When is the Best Time to Shop for Clothes on Sale?

Scoring great fashion deals isn’t just about luck—it’s all about timing. Knowing when to shop can mean the difference between paying full price and grabbing your dream outfit for a steal. Whether you’re shopping for seasonal staples or timeless wardrobe essentials, understanding the retail calendar can help you plan your purchases strategically. Here’s a breakdown of the best times to shop for clothes on sale.

End-of-Season Sales

One of the absolute best times to buy clothes on sale is at the end of each season. Retailers need to make space for new collections, so they slash prices on current inventory.

• Winter clearance: January to early February

• Spring clearance: Late April to May

• Summer clearance: July to early August

• Fall clearance: October to November

These sales offer deep discounts, especially on items like coats, swimwear, and shoes.

Holiday Weekend Sales

Major holiday weekends are prime times for clothing sales, with both online and brick-and-mortar stores offering site-wide promotions and discounts. Some key dates include:

• Presidents’ Day (February)

• Memorial Day (May)

• Fourth of July (July)

• Labor Day (September)

• Black Friday & Cyber Monday (November)

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are especially good for scoring deals on higher-ticket items like outerwear, designer pieces, or premium denim.

Post-Holiday Sales

After the holiday season, retailers are eager to offload unsold inventory—especially winter wear and party attire. Late December through January is a goldmine for shoppers looking for steep markdowns.

This is a great time to stock up on cold-weather essentials, sweaters, boots, and festive outfits for next year.

Back-to-School Sales

Even if you’re not a student, back-to-school season (late July through August) offers great opportunities to buy basics like jeans, tees, activewear, and shoes. Many retailers run bundle deals or BOGO (buy one, get one) promotions during this time.

Mid-Season and Flash Sales

Don’t overlook mid-season or flash sales, which pop up throughout the year—often without warning. Signing up for email newsletters or downloading store apps can alert you to these surprise events, where you might score up to 40–60% off selected styles for a limited time.

End-of-Month and End-of-Quarter Clearance

Retailers often have monthly or quarterly sales goals to meet, which means you’ll see markdowns at the end of each month or end of each fiscal quarter (March, June, September, December). These markdowns may not be widely advertised, but in-store employees may offer insider tips or extra discounts during these periods.

Off-Season Shopping

Want to grab a coat for a fraction of the price? Buy it in July. Need swimwear? Shop for it in September. Buying off-season is one of the smartest ways to save big. Retailers mark down items heavily when they’re no longer in high demand.

Final Thoughts

The best time to shop for clothes on sale isn’t just about watching the calendar—it’s about being intentional. Plan your wardrobe needs ahead of time, know what you’re looking for, and keep an eye on seasonal trends. With a little patience and strategic timing, you’ll score stylish pieces for a fraction of the price. Happy shopping!