Walking through the Costco sales aisles, you might be tempted to grab a bulk pack of T-shirts or a discounted winter jacket without a second thought. However, for the savvy shopper, Costco’s apparel deals are not just about grabbing the lowest price—they are about maximizing value per wear, understanding fabric quality, and timing your purchases against seasonal inventory cycles. This practical guide breaks down the strategies that turn a routine Costco run into a wardrobe win, covering everything from reading price tags to identifying hidden clearance.

Decoding Costco’s Apparel Pricing and Markdown System

Costco uses a specific internal pricing code that signals when an item is at its lowest price point. Understanding this system is the first step to locking in real savings on clothing and accessories.

The Price Tag Code: What the Asterisk Means

Look at the upper right corner of any price sign on the sales floor. If you see an asterisk (*) next to the item number, that product will not be restocked. This is a final clearance indicator. The price itself tells you the markdown level:

  • .97 price: This is a manager’s markdown, often a clearance or a one-time deal to move inventory. This is usually the best price you will find on that item.
  • .00 price: Typically indicates a store-level markdown, often for damaged packaging or end-of-season stock.
  • .49 or .79 price: These are manufacturer markdowns or promotional discounts, not necessarily the final clearance price.

When you see a .97 price combined with an asterisk, buy it immediately. That item is at its lowest possible price and will not be restocked. Waiting even a week could mean losing the size or color you want.

Understanding Costco’s Apparel Sourcing

Costco does not manufacture its own clothing. Instead, it buys excess inventory, overruns, or closeouts from major brands like Tommy Bahama, Columbia, Adidas, and Eddie Bauer. This means the quality is often comparable to what you would find in department stores, but at a fraction of the retail price because Costco negotiates bulk deals. The downside is that selection is unpredictable—you cannot rely on a specific style or color being available next month.

Seasonal Timing: When to Buy What at Costco

Costco follows a predictable seasonal calendar for apparel. Shopping against the current season yields the deepest discounts.

Spring and Summer Apparel (March – July)

Lightweight jackets, swimwear, shorts, and polo shirts hit the floor in early spring. The best deals on these items appear in late June through July, when Costco begins clearing summer stock to make room for fall merchandise. Look for .97 prices on swim trunks and linen shirts during this window. Do not expect deep discounts on basic T-shirts or socks—these are year-round staples that rarely go on clearance.

Fall and Winter Apparel (August – December)

Coats, fleece jackets, thermal underwear, and boots arrive in August and September. The prime buying window for winter gear is late November through December, after Black Friday. Costco often discounts winter coats by 30-50% off the original shelf price during this period. Avoid buying winter apparel in October unless you need it immediately—prices will drop.

Clearance Cycles and End-of-Season Sales

Costco does not run traditional clearance sales like department stores. Instead, items are marked down incrementally over a few weeks. A jacket priced at $49.99 might drop to $39.97, then to $29.97, and finally to $19.97 with an asterisk. The trick is to check the price tag weekly. If you see a .97 price without an asterisk, you can often wait one more week for a further reduction, but you risk losing the item entirely.

Practical Shopping Strategies for Maximum Savings

Beyond price tags, there are tactical moves you can make to ensure you are getting the best deal on apparel at Costco.

Compare Cost Per Wear, Not Just Price

A $15 T-shirt that falls apart after three washes is a worse deal than a $30 T-shirt that lasts two years. Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand is a reliable benchmark for durability. For example, Kirkland Signature men’s dress shirts (around $25) are made with 100% cotton and reinforced seams, often outlasting shirts from mid-tier department stores. When evaluating a deal, ask yourself: “How many times will I actually wear this?” A $40 winter coat is a steal if you live in a cold climate, but a waste if you need it only for one trip.

Check the Fabric Content Label

Costco sells a mix of natural fibers and synthetics. For everyday wear, prioritize cotton, merino wool, or linen over polyester blends, which can pill and retain odors. Look for the “100% cotton” or “merino wool” label on Kirkland Signature items. Avoid “polyester/cotton blend” for activewear unless it is specifically designed for wicking moisture. A common mistake is assuming a low price means low quality—Costco’s sourcing means you can often get high-quality fabrics at discount prices, but only if you read the label.

