When Buying Kids' Clothes A Size Ahead Actually Saves Money

I try to avoid paying full-price for my kids' wardrobe as much as possible; why spend a ton when they'll outgrow it before you know it? One of my favorite shopping tricks is to get seasonal clothes off-season and on sale. However, this tactic only works if you're careful about the size, what you buy, and when.

You may want to stay one size ahead of your kids so you don't have to rush out and buy a whole new wardrobe at full-price when they start outgrowing things. In a discussion about the largest clothing sizes parents buy ahead of time on Reddit, parents debate whether buying larger sizes is worth the risk. The general consensus is that if you find a great deal on something your child will eventually need, buying it now could save money later. 

However, it's important to consider how quickly your child is growing and whether the item will still be appropriate for the season when it fits, as well as how long they can wear it for. One item I consistently buy at least a size-up is coats, which are an easy item for kids to wear a little big. Sweatshirts and t-shirts work much the same way. You may even be able to get more than one season out of these types of items. But shoes, for example, generally shouldn't be worn more than a size too large or it can lead to foot pain. 

Timing matters if you want the biggest discounts. Retailers like Old Navy typically hold clearance sales at the end of each season. Meanwhile, most winter coat clearance happens in the first few months of the year. However, I usually buy my kids' winter coats a size up during the summer months, when I still find sales, because buying nearly a year in advance makes it a bigger risk that your child could simply skip that size in that time period. 

Some stores, like Carter's, have clearance items on sale year-round. But there could be a catch to clearance deals. These items are sometimes final sale, so check the tag or your receipt before stocking up on a size the kids won't wear for months. If you're not sure about sizing, your best bet may be buying ahead during a regular sale when you spot a decent deal, since those purchases are more likely returnable. Just make note of the return window.  

Parents on Reddit also mention that you should only buy what fits in the storage space you already have. Otherwise, that bargain coat may end up forgotten in a bin and discovered after your child has already outgrown it, which pretty much defeats the purpose of buying ahead.