Wardrobing on the Rise in Tough Economic Times Skip to content

What do you want to do br with money

Popular Searches

Learn more about your money

Make Money

You need it. Learn how to make it. Explore

Manage Money

You've got it. Learn what to do with it. Explore

Save Money

You have it. Make sure you have some later too. Explore

Spend Money

You're spending it. Get the most for it. Explore

Borrow Money

You're borrowing it. Do it wisely. Explore

Protect Money

You don't want to lose it. Learn how to keep it safe. Explore

Invest Money

You're saving it. Now put it to work for your future. Explore

Categories

About us

Find us

Close menu

What do you want to do br with money

Popular Searches

Learn more about your money

Make Money

You need it. Learn how to make it. Explore

Manage Money

You've got it. Learn what to do with it. Explore

Save Money

You have it. Make sure you have some later too. Explore

Spend Money

You're spending it. Get the most for it. Explore

Borrow Money

You're borrowing it. Do it wisely. Explore

Protect Money

You don't want to lose it. Learn how to keep it safe. Explore

Invest Money

You're saving it. Now put it to work for your future. Explore

Categories

About us

Find us

Close menu Advertiser Disclosure Advertiser Disclosure: The credit card and banking offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies and banks from which MoneyCrashers.com receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they appear on category pages. MoneyCrashers.com does not include all banks, credit card companies or all available credit card offers, although best efforts are made to include a comprehensive list of offers regardless of compensation. Advertiser partners include American Express, Chase, U.S. Bank, and Barclaycard, among others. Save Money

Wardrobing on the Rise in Tough Economic Times

By David Quilty Date February 08, 2022

FEATURED PROMOTION

“Wardrobing” is the act of buying a product from a retailer (most commonly high-end clothing, but it can be other items as well), using it for a while, and then returning it as “unused” to the store for a full refund. For example, people who need a formal dress or suit to wear once (e.g. wedding tuxedo or wedding dress), or even people who need to access technology equipment, sometimes take advantage of liberal return policies in order to “borrow” the items they need free of charge. Instead of purchasing what they need like a normal customer, wardrobers turn retail stores into their own private libraries. They get access to products they want essentially free of charge, as long as they return them on time. While this practice has certainly taken off due to the decline in the economy, it costs retailers billions of dollars every year and leads to higher prices on goods for the rest of us.

Consequences of Wardrobing

On the retail side, wardrobing amounts to fraudulent activity. A store sells a new product to a customer, but gets back a used product that often cannot be sold again as new or at full price. Some stores have responded by adopting much stricter store policies and raising their prices, thereby hurting those of us who only return items when we have a legitimate issue. Further, the act of wardrobing can be prosecuted. Ultimately, as this practice grows, all consumers will be forced to “pay” for such fraudulent activity as stores aim to protect themselves.
Motley Fool Stock Advisor recommendations have an average return of 397%. For $79 (or just $1.52 per week), join more than 1 million members and don't miss their upcoming stock picks. 30 day money-back guarantee. Sign Up Now

Ethical Issues

Aside from the fact that wardrobing is an act of fraud, there are also ethical issues involved. Wardrobers pay nothing to use the items they purchase and then typically return a less valuable item to the store. They lessen the value of the item, without compensating the store in return. Moreover, if the item is salable, it will probably be sold at a discount. This, in turn, eats into the store’s revenue, which they will then endeavor to make up elsewhere. As mentioned above, the store may raise prices, which makes it harder for honest customers to afford their purchases. So, the people who engage in wardrobing are essentially making their fellow consumers pay for their illicit practices. What’s the difference between this and stealing? There is no difference. The consumer is exploiting the retailer and essentially taking money directly out of the retailers’ and other consumers’ pockets. Some wardrobers will argue that they are simply trying a piece of clothing out and that high prices are what forced them into wardrobing in the first place. But there is no good reason to “borrow” an item you can’t afford. And there are certainly alternatives to this shady practice.

Solutions & Alternatives to Wardrobing

If money’s tight, wardrobing is not the way to use products you need or simply want but can’t afford. It’s unethical, fraudulent, and makes the rest of us pay for your indulgence. Instead, check out clothing swapping websites or set up your own “clothes swapping group” among friends, family, and neighbors. These events are fun and can even have a party-type atmosphere. Legitimately borrowing instead of buying is also a great way to save money! If you are interested in finding lower prices on designer duds, check out shopping sites with daily deals on high-end labels like I-ELLA or Gilt.com. There are probably also a plethora of options in your own community. Stores like Ross, TJ Maxx, The Rack, and others regularly offer high-end clothes from a range of designers or retailers for cut-rate prices. Or, visit thrift stores in upscale areas to find gently used, haute fashion pieces for incredible deals. Visit often as inventory changes, and try to get there early after new donations have been put on the shelves.

Final Word

While the idea of wardrobing can be tempting, especially in this difficult economy, the fact remains that it can hurt your friends and other fellow consumers where it hurts the most – in the wallet. Moreover, you can’t really place a price on self-respect, which is something that will surely suffer if you engage in wardrobing. As a solution to this problem, swap clothes with friends or family, regularly peruse sale racks, and otherwise look for discounted or gently used items. Getting an honest, good deal is a lot of fun and definitely something to boast about. Plus, it’s the right thing to do. What are your thoughts on wardrobing? Do you think it’s okay in certain situations? Save Money Frugal Living Manage Money Shopping Lifestyle TwitterFacebookPinterestLinkedInEmail

David Quilty

David Quilty is a freelance writer living outside Santa Fe, NM. After burning out working in the entertainment field in Los Angeles for many years, David decided to strike out on his own and follow his passions for writing, web design, politics, and green living on a dirt road in rural New Mexico.

FEATURED PROMOTION

Discover More

Related Articles

Save Money Manage Money Shopping Frugal Living Lifestyle Save Money 10 Ideas to Save on Cheap Wedding Jewelry & Rings for Brides Save Money 7 Wedding Planning Tips & Timeline Once You Get Engaged to Be Married Save Money Tips for Your Wedding Gift Registry & Etiquette Checklist Marriage 12 Ways to Buy a Cheap Unique Wedding Dress on a Budget Save Money 15 Women's Discount Fashion Finds - Clothing & Accessories for $10 or Less Related topics

We answer your toughest questions

See more questions Weddings

How do I make a wedding budget

See the full answer »