Understand Sizing Inconsistencies

Because Costco sources from multiple manufacturers, sizing can vary significantly between brands. A large in a Columbia jacket may fit differently than a large in a Tommy Bahama shirt. Always try on apparel in the warehouse if possible. Costco has a generous return policy on clothing, but returning a clearance item that is now out of stock is frustrating. If you are buying online, order two sizes and return the one that does not fit—Costco covers return shipping for most items.

Common Mistakes Shoppers Make on Costco Apparel

Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your savings are real, not illusory.

Buying Impulse Items Without a Plan

Costco’s layout is designed to encourage impulse buys. A $20 pair of casual pants might seem like a great deal, but if you already own five similar pairs, you are not saving money—you are spending money on something you do not need. Stick to a list of wardrobe gaps before entering the store. If you see a deal on an item you had not considered, ask yourself: “Would I pay full price for this at a department store?” If the answer is no, skip it.

Ignoring the Return Policy on Clearance Items

Costco’s return policy is famously generous, but it applies to clearance items as well. You can return a clearance jacket for a full refund within 90 days (or longer for electronics). However, if you buy a final-sale item (marked “as-is” or with a damaged box), returns may be limited. Always check the return policy sign near the checkout. Do not assume a clearance item is non-returnable—most are fully returnable.

Overlooking the Online-Only Apparel Selection

Costco.com often carries a wider selection of apparel than the warehouse, including higher-end brands and exclusive colors. Online prices may differ from in-store prices, and shipping is usually free on orders over $75. If you are looking for a specific brand or size, check the website before driving to the store. Online clearance sections (often labeled “Special Buy” or “Limited Time”) can offer deeper discounts than the warehouse floor.

Tools and Resources for Smart Apparel Shopping

Use these tools to track deals and compare prices without wasting time.

Price Tracking Apps and Websites

While Costco does not offer price matching, third-party tools can help you monitor price drops on apparel. Websites like CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon) and PriceGrabber are less useful for Costco, but you can use Google Shopping to compare Costco’s price against other retailers. For in-store shopping, the Costco app allows you to scan barcodes and see the current price, but it does not show historical pricing. Keep a mental note of the original price when you first see an item—if you return a week later and the price is lower, you can request a price adjustment at customer service within 30 days of purchase.

Using the Costco App for Inventory Checks

The Costco app does not show real-time inventory for apparel in most warehouses, but it does list online-only items and current promotions. Before heading to the store, check the app for “Instant Savings” coupons on apparel. These are typically manufacturer rebates that apply at checkout. For example, a $10 off coupon on a $50 jacket can bring the effective price down significantly. Combine these coupons with clearance prices for maximum savings.

When to Walk Away: Recognizing a Bad Deal

Not every discount at Costco is worth your money. Here are signs that an apparel deal is not as good as it seems.

Fabric Quality Red Flags

If the fabric feels thin, scratchy, or has loose threads, the item is likely a low-quality closeout. Costco sometimes sells “seconds” or factory rejects from major brands. Check the seams, zippers, and buttons. A zipper that feels sticky or a button that is loosely attached indicates poor construction. Do not buy an item just because it is cheap—poor quality clothing is a waste of money, no matter the price.

Seasonal Mismatch

Buying a heavy winter coat in July might seem like a great deal, but it will take up closet space for months. If you do not need the item within the next 30 days, consider whether the savings are worth the storage hassle. Costco’s inventory changes rapidly, and a coat you buy in July might be marked down even further in November. Wait until you actually need the item to buy it, unless the price is so low that it is a clear outlier (e.g., a $100 coat for $20).

Practical Takeaway

Costco apparel deals are real, but they require a disciplined approach. Learn to read the price tag codes, especially the .97 markdown and the asterisk. Shop against the season—buy summer clothes in July and winter coats in December. Always check the fabric label and compare cost per wear, not just the sticker price. Avoid impulse buys by sticking to a list, and use the Costco app to track online-only deals and coupons. When you see a .97 price on a quality item you actually need, buy it without hesitation. Otherwise, walk away and wait for the next markdown cycle. With these strategies, you can build a durable, high-quality wardrobe at a fraction of retail cost.