Buying Clothes in Canada: Where to Shop and What Newcomers Get Wrong
Newcomers consistently spend more on clothes than locals do — not because clothes are expensive in Canada, but because they don't know the discount circuits, the sizing quirks, or when to buy. Here's what forum regulars wish someone had told them on day one.
1. Skip full-price malls — learn the discount circuit
What happens: New arrivals buy everything at full price in malls and department stores. Locals shop the off-price circuit: Winners and Marshalls for brand-name clothes at half price, Value Village and Salvation Army for thrift, Costco for cheap basics, and end-of-season clearance everywhere. One newcomer guide puts it bluntly: you spend more than locals at first simply because you don't know the tricks yet.
Why newcomers get it wrong: In many countries, malls are the default; nobody tells you the same brands sit at Winners for 40–60% off.
What to do instead: Make Winners/Marshalls your first stop for new brand-name pieces. Hit Value Village for thrift finds (especially winter coats — see below). Use the Flipp app to browse flyers and catch sales. One caveat from deal hunters: off-price stores have incomplete sizes, so buy it when you see it in your size.
2. Sizing surprises: North American sizes run large (except Aritzia)
What happens: US and Canadian brand sizing runs large and inconsistent — the numbered system (0–20) doesn't map to anything you know, and women's shoes often need to go a half to a full size down. Then there's the famous exception: Aritzia, the Canadian brand jokingly called the "uniform of Chinese international students," runs SMALL — shoppers are told to start from XXS or 00. Reformation runs small too (size up). European brands like Mexx or Benetton, meanwhile, cost far more in Canada than in Europe.
Why newcomers get it wrong: You guess from your home-country size and order online, then waste weeks on returns.
What to do instead: For any unfamiliar brand, try on in-store first. Memorize your actual measurements, not "M." Check buyer reviews from people your height before ordering online, and leave buffer time for exchanges. Petite lines are your friend if you're on the smaller side.
3. Winter gear: don't buy it at full price downtown
What happens: Newcomers either freeze through their first winter in a fashion coat or panic-buy a $500+ parka at the first downtown mall store. Both are mistakes.
Why newcomers get it wrong: You underestimate what -20°C actually demands, then overcorrect at the worst possible price.
What to do instead: Buy BEFORE winter during off-season sales. Expensive doesn't automatically mean better — check the insulation, windproofing, and waterproof ratings rather than the brand. Thrift stores are goldmines for quality coats and boots. Amazon Canada works for cheap thermal layers and gloves. Your winter kit (parka, boots, layers, gloves, hat) doesn't have to cost a fortune if you time it right.
4. Sale timing: Boxing Day and end-of-season clearance
What happens: Newcomers buy winter gear in November at full price, then watch it go 50% off in February.
Why newcomers get it wrong: Nobody tells you Canada's sale calendar.
What to do instead: Boxing Day (December 26) is Canada's biggest sale day — electronics, clothes, everything. For seasonal gear, buy at the END of the season: winter coats in March–April, summer clothes in August–September. Combine off-price stores with clearance timing and you'll routinely pay half or less.
Frequently asked questions
Is Aritzia really that small?
Yes — that's the consistent word from shoppers. Start from XXS/00 and work up, and check reviews from buyers close to your height and build before ordering online.
Where do locals actually buy winter boots?
Off-season sales, thrift stores, and Winners — not full-price downtown mall stores. A good pair doesn't require a premium brand.
Are online returns easy in Canada?
Generally yes at major retailers — keep tags and receipts and mind the return window (often 30 days, sometimes longer). That's another reason to prefer retailers with physical stores for unfamiliar brands.
Sources
- https://www.passage.com/students/blog/where-to-buy-cheap-clothes-in-canada
- https://correresmidestino.com/guide-clothes-shopping-canada/
- https://www.dealmoon.com/post/3226533
- https://www.bproo.com/en/articles/first-winter-in-canada-newcomer-guide
- https://mtoutiao.xdf.cn/usa/202203/11625801.html