How to Get Free Clothes Online & Near You (13 Ways that Work)

Last Updated on September 24, 2025 by Katie^[2]

Stretching your budget to cover new clothes can feel impossible when you’re watching every dollar. The good news is you don’t need to spend a cent to upgrade your wardrobe in 2025. You can discover how to get free clothes online and near you with methods that work for low-income and frugal shoppers.

There are 13 proven ways you can use to score free outfits this year, including online giveaways, local swap groups, fashion blogging, reward apps, recycling programs and more.

Some options help you get free stuff online^[3]; others let you find free clothes nearby in your own town.

Each method is simple enough even for a first-timer. They’re tried-and-true techniques used by people just like you, living on a tight budget or building smart money habits.

If you enjoy squeezing every bit of value from your resources, these steps will help you save even more.

Ready to refresh your closet? Read on for the step-by-step guide to finding free clothes without stress, plus bonus tips for making the most of every method.

If you want even more freebies, check out these websites where rich people give away free money.^[4]

Want to Make Quick Free Money?

• Survey Junkie: Earn money by taking surveys and giving your opinion on new products. Over $1.5 million is paid out to members monthly! Join Survey Junkie now.^[6]
• American Consumer Opinion: Get paid for your opinion by taking surveys and participating in research studies. Earn between $1 and $50 per survey. Join ACOP Now.^[7]

Related reading:

Top Ways to Get Free Clothes Online

There are plenty of creative ways to get quality free clothes online.

You don’t need to jump through hoops or chase risky offers. By using reliable sites and a bit of dedication, you can add new outfits to your closet at no cost.

Each of these seven options can help you score free clothing from home, whether you want something new for yourself, your kids, or are just looking to stop buying things to save money.^[8]

1. Take Online Surveys for Gift Cards

You can earn free clothing gift cards by sharing your opinions with survey sites like American Consumer Opinion.^[9]

These survey sites that pay instantly^[10] often pay you in points for sharing feedback on brands and products.

You can later redeem these points for gift cards to stores like Target, Old Navy, or Amazon.

How to get started:

1. Sign up with your email and create a basic profile.
2. Complete your profile to qualify for more surveys.
3. Log in daily and answer surveys (each takes 5-20 minutes).
4. Cash out your points once you reach 500 (typically equals a $5 gift card).
5. Shop online or in-store with your free gift card.

Rules to keep in mind:

• You must be 18 or older and live in the US.
• Survey sites prohibit bots and duplicate accounts.

Pro tip: Dedicate 30 minutes per day to surveys. With consistency, you can earn 1000 points a week, enough for two $5 clothing gift cards—perfect for regular freebies.

2. Become a Product Tester

Want to try clothes before anyone else? Sites like Tryspree^[11] make this easy by letting you test new clothing items and keep the freebies.

You can also check out these product tester jobs that are hiring now.^[12]

Follow these steps:

1. Create a free account and complete a quick style quiz.
2. Watch for new test opportunities that match your preferences and sizes.
3. Apply to test items—if approved, the brand sends you products to try.
4. Try the items at home, write honest online reviews, and keep what you love.

Rules to know:

• Most testing programs require you to be at least 18.
• Some tests might require you to ship items back if you don’t want to keep them.

Pro tip: Update your style and sizing details regularly. This helps you match with more test campaigns, giving you first dibs on popular, trendy clothes.

3. Become a Fashion Influencer on Social Media

Platforms like TikTok or Instagram can help you get free clothes straight from brands.

Even with a small follower count, fashion micro-influencers receive PR gifts and brand collaborations.

Here’s how you build your profile:

1. Post daily outfit or unboxing videos, focusing on affordable or creative looks.
2. Use hashtags such as #frugalfashion, #budgetwardrobe, or the brand’s name.
3. Reply to comments and chat with followers to grow engagement.
4. Once you gain traction, message micro-brands about collaborations or join outreach platforms for gifting campaigns.

Key rules:

• Stay consistent—engagement matters more than follower count.
• Always disclose gifted items and sponsored content.

Pro tip: Connect with other small fashion influencers and create group posts. Brands often prefer group collaborations, and you can score more free clothing by teaming up.

4. Enter Social Media Giveaways

Hundreds of brands run weekly clothing giveaways on Instagram and TikTok.

Popular accounts like @fashionnova post contests where a few steps could win you new outfits.

Simple entry steps:

1. Follow the brand’s account and turn on post notifications.
2. Like and comment on giveaway posts (usually tagging friends).
3. Follow any bonus rules in the post (such as sharing to your story).
4. Make sure your profile is set to public so brands can contact you.

Rules:

• Enter with only one real account and honest entries.
• Watch for weekly draws; check notifications for win announcements.

Pro tip: Engage with 5-10 brands a day instead of spamming. This steady approach boosts your odds and avoids getting flagged as a bot.

5. Earn Free Clothing Gift Cards via Referrals

Websites like ThredUP^[13] reward you with store credit any time you bring in a friend who shops.

