on a Budget

The H&M Advantage

H&M offers up runway trends to everyday people at prices that don't break the bank. H&M has been criticized for fast fashion, but the company increasingly has worked to make its clothing more sustainable without making it prohibitively expensive.

What You'll Find at H&M

H&M has work clothes and party wear, gym gear and a formal dress section. Their assets are simply to find the latest fashion trends for women and produce affordable apparel.

Price Breakdown

• Basic items: $4.99 - $19.99

• Trendy pieces: $12.99 - $39.99

• Premium items: $24.99 - $79.99

• Accessories: $2.99 - $24.99

H&M's Best Categories

Conscious Collection: This collection uses materials that are produced in a way that is environmentally friendly, making it a little more expensive but also better quality and better for the environment.

Basics Range: Basic, well-made things like plain T-shirts, leggings and tank tops that are the backbone of any wardrobe.

Collaborations: H&M frequently collaborates with top designers to release collections for a limited run at an affordable price.

Smart Shopping at H&M

The key to shopping at H&M is knowing what to shop and what to pass over. Focus on:

• More foundational, classic pieces in lieu of overly trendy pieces

• Items with higher cotton content

• Pieces from their premium or conscious lines for better quality

Brand #3: Old Navy – American Casual Done Right

Why Old Navy Works

There is no one who does casual American chic quite like Old Navy. They sell comfortable, long-lasting clothes that are good for everything from weekend errands to casual Fridays at the office.

Family-Friendly Pricing

Old Navy has an advantage in that their pricing is consistent! Whether you're buying for yourself, a significant other, or even kids, prices remain reasonable.

Old Navy Price Guide

Must-Have Old Navy Items

Rockstar Jeans: These jeans are flattering, they come in tons of washes and are about $25-30. They're comfortable for all-day wear.

Everyday Tees: Soft, well-fitting basics that run for less than $10 and come in every shade you might imagine.

Performance Wear: Their range of activewear provides quality workout gear at a fraction of the cost of specialty sports brands.

Maximizing Old Navy Savings

• Watch for their constant "50% off everything" sales

• Apply for Old Navy credit card for extra everyday benefits

• Check the Clearance Section First - Many good deals are found in the clearance sections across the store

• Stock up on basics during sales in bulk

Brand #4: Target's Goodfellow & Co. and A New Day

Target's Fashion Revolution

Target turned itself into a place for style, rather than just bargains, by developing its own lines of clothing. Goodfellow & Co. is for men and A New Day is for women's fashion.

The Target Advantage

At Target, you can get your groceries, your household goods and even a new outfit all in one stop. In fact, while a student, one of their jackets at a thrift shop sale saved my life in the wilderness.

Target Brand Pricing

Both Goodfellow & Co. and A New Day use the same pricing logic:

• Most pieces are priced between $8 and $35

• Premium pieces rarely exceed $50

• Frequent specials to make prices even better

Standout Target Pieces

Goodfellow & Co. Henley Shirts: Available on sale for around $10, they have a comfortable, good-looking casual fit.

A New Day Blazers: Professional-looking blazers that cost less than $30 and can go from the office to dinner out.

Both Brands' Denim: Good-fitting jeans and jean jackets that compete with brands that cost way more.

Target Shopping Strategies

• Use the Target app for offers on the best products, digital coupons and so much more

• Check end-caps (End of the aisle) for clearance items

• Pair store sales with manufacturer coupons for the best value

• Check the "What's New" section for new items

Brand #5: Walmart Time and Tru and George

Breaking Walmart Stereotypes

The fashion at Walmart is underrated — their clothing lines have gotten so much better over the years. Time and Tru (women's) and George (men's) have fashionable selections at unbeatable prices.

Ultra-Budget Fashion

Walmart's clothing brands cater to the most budget-aware shoppers while not ignoring basic style desires.

Walmart Clothing Prices

Hidden Gems at Walmart

Time and Tru Boyfriend Jeans: These are the most comfortable jeans of all time and only $15; I may even prefer them to my more expensive pairs.

George Polo Shirts: At $8 – Great for work or casual, they come in multiple colors.

Both Brands' Seasonal Collections: Walmart constantly adds new pieces to its fashion lines that are so very now but also dirt-cheap.

How to Make the Most of Walmart Fashion

• Online shopping offers a greater variety of selection and exclusive product offerings

• Listen to what other customers say before purchasing

• Shipping is free with orders over $35

• Look for rollback prices on top items

How to Create a Full Wardrobe on the Cheap

The 80/20 Rule

Devote 80 percent of your clothing budget to basics with high wear-per-price value from these cheap brands, and allow 20 percent for a few statement pieces — or higher quality items with longer shelf lives.

Essential Items to Start With

Men's Basics:

• 5-7 quality T-shirts in neutral colors

• 2-3 pairs of well-fitting jeans

• 1-2 button-down shirts

• 1 versatile jacket or blazer

• Comfortable underwear and socks

Women's Basics:

• 5-7 tops in mix-and-match colors

• A couple pairs of pants (jeans, trousers)

• 1-2 versatile dresses

• 1 blazer or cardigan

• Comfortable undergarments

Seasonal Shopping Strategy

Spring: Keep it light and colorful. With its divine weather, springtime is all about light layering and bold colors.

Summer: Stock up on the essentials in tees and shorts.

