Buying Clothes in the US: Where Locals Actually Shop
Newcomers tend to overpay for clothes in the first months — shopping full-price at malls because nobody told them where locals actually buy. These patterns come from expat and deal forums (Dealmoon, student guides, shopping threads). Here's the playbook.
The off-price circuit: Ross, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Nordstrom Rack
What it looks like: You walk into a mall department store and pay full price for a $80 shirt. Meanwhile locals buy the same brands at Ross, Marshalls, or TJ Maxx for half — or grab quality basics at Costco. Nordstrom Rack is the slightly-upscale version of the same game.
Why newcomers fall for it: Nobody tells you the circuit exists. Department stores are the most visible option, so you default to them.
How to avoid it: Make Ross/Marshalls/TJ Maxx your first stop, not your last resort — sizes are incomplete, so buy when you see something that fits. Costco is excellent for basics (socks, tees, jeans). Never pay full price at department stores: wait for clearance, and ask at Macy's whether they still offer the visitor discount card (historically ~10% off with a foreign passport — policies vary by store, ask at checkout).
Sizing traps: US sizes run large
What it looks like: US brands generally run large, and sizing is inconsistent — a "size 8" in one brand is a "size 10" in another. Women's shoes typically need half a size to a full size down from what you'd expect. Target and Walmart clothes are cheap but skew toward older, darker styles.
Why newcomers fall for it: You order your home-country size online and nothing fits; returns eat your time and shipping.
How to avoid it: For any unfamiliar brand, try it on in-store first and memorize your measurements, not your "M." Women's shoe shoppers: start half a size down.
Petite sections and brands that run small
What it looks like: Shorter shoppers drown in regular cuts. Meanwhile some popular brands run small: Aritzia (the "international student uniform") is famously small — start from XXS/00. Reformation also runs small; size up one.
Why newcomers fall for it: You assume all US brands follow the same generous sizing. They don't.
How to avoid it: Filter for the Petite section when shopping online (brands like Petite Studio cater to shoppers under ~162cm). Check buyer photos from people your height — deal forums consistently say same-height reviews are the most useful reference. Leave a week for shipping plus exchanges when ordering online.
Outlets, clearance seasons, and daigou
What it looks like: Outlets have deep discounts but incomplete sizes — the good stuff in your size sells out fast. Clearance seasons hit around January and July. And if you buy through a daigou (overseas shopper), a wrong size usually means no return at all.
Why newcomers fall for it: You treat outlets like regular stores (browse later, decide later) and assume daigou offers the same returns as official channels.
How to avoid it: At outlets, buy on the spot when something fits — it won't be there next week. Time big purchases for January/July clearance. For work clothes, outlets are the consensus pick for basics; for casual wear, locals split between Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, and brand stores. Remember: a US "XS" is the smallest ADULT size, not kids' sizing — and with daigou, there's no official return channel, so save expensive items for returnable retailers. Keep your chest/sleeve/length measurements in a phone note instead of saying "I usually wear M."
Frequently asked questions
Where do locals buy work clothes?
The deal-forum consensus: outlet stores for basics and familiar brands (once you know your size in that brand), department stores only during clearance. Don't expect supermarket brands to cover formal occasions — go to a proper store for suits and dresses.
Why does nothing fit when I order online?
US vanity sizing plus brand inconsistency. Try on in-store first, learn your measurements, and check same-height buyer photos before ordering.
Is Costco clothing actually any good?
For basics, yes — that's the forum consensus. Socks, undershirts, jeans, and seasonal staples at prices mall stores can't touch. It's not fashion-forward, but it's the value floor everything else is measured against.
Sources
- https://www.dealmoon.com/post/3226533
- https://www.dealmoon.com/guide/966415
- https://www.dealmoon.com/guide/763771
- https://mtoutiao.xdf.cn/usa/202203/11625801.html
- https://enjoyday.tw/chapter-321
- https://post.smzdm.com/p/ak8kxl38/
- https://post.smzdm.com/p/awwo3rkp/