Referral programs are a smart way to rack up free wardrobe funds over time.

Action steps:

1. Create a ThredUP account to get your personal referral link.
2. Share your link on Facebook, in group chats, or by email.
3. When a friend makes their first purchase, you earn instant store credit (typically $10-30 each).
4. Stack credits until you have enough for a free order.

Rules for success:

• Only new customer referrals count.
• Friends must complete a purchase for you to get credit.

Pro tip: Join frugal living Facebook groups and post your referral link in appropriate discussion threads—credits can add up fast, and you could score full outfits in a month.

6. Start a Fashion Blog for Brand Freebies

You can secure free clothes just by sharing your style advice on a blog.

You can create style posts such as; 20 Fall Outfits for women or 15 Best Comfy, Stylish Shoes for Your Next Date Night.

A blog is a way to share your knowledge and passion for fashion with the world and can be started for free or a few dollars a month.

How you can do it:

1. Set up a free blog and choose a catchy name.
2. Post once or twice a week about outfit ideas, frugal shopping, or styling tips.
3. After a few posts, email small clothing brands and pitch a collaboration (offer to review or feature their items).
4. Review and photograph gifted clothes, tagging brands in your posts.

Know before you begin:

• Disclose which posts are sponsored or include gifted items.
• Brands look for active blogs in specific niches, like budget fashion.

Pro tip: Focus on a super-clear niche—like secondhand fashion or plus-size deals. Niche blogs grow readers quickly and attract brands faster.

If you eventually want to make extra money too, check out advice for the best sites to sell used clothes online^[14] and add affiliate links for more passive income.

7. Get Baby and Pregnancy Sample Boxes

Expecting a baby or have little ones at home? PinchMe^[15] and similar services send out boxes packed with free maternity or baby clothes.

Easy sign-up steps:

1. Register your free account and complete a quick family profile.
2. Watch for new sample box drops (typically monthly).
3. Claim available boxes, then review and give feedback on the clothes you receive.

Rule to remember:

• One box per household to be fair to all users.
• Supplies are often limited, so act quickly when email notifications come.

Pro tip: Combine sample box programs with survey sites if you have an expanding family—this can double your haul of free kids’ and maternity clothes without spending a dime.

Best Ways to Get Free Clothes Near You

Upgrading your closet doesn’t have to strain your wallet. Beyond digital deals, many communities offer generous ways to get quality clothes free of charge.

You might be surprised how many local groups, events, and stores help with this.

Here are some proven methods for how to get free clothes online and, more importantly, right in your own neighbourhood.

8. Join Freecycle Groups

Freecycle connects people in your area who want to keep good stuff out of landfills.

It’s a nonprofit network built on gifting, where anything from shirts to winter coats might pop up for free.

How to get started:

• Sign up with your email on Freecycle^[16].
• Join your city or neighbourhood group.
• Create a post with the subject ‘WANTED: clothes’ including sizes, or browse the latest ‘offer’ posts.
• If you see something you need, message the giver to arrange a pickup.

Rules: Only request what you truly need, and the culture encourages you to “pay it forward” by gifting unneeded items later.

Pro tip: Check Freecycle daily, especially in busy cities, since clothing offers go quickly when posted.

9. Use Facebook Buy Nothing Groups

Buy Nothing groups thrive on Facebook, creating a tight-knit, hyper-local hub for free exchanges.

Neighbours post clothes they’re ready to pass along, and you can make requests specific to your needs.

Steps:

• Search Facebook for “Buy Nothing” plus your city’s name, and request to join your local group.
• Clearly post a request with what you need, sizes, and any style details.
• If someone offers, work out contactless porch pickup at their home.

Rules: No money ever changes hands. Always thank your givers, and keep your requests reasonable.

Pro tip: Lend a hand carrying items for others when possible. Helping your neighbours builds trust and increases the chances of someone remembering you when the next bag of clothing is ready to share.

For many, Buy Nothing is one of the easiest methods for how to get free clothes online with a local twist.

10. Search Craigslist Free Section

Craigslist’s “free” listings are a goldmine for clothing, especially when locals clean out closets.

It’s quick and simple, and you often pick up your haul the same day.

How to use it:

• Visit Craigslist^[17] and select your nearest city.
• Under “For Sale,” choose the “free” category, then search ‘clothes’ or browse posts.
• Contact listers right away (popular items can be claimed fast).
• Pick up your finds, ideally within hours.

Rules: Stay polite and confirm you’re still interested before heading out. Check the clothes for condition before taking them.

Pro tip: Set up email alerts for the word ‘clothes’ so you’re notified as soon as a new offer pops up.

For extra cash from items you no longer need, consider selling them instead. See these quick ways to make money in one hour^[18] for fast tips.

11. Attend Clothing Swap Events

Clothing swaps turn closet cleanouts into an opportunity for everyone.

You bring in items you no longer use and trade them for new-to-you styles for free. These swaps are a great way to refresh your wardrobe while meeting your neighbours.

