School shopping goes faster when you already know which stores fit your budget, the student's age, the dress code and the look they actually want. The 15 places below cover cheap basics, sturdy uniforms, trend-led teen clothes, college wardrobes and secondhand finds. Before any order, I go through the current closet, write down missing sizes and plan a few mix-and-match outfits, because random single pieces are where most of a back-to-school budget disappears. Prices move around through the season. Big retailers usually start promotions in summer, and later markdowns can fill whatever gaps are left once classes begin, so it pays to compare sale, clearance and loyalty offers before checkout.
A Closet Count That Stops Duplicate Buys
The cheapest piece is the one you don't buy twice. Before any store or website, I empty the student's drawers onto the bed and sort everything into three piles: fits and gets worn, fits but never worn, and outgrown or worn out. The middle pile is the useful one. It tells you what the student won't wear, which is exactly what not to buy again.
- Try on every pair of bottoms, since kids outgrow length before width
- Count what's left by category: bottoms, tops, layers, shoes, gym clothes
- Write down sizes for each category right now, while they're fresh
- List the gaps, then decide which store above covers most of them in one trip
Shoes are the category people forget to measure. Feet grow over summer, and a pair that fit in June can pinch by September, so measure both feet standing up before ordering.
1. Old Navy Back To School Clothes
Old Navy is a practical first stop for cheap school outfits that mix across a week. Its casual range usually covers jeans, joggers, leggings, graphic tees, polos, sweaters and light jackets for most ages. My order of operations here: neutral bottoms first, in denim, black, navy or khaki, then colorful tops to stop those basics feeling repetitive. Families with several students can build whole outfits without driving to specialty stores. If there's a dress code, check the uniform section, and look at multipacks for everyday tees. Budget knits can thin out after a season of washing, so I treat them as replaceable rather than long-term pieces. Promotions are frequent; compare the sale price against clearance before paying.
2. Target Back To School Clothes
Target is convenient for a quick refresh because tops, bottoms, shoes, backpacks and accessories all land in one order or one trip. For younger kids, I'd go for soft tees, pull-on pants, comfortable sneakers and a zip-up layer. Teens and college students can look at relaxed jeans, fitted basics, casual dresses, activewear and simple outerwear. It's most useful when clothing is only part of a longer list that includes supplies or dorm items. In the aisle, hold knit tops up to the light: if you can see your hand clearly through a tee, it will twist and lose shape in the wash. Check adjustable waistbands and care labels too. Target Circle offers can add savings on eligible purchases.
3. Walmart Back To School Clothes
On a tight budget with lots of categories to cover, Walmart is a straightforward place to start. It handles classroom basics, gym clothes, uniforms, socks, underwear, shoes and weather layers. A simple rotation goes a long way: two or three bottoms, several tops, one sweatshirt and dependable sneakers give many combinations from a short list. Quality varies a lot between brands and even between pieces, so I check the inside seams for loose threads and give waistbands a stretch to see whether they snap back. Online usually shows more colors and sizes than a local store, and pickup simplifies a large order. College students can add casual clothes to a dorm and supplies run.
4. Kohl’s Back To School Clothes
Kohl's suits households shopping across different ages, sizes and tastes at once. It carries casual basics, denim, activewear, uniforms, shoes, accessories and familiar national brands, so whole outfits come together in one place. A younger student might wear a graphic tee with joggers, sneakers and a hoodie; a teen, straight-leg jeans with a simple knit and retro sneakers. College students can find layers that move from class to weekend. Coupons, rewards and brand exclusions can change the total, so read the fine print. I shop by outfit here, not by item. Picking a top only once you know which bottom it goes with stops the bag filling up with pieces that match nothing at home.
5. H&M Back To School Clothes
H&M is worth a look when students want current styles at accessible prices. It's useful for relaxed jeans, cargo pants, knit tops, sweatshirts, casual dresses, overshirts and coordinated sets. My rule with trend-heavy stores is one current piece surrounded by basics. Wide-leg jeans with a fitted tee, cardigan and sneakers is an easy class outfit, and an overshirt doubles as a light jacket when fall temperatures swing. Read the garment measurements when ordering online, especially for oversized or cropped cuts, since the same size can fit very differently across styles. Students with dress codes should check lengths and coverage. Machine-washable fabrics make the most-worn outfits much easier to keep up.
6. Gap Back To School Clothes
Gap is where I'd look for basics meant to outlast the first semester. Jeans, chinos, Oxford shirts, knit dresses, sweatshirts, polos and denim jackets can all be restyled through the year. Straight jeans, a striped tee, white sneakers and a light jacket is a simple outfit; chinos with a polo, cardigan and loafers is the neater version. Gap Kids covers younger shoppers, and the main collection fits older teens and college students. Promotions can bring the pricier staples within reach. Spend on what will be worn most, and skip anything that duplicates a piece already in the closet. A sturdy denim jacket that gets worn three days a week is better value than three tops worn once.
7. The Children’s Place Back To School Clothes
The Children's Place is built around younger kids who need clothes for classrooms, playgrounds and after-school activities. It's handy for graphic tops, uniform pieces, denim, pull-on pants, dresses, leggings and matching sets. Start with bottoms that fit securely without limiting movement, then choose tops that go with at least two of them, which gets more outfits from a smaller purchase. Adjustable waists help growing kids. Children who are bothered by itchy seams or labels often do better in tag-free, soft garments, and it's worth asking them to wear a new top around the house before tags come off. Multipacks simplify basics. Check the school's rules on graphics, skirt lengths and uniform colors first.
