How to avoid impulse buying clothes on a weekend

Short answer: A weekend often has room for long walks through shops and screens on the sofa, and it is easy to buy more than you planned. With a few simple habits you can stop impulse buys: set a plan, a waiting time and a limit, and choose clothes you will actually use.

Understand why the weekend tempts

At the weekend you have time, and it is easy to let a walk end in a shop. Offers and new arrivals lure, especially when you are tired or bored. Once you know your weak moments, you can plan around them instead of fighting the urge.

Make a plan before you leave home

Decide what you are after and write it down: a certain type of sweater, a size, a colour. If nothing is on the list, do not go into the shops. A plan means you spend time on what matters and not just on what catches your eye.

Use a 24 hour waiting time

If you see something you would like, take a photo and wait a day. If it is still a good idea tomorrow, buy it. Often the urge has passed and you are glad you waited. The waiting time is the simplest way to stop an impulse buy.

Delete saved payment details

If the card is saved in the phone or the shop, it is too easy to tap buy. Remove card details so you have to type them in each time. It sounds small, but it gives you a moment to think. Also try switching off notifications from shops at the weekend.

Decide what you already have

Before buying, think about what you already own and whether the new item adds anything. If you already have three nearly identical sweaters, you rarely need a fourth. Look at the bestsellers for women if you want to see what others choose, but buy only if there is a gap.

Choose clothes that work for many things

Impulse buys are often clothes that suit only one occasion. Clothes that combine with a lot are worn more often and are less often a mistake. See the range for women if you are looking for soft everyday pieces, and think about how many days a week you can actually wear them.

Make clothes shopping a planned moment

Choose one time a month when you buy clothes and keep the rest of the time free of it. Then no shop calls you every weekend. Make a list in between so you know what is missing when the time comes.

Notice how you feel

Impulse buys often come from stress, boredom or a bad mood. Notice whether you really lack something or are looking for a break. A walk, a call to a friend or a cup of tea may be better. If you fancy something soft, consider bamboo jogging sets for women, but only after the waiting time.

Frequently asked questions

How long should the waiting time be?

One day is a good starting point. For something more expensive you can wait several days. What matters is that you give yourself time to feel whether you still need it.

What if the sale ends while I wait?

Then you have to judge whether you truly use it. New offers often come, and what you really need can usually be found again later.

Is it wrong to buy clothes without a plan?

No, but it is easier to regret. With a limit and a list you do not lose the joy of browsing, you just buy more precisely.

You can find the full range at Copenhagen Bamboo.