8 Easy Ways to Make the Most of Your Money at H&M
H&M already has some amazing prices, which is crucial for fashionistas who like to change up their looks a few times each season.
But you might not realize that beyond scouring the sale racks, there are a few more ways to shop smart at H&M.
Some of these tips will help you save money, and some of them will help you make wise shopping choices. Don’t worry, I’m trustworthy — I definitely didn’t just shrink a pair of pants in the dryer this week. Nope. That was not me.
Are you ready to save? Review these eight methods and try a few of your favorites.
1. Sign Up for Emails
Join H&M’s email newsletter to get a coupon for 20% off one item online or in store.
If you’re shopping online, you’ll also get free shipping without having to hit the usual $40 minimum. Save it for when you’ve just got to have the rare item that hasn’t yet been discounted.
2. Donate Your Old Clothes
H&M has an ambitious clothing-recycling project, which has had mixed environmental results — it’s super hard to recycle clothing — but gets an A+ for effort. Your donation to this effort results not in a tax deduction, but in a store discount.
Bag your old clothing (from any brand!), take it to a participating H&M store, and tell an employee you’d like to place it in the in-store recycling bin. You’ll get a coupon for 15% off your next purchase. You can get up to two coupons per day — one for each bag of clothing you submit.
Feel free to include the stuff with pit stains and rips. If it’s reusable, H&M will take care of it.
3. Buy Basics in Bulk
H&M always has plenty of tees and tanks. If you need to stock up on the basics, look for discounts like “Two for $10” or even “Two for $5.”
Get basics bonuses online, too: One recent deal advertised “buy two, get one free” on organic cotton basics for kids. Children grow so quickly that it’s a relief to save on their outfits — and a free $12.99 dress or $14.99 pair of sweatpants is nothing to sneeze at!
4. Look for Natural Fabrics
I’ve got plenty of polyester, rayon and nylon in my closet. But the pieces that last longest are usually made of natural fibers, like cotton or silk.
My vast experience as a bargain shopper has shown that synthetic fabric on fast fashion (that’s what you’re getting at H&M, whatever way you slice it) is less durable than the natural stuff.
If you want the most for your bargain price, stick to fabrics you can pronounce — and follow the care instructions to a T.
5. Be Skeptical of Deals
This is the anti-tip, isn’t it?
H&M’s prices are already pretty good, and some of the sale prices are great. But don’t snatch up something JUST because it looks like a “deal.”
A sweater originally priced at $14.99, on sale for $12.99? That’s not a deal. A turtleneck dress originally priced at $24.99, on sale for $17.99? Not really a deal.
Before you put that sale item in your shopping bag (either physical or virtual), take a second look and do the math.
6. Use Ibotta to Get Cash Back
You might assume Ibotta works best at the grocery or drug store. But you can also use it at major retailers like H&M. Getting cash back on clothing and accessories sounds lovely, doesn’t it?
One recent H&M deal on Ibotta offered $5 back on a $50 purchase. It was available during H&M’s midseason sale, with discounts up to 60% off.
Stack those deals and you’ll find $50 could go a long way to dressing the entire family.
7. Head Over to Housewares
Want Scandinavian style without heading to Ikea? Head to the home-goods section of your local H&M or check out the online options.
Linens, tableware and rugs are priced for budget decorators, but they have a timeless appeal that the selections at other discount stores sometimes lack.
8. Shop With a Discounted Gift Card
Want to get 30% more for your money? Shop with a discounted gift card from sites like Raise and Gift Card Granny. We even found a gift card for $94.97 discounted to $63.91. It’s like getting $31 of stuff for free!
Your Turn: How do you save money at H&M? Share your tips with us!
Disclosure: What would Abe do? Probably pat us on the back for placing affiliate links in this post. Thanks for helping us fill The Penny Hoarder’s beer fridge!
Lisa Rowan is a writer and editor at The Penny Hoarder. She has a serious weak spot for H&M.
