When Is the Smartest Time to Buy Fall Clothing?
The smartest time to buy fall clothing depends on the type of item. Some seasonal essentials sell out quickly and are worth purchasing early, while others become significantly less expensive as the season progresses.
Late July Through August: New Arrivals
Most retailers begin introducing fall collections in late July and throughout August. This is when shoppers will find the widest selection of sizes, colors and styles, but it's also when prices are generally at their highest.
Buying early makes sense for items that are expected to sell out, including:
- Classic leather boots
- Popular denim styles
- Lightweight jackets
- Workwear basics
- Limited edition collaborations
Even during the new arrivals season, savings are still possible. Many retailers offer welcome discounts for new email subscribers, while promo codes can help reduce the overall cost.
Labor Day Sales: The First Major Discounts
Labor Day marks one of the first significant shopping events for fall apparel. Many clothing retailers offer sitewide discounts or category-specific promotions, making it an excellent opportunity to purchase everyday basics without paying full price.
Shoppers commonly find deals on:
- Jeans
- Hoodies
- Activewear
- Flannel shirts
- Children's fall clothing
While markdowns may not be as deep as later in the season, inventory is usually much stronger.
September and October: Midseason Savings
Throughout September and October, retailers continue introducing promotions as they compete for shoppers heading into the holiday season. Weekly sales become more common, and coupons are often easier to find.
This is typically a smart time to shop for:
- Sweaters
- Cardigans
- Casual dresses
- Fall accessories
- Layering pieces
Many stores also begin marking down early fall merchandise to make room for heavier winter apparel.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Some of the Year's Biggest Clothing Deals
For shoppers who can wait, Black Friday and Cyber Monday often deliver some of the largest apparel discounts of the year. Many retailers offer:
- Sitewide percentage-off sales
- Doorbuster pricing
- Buy-one-get-one promotions
- Free shipping
- Increased cash back opportunities
This is often one of the most optimal times to purchase outerwear, boots and premium brands that rarely see significant discounts earlier in the season.
December and January: Clearance Pricing
As retailers transition to spring merchandise, remaining fall and winter inventory is heavily discounted.
While sizes and colors may become limited, shoppers can often find excellent prices on:
- Sweaters
- Jackets
- Cold-weather accessories
- Boots
- Holiday apparel
This is also a valuable opportunity to buy classic pieces for the following year.
What Should Be Purchased Early?
Waiting for a sale doesn't always lead to a strong outcome. Certain items frequently sell out before meaningful discounts arrive.
Consider purchasing these items early if a specific style or size is important:
- Leather boots
- Popular sneaker releases
- Classic denim
- Tailored blazers
- Neutral outerwear
- Limited edition collections
Staple wardrobe pieces often provide long-term value, making a modest early-season discount worthwhile.
What Can Wait Until Later?
Fashion-forward pieces and seasonal trends generally receive larger markdowns as demand slows.
These items are often worth waiting to purchase:
- Graphic sweatshirts
- Fashion sweaters
- Trend-driven jackets
- Scarves
- Seasonal handbags
- Decorative accessories
Patience can often result in savings of 40% or more during major promotional events or end-of-season clearance sales.
Common Mistakes That Cost Shoppers More
Even experienced bargain hunters can accidentally spend more than necessary.
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Purchasing every fall item as soon as it launches.
- Ignoring retailer loyalty programs.
- Forgetting to check for available coupons.
- Paying for shipping when free shipping promotions are available.
- Buying trendy items before major seasonal sales.
Planning purchases around the retail calendar often leads to significantly better savings.
previous