Fall: Time to invest in some casual cardigans and light jackets. If you buy anything this fall, make sure you invest in some transitional pieces such as sweaters and cardigans.

Winter: End of season sales while hunting for warm layers and coats.

Money-Saving Tips for Affordable Shopping

Timing Your Purchases

• End of season: Save 50-70% on seasonal picks

• Back to School: You can score great deals on essentials in August/September

• Post-holiday sales: January clearance events provide up to 80% off everything from appliances to clothes

• Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Most of the clothing brands participate with big discounts

Use Technology to Your Advantage

• Automate your coupon codes with apps like Honey or Rakuten

• Follow brands on social media for flash sales and exclusive offers

• Set price alerts for products you want to buy

• Subscribe to newsletters to receive the latest deals

Quality Check Points

Even when buying discount labels, pay attention to these:

• Seam quality: The stitches should be straight and secure

• Material composition: The more cotton or other natural fibers, the higher the quality typically

• Care: Stay away from pieces that have to be dry-cleaned

• Fit: Even cheap clothing looks more expensive if it fits you properly

Budget Brands: What Not to Do When You Shop

Don't Fall for Every Sale

Just because they're on sale doesn't mean you need them. Stick to what's on your list, and only buy pieces you'll really wear.

Ignoring Fabric Quality

The least expensive option isn't necessarily the best value. Once in a while, a few extra dollars spent is money far better spent for something that lasts much longer.

Not Checking Return Policies

Make certain you can return any item that doesn't fit or meet your expectations. Return windows may be shorter with budget brands.

Buying Too Many Trendy Pieces

Trends come and go quickly. Concentrate on enduring looks that will work now and in the future, not just this season.

How to Take Care of Your Affordable Clothes

Washing Tips

• Turn inside out to protect colors and prints

• Use cold water for most things

• Do not pack too many clothes – they need to move in the tub to get clean

• Air dry when possible to increase life of the clothes

Storage Solutions

• Use suitable hangers to help maintain the garment's shape

• Heavy sweaters should be folded, not hung

• Store in a cool dry place

• Use cedar blocks or lavender sachets to ward off moths

When to Replace vs. Repair

Occasionally, it's worth shelling out the cash to repair a cherished item rather than buy a new one. Learn basic repairs like:

• Sewing on buttons

• Fixing small tears

• Hemming pants

• Removing stains properly

Frequently Asked Questions

Do cheap clothing brands add up versus expensive ones?

Yes, many budget brands offer amazing value for money! They may not have luxury-brand cachet, but they often use the same manufacturing methods and materials. The trick is in choosing well and maintaining your things.

How can I make cheap clothes work in my favor?

Prioritize fit – nothing makes clothes look cheaper than if they are ill-fitting. Go with styles that are classics, eschew the latest trends, invest in accessories, and maintain your clothes. Good care and ironing makes a world of difference in appearance.

Which budget brand has the best quality?

That depends on what you need. Uniqlo is generally the best place for quality basics, H&M for trendier pieces. Old Navy is great for casual wear, Target brands for work clothes and Walmart is cheaper than both while still maintaining decent quality.

How often should I replace my wardrobe with low cost clothes?

Shop seasonally to score the best deals, but don't buy more than you need. A good place to start is to go through your wardrobe every couple of months and donate or replace pieces that are worn or no longer fit. While anything on sale can be tempting to buy on impulse, avoid that.

Can I find professional work clothes from these budget brands?

Absolutely! Both Target's A New Day and Goodfellow & Co. have great work-appropriate items. H&M has some nice blazers and dress pants. Old Navy has comfortable casual Friday pieces. With the right items, you can assemble an entire professional wardrobe for a fraction of the cost.

How can you find sales and deals at these stores?

Subscribe to email newsletters, follow accounts on social media, download store apps and check websites often. Many stores offer app-exclusive deals. Also, educate yourself on each store's sale cycle, as most have a predictable rhythm for when they slash prices.

How do I ensure an inexpensive piece will last?

Look at the fabric content (higher natural fiber content often equals longer lasting), the quality of stitching, the online reviews of other customers and the brand reputation for the type of item in question. If in doubt, begin with one item to test quality before you acquire multiples.

Should I buy all from one cheaper brand or a mix?

Mix and match! Each brand has its strengths and weaknesses. You may discover the perfect jeans at one retailer, great tops elsewhere and fabulous shoes at a third. This also helps you not appear uniformed by one brand.

Final Verdict: Style and Savings Can Go Hand in Hand

It's totally possible to build a chic wardrobe on a budget, and with these five wallet-friendly clothing brands, you can. They each bring something different to the table, meaning you can mix and match to find the piece, or pieces, that match your style and budget.

And remember — the priciest outfit in the world will look terrible if it doesn't fit properly or suit your lifestyle. Concentrate on creating a core of high-quality basics that you can dress up or down, then sprinkle in trendy items when your budget allows.

Patience, planning, and knowing exactly where to shop — this is the holy grail of budget dressing. And with brands like Uniqlo, H&M, Old Navy, Target and Walmart offering quality clothes at bargain-basement prices, there's never been a better time to look good for less.

Begin with one or two brands that you particularly like, figure out their sizing and how they do their sales, and slowly start to explore others. Before you know it, you'll own a closet full of clothes you love — and still have money left in the bank! Happy shopping!