Timing Your Winter Wardrobe Purchases: Essential Tips and Advice

Even though some parts of the U.S. are seeing snow right now, many of us are starting to look forward to the warmth of spring. It might still be winter according to the calendar, but stores are already putting swimsuits on display, which seems a bit early considering it’s only February. But if summer clothes are already here, when is the best time to buy winter wear?

End of Season:
If you’re a parent, you know how quickly kids grow out of clothes—sometimes even in the middle of a season, which can be a hassle. However, if they outgrow their clothes at the end of a season, it can save you some money. As winter wraps up, it’s wise to try and make do without buying anything new for now. If you can wait, you’ll find major discounts as stores look to clear out their winter stock to make space for summer items. This means you can snag some great deals in the weeks ahead, even though the selection might not be as broad.

Prime Time:
If there are specific winter items or sizes you need, waiting until the end of the season might not be ideal. The problem is that your desired items could sell out, forcing you to pay full price when the next winter collection arrives. To avoid this, it’s better to shop now or even a couple of weeks earlier if you need something specific.

Typically, winter sales kick off after New Year’s and get better through February, with the biggest discounts hitting by the end of February. Waiting until March might leave you with slim pickings.

Consignment Sales:
Though not everyone’s cup of tea, buying second-hand clothes can be a great option. I’ve found brand-new items with tags still on them at consignment shops. If you’re okay with pre-loved goods, this is worth checking out. Just note that consignment sales have a different schedule than regular stores—they sell fall/winter gear around September or October and spring/summer clothes in February or March. So, for winter clothes, September or October is your best bet.

Additional Tip:
A lesser-known trick is taking advantage of annual inventory counts that retailers conduct during this period. Since this is a chore most store staff dread, retailers often reduce stock to make the process easier. This means more discounts for you! Look out for signs of inventory management, like big markers or tags on items, and head for the clearance rack. You can also ask an employee about inventory dates, visit a few days before with your shopping list, and enjoy some fantastic deals.

Winter Apparel Strategy:
Though we’re dreaming of warm, sunny beaches right now, it’s wise to plan ahead for winter clothing needs to make the most of our budgets. Here’s how you can land great deals on winter gear:

– Shop just after New Year’s for specific items or sizes with decent discounts.
– For the biggest savings, hold off until late February or early March.
– Find out when your favorite stores carry out inventory counts and shop a few days before then for huge discounts.
– If second-hand doesn’t bother you and you need winter clothes, wait until the fall/winter consignment sales in September or October.

By following these tips, you can build up your winter wardrobe without blowing your budget. I’d love to hear any other shopping hacks you have for finding great deals on winter apparel!