Clothing prices fluctuate more than shoppers realize. That’s why clearance racks can be a smart place to shop, especially when you know which pieces are worth picking up.
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Many factors, including supply and demand, seasonal trends, competitor pricing and production costs, can impact clothing prices. However, economic policies can, too. For instance, President Trump’s tariffs disproportionately affect clothing and textile prices, as a majority of manufacturing hubs are located in Vietnam, China and Bangladesh.
According to the Budget Lab at Yale, shoppers face 39% higher shoe prices and 37% higher apparel prices over the short term, and prices may stay 19% and 18% higher in the long run, respectively.
When shopping for clothes, here are the best categories to look for when you see those markdowns.
Footwear
Some of the top footwear brands have kept their word about “surgical” price increases. According to Women’s Wear Daily, many brands have raised prices, but only for select shoe styles rather than across-the-board increases.
Between seasons is typically the best time to take advantage of clearance sales, or around major holidays like Black Friday, when new models are released. For example, the best time to buy winter boots is in February or March when retailers make room for spring inventory, while sandals typically go on sale in August during back-to-school sales.
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Seasonal Clothes
Similar to footwear, the best time to buy seasonal clothing is when retailers are clearing shelves to make room for new inventory. Winter coats and sweaters often drop in price at the end of February, just as spring merchandise starts hitting the floor. Alternatively, swimsuits, shorts and summer dresses are heavily discounted in late August and early September once back-to-school promotions take over.
According to Opensend, off-season clearance vents can sometimes reach 50% to 70% to move inventory quickly, while holiday sales make discount items between 25% and 40%.
Jeans
Jeans are an American wardrobe staple, but like most clothing items, denim apparel is typically made abroad. But that doesn’t mean jeans won’t go on clearance.
According to BlessDenim, seasonal sales often make jeans more affordable. Winter clearances often start in January, and BlessDenim recommended shopping early for the best size availability. You may also see lower prices in August during back-to-school sales, especially on youth sizes and basics, as well as in November during Black Friday sales.
Kids’ Clothing
Kids’ clothing is another clothing category that could more than double in price, depending on where they are made, thanks to tariffs, USA Today reported. But kids’ clothes often go on sale during seasonal sales, and because kids are constantly growing, these markdowns give parents the chance to stock up ahead of time without paying full retail price. Kids will inevitably need larger sizes as they grow, so it’s a smart idea to grab a size or two up during sales events.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: The Best Clothing Items To Buy on Clearance in 2025
