Everyday Cheapskate: Frugal Fashion or Why I Shop in the Kids' Department (No Shame)

Mary Hunt on Jul 28, 2025

Let me save you a little time: Yes, I shop in the kids' clothing section -- and no, I'm not embarrassed. In fact, I've come to appreciate it as one of my top frugal fashion strategies. If that sounds strange, stick with me. By the end, you might be tempted to peek behind the rainbow unicorn display yourself.

I'm not talking about dressing like a cartoon character. I'm talking about real, stylish, practical basics -- pajamas, tees, leggings, sneakers, jackets -- that happen to cost a lot less in the kids' department than they do in the adult section. And if you wear anything from a women's 0 to 8, the fit is more realistic than you'd think.

Take shoes, for instance. If your feet are on the smaller side (women's 7.5 or below), you probably already fit into a boys' size 6. That's the same sneaker you were eyeing in the adult section -- except in the kids' aisle, it costs about 40% less. No difference in style. No difference in comfort. Big difference in price.

Then there's outerwear. I recently found a youth-size puffer jacket for $24. Just a few racks over, the adult version of the exact same jacket -- same brand, same stitching -- was priced at $89.99. I checked the tag twice, just to be sure. Then I walked proudly to the register with my shorter-sleeved bargain.

The truth is, many kids' lines from stores like Target, Old Navy and H&M now offer trendy, gender-neutral basics that rival their adult counterparts. If you can get past the glittery unicorn hoodies (unless you're into that -- no judgment), there's gold to be found in those pint-size aisles.

I shop the kids' section for plenty of reasons -- sure, the price is a big one. But it's also about value. Kids' clothes are often built for movement and durability. They're meant to survive recess, playground tumbles and spaghetti dinners. You better believe that cotton tee is going to hold up through laundry day just fine.

Let's not forget comfort. Many kids' basics are tagless, soft and uncomplicated. No trendy cutouts or oddball "cold shoulder" sleeves. Just a good, solid tee that doesn't cost half your grocery budget.

Of course, sizing matters. Kids' XL typically fits a women's 0 to 4. XXL can work for women's 6 to 8. Anything above that, and you may be limited to accessories -- scarves, socks, gloves, hats and even shoes (if the size fits). Still, for many of us, there's a lot of untapped potential hanging next to the lunchboxes.

Granted, I fall into the petite category -- usually a women's size 4 to 6. And just to keep things honest, I'll never forget a reader who met me after a Focus on the Family interview and book signing. She looked me up and down and said, "You're a lot shorter than you sound!" Point taken. So yes, trying things on is part of the deal. Kids' sizing can be tricky -- less room for curves and often a shorter fit -- but you'd be surprised how many pieces work beautifully, especially when layered or paired with your grown-up wardrobe. And when they do? That's fashion for a fraction.

Now, do I strut around announcing my really smart jean jacket is a girls' section special? No. But I also don't hide it. The compliments usually come before the confession anyway. People are shocked -- and then curious.

"I didn't know you could do that!" they'll say. And then I see them two weeks later at Target, squinting at the Cat & Jack label like they're decoding a secret.

Frugal fashion isn't about deprivation. It's about creativity. It's about knowing where to look and being OK with coloring outside the lines -- or in this case, shopping outside your section. If something fits your body, lifestyle and budget, who cares where it came from?

So go ahead. Dip a toe into that youth-size rack. Try on a basic tee. Scan the kids' shoe wall. Who knows? Your next favorite outfit might be hanging right between a rack of school uniforms and a stack of glitter backpacks.

No shame in my game. Just more money in my wallet -- and one very stylish jean jacket to prove it.

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Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, "Ask Mary." This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book "Debt-Proof Living."