Find and join a swap:

• Search for clothing swap meetups on Meetup.com^[19] or through local libraries and community centres.
• Gather clean items you want to trade.
• Show up on event day, contribute your pieces, and select from what’s available.

Rules: Most swaps work “one-for-one.” Bring five items, take five items.

Pro tip: Wash, fold, and neatly pack your swap items to increase the chances others will choose them, ensuring you get great picks in return.

12. Visit Local Charity Shops on Free Days

Some charity shops, such as Goodwill or Salvation Army, hold days where they hand out free clothing to those who qualify.

These events are meant to help low-income families or anyone going through a rough patch.

Steps to access:

• Look up nearby stores’ websites, such as Goodwill^[20], and check for free giveaway events.
• Bring any required proof of eligibility (like photo ID or income statement).
• Visit on the right day and select your items.

Rules: Proof of financial hardship may be necessary, and there’s sometimes a limit on the number of items per family.

Pro tip: Volunteer at the store so you learn about upcoming free days first; staff often get early bird access or inside info on the best finds.

Find further options and tips for charitable support on this thoughtful Reddit discussion of how to get free clothes^[21].

13. Refer Friends to Local Stores for Rewards

Neighbourhood thrift stores sometimes run referral programs that reward you with store credit when you bring in new shoppers.

This can mean a free pair of jeans or a few shirts each month.

How it works:

• Ask your favourite local thrift or consignment store about any refer-a-friend bonuses.
• They’ll usually give you referral cards or a digital code.
• Give cards to friends or family when they shop.
• Once they make their first purchase, you receive store credit, which you can spend on clothes.

Rules: Most stores require the referred friend to make a minimum purchase before you collect your reward.

Pro tip: Focus on stores where you already shop, so the rewards feel like a bonus rather than a chore.

This keeps your credits local and useful, making each referral a win for both you and new shoppers.

Looking for more practical income ideas? See this list of part-time business ideas^[22] that fit well with a thrifty lifestyle.

Tips to Maximise Your Free Clothing Haul

When you discover how to get free clothes online or near you, it pays to be smart about how you collect, organise, and enjoy new finds.

Making the most of every haul puts more value in your closet while keeping your budget in check.

Small adjustments—like stacking rewards or checking for promo deals—can mean the difference between a few basics and a whole new wardrobe.

Use Promo Codes, Coupons, and Loyalty Programs

Companies often offer promo codes, coupons, and loyalty points in addition to their freebie deals.

Always check for these before claiming any free item or ordering online. It’s easy to stack a freebie with a sitewide coupon or a welcome bonus for extra savings.

Sign up for store newsletters, and join free loyalty programs to enjoy birthday gifts, exclusive discounts, or points that later convert into even more free clothes.

Combine Multiple Free Clothing Methods

You get more for less by mixing several methods from your free clothing strategy.

For example, you might earn a store credit referral bonus, then use it on top of a clearance sale or a gift card from a survey app.

After local clothing swaps, check online groups for anything missing from your list.

Stay Safe When Collecting Free Clothes

Safety matters, whether you’re meeting someone from a local swap or joining an online giveaway.

Pick up items from public places or bring a friend if meeting in person. Guard your personal details on web forms, and don’t share financial information for free offers.

Stick to trusted platforms or well-reviewed community groups for your hauls. Watch out for scams—if an offer asks for payment or sensitive identification for basic free clothes, skip it.

Sustainable Benefits for Frugal Living

Maximising your free clothing haul is a smart move for both your budget and the planet.

By making the most of secondhand deals, swaps, and upcycled products, you help reduce textile waste and stretch your resources further.

Sustainable living and frugal habits^[23] go hand in hand; every free tee or jacket you claim reduces demand on new manufacturing and supports a more mindful closet.

How to Avoid Common Scams

Unfortunately, scams do exist. Look for reviews of free clothing sites or offers before sharing information.

Never pay for shipping on “free” items unless it’s from a source you trust. Avoid deals that seem too good to be true or require you to download unknown files or apps.

Check out more ways to save money:

Final Thoughts on How to Get Free Clothes Online and Offline

You now have a clear set of 13 reliable steps for how to get free clothes online and in your area.

From referral programs to local swaps, product testing, and smart use of reward points, these methods help you upgrade your closet without spending a cent.

The real value comes from mixing these strategies, staying organised, and protecting yourself from scams.

Refresh your wardrobe for free this year by using small, steady actions that fit your life and budget.

Frugal living is more than saving money—it’s about making smart choices that serve today and build for tomorrow.

For even more ways to stretch your resources and keep costs down, explore these tips on how to stop living paycheck to paycheck.^[24]

Article Name

How to Get Free Clothes Online & Near You (13 Ways that Work)

Description

How to Get Free Clothes Online & Near You (13 Ways that Work)

Author

Katie Lamb

Publisher Name

Remote Work Rebels

Publisher Logo