Tips for Cutting Down On Clothing and Online Shopping Expenses in 2025
In the midst of ongoing trade wars and tariffs on imported goods, finding deals on clothing and online shopping can be a challenge. However, there are several strategies you can follow to minimize the impact of tariffs and still score great bargains.
- Take Advantage of Major Sales Events
During sales events like Amazon Prime Day, you can find deep discounts on popular brands and fashion lines. Prime Day 2025 featured strong deals from brands like Levi’s, Madewell, and Amazon Essentials. Comparing prices across multiple retailers can help you find the best deals, as tariffs may cause price fluctuations at different stores.
- Opt for Domestically Produced Clothing or Gently Used Goods
Choosing domestically produced clothing or gently used items can help you avoid tariff-related price increases. Online consignment stores such as The RealReal, Poshmark, and ThredUp offer high-quality, gently used clothing at steep discounts. For instance, a men's Polo Ralph Lauren jacket that typically sells for $350 was recently available at The RealReal for $115.
- Leverage Coupons, Discount Codes, and Money-Saving Apps
Using coupons, discount codes, and money-saving apps like Capital One Shopping or Fetch can help you track deals and earn rewards during purchases. Capital One Shopping provides automatic coupon application and price drop alerts, while SlickDeals automatically applies coupons and offers cash-back at retail websites.
- Sign Up for Store Loyalty Programs
Signing up for store loyalty programs where you frequently shop can provide exclusive deals and promotions. These programs can help you save money in the long run.
- Maximize Credit Card Rewards
The right credit card can provide rewards, shipping upgrades, and savings for online shopping. However, it's essential to pay off your balance in full to avoid interest charges.
- Watch for Clearance and Closeout Sales
Department stores like Macy’s frequently feature markdowns on clothing and accessories from well-known brands during clearance and closeout sales.
- Shop Out of Season
Shopping out of season can help save money on clothing, according to stylist Breyana Wright. By purchasing items when they are no longer in season, you can take advantage of post-season sales and discounts.
- Find Bargain Prices at Wholesale Clubs
Costco Wholesale and Sam's Club often have brand-name clothes and shoes at bargain prices. For example, a pair of men's Adidas fleece pants was recently sold by Sam's Club for less than $12, and a Nicole Miller wrap dress was listed on Costco.com for $20 on sale.
Online shopping tools like CamelCamelCamel can help you track fast-changing prices on Amazon.com, while platforms like Poshmark offer designer items at significantly reduced prices. For instance, an Emporio Armani dress had an $89 price tag on Poshmark, compared with a $434 retail price.
By combining these strategies — strategic timing during sales events, focusing on domestic or used goods, leveraging coupons and apps, and maximizing credit card rewards — you can mitigate the impact of tariffs and find good deals on clothing and online shopping amid trade tensions.
- For home-and-garden items, explore wholesale clubs like Costco Wholesale and Sam's Club, known for offering bargain prices on branded household goods.
- During the off-season, consider shopping for lifestyle products, as you can often find great deals on out-of-season items during post-season sales.
- To stay updated on deals and discounts, subscribe to the email lists or mobile app alerts from your preferred retail stores, home-and-garden outlets, and shopping platforms like deals-and-discounts for the latest offerings.
