Should you buy school clothes early or wait for sales

Verdict: Buy a small set now, wait on the rest. Kids outgrow things fast, and fall clearance is often cheaper.

Should you buy school clothes early? Buy a few basics, then wait. A week or two of outfits is enough to start. Add more in the fall when stores clear stock and you know what fits.

The reason is growth. A child can change a size in a few months. A full wardrobe bought in July may not fit by October. Back to school clothing sales also tend to be modest at the start of the season. Deeper markdowns usually come after school begins.

What should you buy now?

Buy items that wear out first or are needed on day one: shoes, socks, underwear, jeans or school uniform pieces. If the school has a dress code, check it before you shop.

What should you wait on?

Wait on coats, sweaters, extra shirts and anything seasonal. Fall and winter clearance often lowers prices on these. See best time to buy winter coats and boots for how that pattern works.

What is the exception?

If the child is between sizes, or the item is hard to find in their size, buy earlier. Also buy early if the school requires a uniform with limited stock.

For other school items, see when to buy school supplies to pay less. Check the store's return policy before you buy, since kids change their mind.

How many outfits are enough?

Enough for one week of school, plus gym or sports gear. That is about five tops, three bottoms, a coat and shoes. You can fill gaps in the next month. A short list also makes it easier to compare prices and keep to a cap.

Wash and check each piece when it comes home. Remove tags only when you are sure it fits, so you can still return it.