Best Times to Buy Clothes

It’s always good for your wardrobe when you shop for clothing, but it’s not always good for your budget. No worries, though; there are lots of times of year when you can update your closet without spending a ton of money.

Here are the best times of year to shop for clothing.

1. End-of-season sales

The best time to buy clothing for a particular season is when that season is on its way out, as retailers mark down inventory to make room for new merch. Lucky for you, the retail calendar is always a bit ahead of the rest of the world. Here’s how this plays out:

Winter clothing will be sold at a discount from mid-January through early March.

Spring clothing will be marked down in May and continue falling through June.

Summer wear will be on sale in July and August.

Autumn attire will be discounted October through December.

2. Post-holiday sales

The days and weeks following major holidays, especially in January and July, can be a goldmine for bargain hunters.

After the winter holiday season, retailers are looking to clear out unsold holiday merchandise. Stock up on holiday pajamas and ugly Christmas sweaters that won’t go out of style at bargain prices.

Similarly, you can shop clearance sales in July for a fairly large selection of summer wear at fabulous prices.

3. Back-to-school sales

The back-to-school season kicks off in late July and lasts through August, making it an ideal time to shop for basics like jeans, sneakers, T-shirts, and other casual attire. Fast fashion retailers, like Old Navy and H & M, will slash prices during this season, and higher-end department stores will host sale events in an effort to attract back-to-school shoppers.

4. Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are legendary for deals across nearly every shopping category, and clothing is no exception. The day after Thanksgiving and the following Monday get steep discounts on everything from luxury clothing to basics. Lots of retailers will kick off their Black Friday sales early, so start looking a week or two in advance to snag pre-sale deals.

5. Holiday weekends

When all else fails, shop on the holidays. National holidays, like Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day, bring significant sales on everything under the sun, including clothing.

If your wardrobe is desperate for an update, but your budget didn’t get the memo, this guide can help you score the best deals on clothing throughout the year.

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