8. Carter’s Back To School Clothes
Carter's is convenient for preschool and early elementary wardrobes, with soft fabrics and coordinated pieces that are simple to match on busy mornings. Look at cotton tees, stretchy jeans, leggings, joggers, casual dresses, sweatshirts and easy-on shoes. Sets cut down on decisions, but separates make more combinations over a week. For kids starting preschool or kindergarten, I check every fastening: can they manage the button, snap or zipper on their own in a bathroom? Elastic waists and velcro shoes save a lot of trouble. Reinforced knees and washable fabrics help on active days. Leave a little growing room, but not so much that sleeves and hems become a tripping or comfort problem.
9. American Eagle Back To School Clothes
American Eagle is a common choice for teens and college students who build casual outfits around denim. Straight-leg jeans, a fitted or relaxed tee, sneakers and a light overshirt make a dependable campus look, and the store also carries sweatshirts, cargo pants, skirts and sweaters. Find the jean cut first, because fit varies noticeably between rises and silhouettes. Sit down in the fitting room: a waistband that gaps at the back or digs in when you sit will bother you every single day. Then choose tops that work with both denim and the neutral bottoms already at home. One statement piece updates several familiar outfits; a whole wardrobe built on one trend won't last. Compare online stock when a wash or size is missing locally.
10. Abercrombie Back To School Clothes
Abercrombie suits older teens and college students who want polished casual clothes in current proportions. Its range often supports outfits built on relaxed denim, tailored pants, knit tops, button-downs, sweaters and simple outerwear. Loose jeans with a tucked tee, cardigan, clean sneakers and a structured tote is an easy class outfit; tailored trousers, a fitted knit, loafers and a light jacket is the dressier one. Many pieces cost more than mass-market basics, so one or two versatile garments make more sense than a big haul. Check measurements and fit notes before ordering. Dress codes should guide anything cropped, short or distressed.
11. Nordstrom Rack Back To School Clothes
Nordstrom Rack is for shoppers who like hunting for recognizable brands at lower prices. The inventory changes constantly and can include denim, activewear, sweaters, dresses, sneakers, backpacks and jackets for teens, college students and adults. Go in with a specific list, because the sheer volume invites impulse buys. Dark jeans, supportive sneakers, a neutral sweater and a weather-resistant jacket is a sensible target. Check fit, care requirements and return eligibility before tags come off. Sizes and colors sell through fast, so never count on one specific piece to complete the wardrobe. The best finds are the ones that coordinate with several outfits you already have.
12. Burlington Back To School Clothes
Burlington lets budget-minded families look for discounted clothes, shoes, backpacks and accessories in one trip. Stock differs from store to store, so it suits flexible shoppers rather than anyone after one exact item. I'd arrive with categories, colors and a price ceiling written down, then fill in complete combinations: jeans with a sweatshirt and sneakers, or a casual dress with a cardigan and flats. Merchandise comes from many labels, so test zippers, check buttons and look at seams and fabric condition before buying. Teens can find trendier pieces next to basics and activewear. If one visit doesn't produce the right size, don't settle for a poor fit just because the price looks good.
13. Macy’s Back To School Clothes
Macy's has broad brand variety for families shopping for younger kids, teens, college students and even teachers. Departments usually cover denim, dresses, activewear, uniforms, casual tops, outerwear, shoes and accessories, which helps when several people have different tastes but need one stop. A younger student might wear chinos, a polo and sneakers; an older one, jeans, a sweater and a practical crossbody. Online, filter by size, price, color and brand to cut the scrolling. Department-store promotions often carry detailed exclusions, so confirm the final price in the cart. I'd cover the everyday pieces first and leave special-occasion outfits for later, since they get worn far less.
14. Lands’ End Back To School Clothes
Lands' End is a solid source for school uniforms and traditional basics. Families can find polos, button-downs, chinos, skirts, skorts, sweaters, jumpers and outerwear in standard school colors. Get the school's exact uniform guidelines before ordering, because they may specify shades, logos, lengths or approved garment types, and navy from two different makers rarely matches. Buy enough to cover laundry days without overbuying a size a growing child will be out of by spring. A full uniform outfit might be a polo, chinos, a cardigan, supportive shoes and a weather-ready jacket. Compare care needs, stain resistance and adjustable waists. Ordering early gives better access to colors and sizes before the rush.
15. Thrift And Consignment Back To School Clothes
Thrift stores, children's resale shops and teen consignment stores stretch a clothing budget and keep wearable garments in use. They're especially good for denim, jackets, sweaters, uniforms, occasion pieces and kids' sizes that get outgrown in months. Shop with a tape measure rather than trusting the label, since washing and wear change how secondhand clothes fit. I check underarms for staining, knees and hems for wear, every fastener and the soles of shoes. Vintage jeans, a cotton tee, a cardigan, clean sneakers and a backpack you already own make a full secondhand outfit. Consignment racks are more selective, while thrift stores take more digging. Online resale widens the choice, but count shipping when comparing value.
Five Quality Checks That Take a Minute
Price tags don't tell you how a garment will hold up, but a quick look does. I run these checks in the fitting room, or the day an online order arrives, before anything is washed or tags are cut.
- Pull gently at a side seam; if the stitches gape and show light, the seam will split
- Stretch the waistband and let go; it should spring back right away
- Look at the pattern at the seams, since stripes that don't line up suggest rushed cutting
- Feel the fabric weight on tees and leggings; thin knits pill and go sheer fastest
- Check that buttons are sewn on firmly and zippers run smoothly to the end
Room to Grow Without Swimming in It
Buying a size up for growing kids makes sense, but only by one size, and only in pieces that adjust. Pants with an adjustable inner waistband can be cinched now and let out later, and an extra inch of hem can be cuffed. Tops and jackets are harder, because sleeves that cover the hands get in the way of writing and eating.
Shoes and uniforms are the exceptions. Too-big shoes cause trips and blisters, so buy for the foot they have now. Uniforms get inspected and photographed, so a sloppy fit stands out. I'd buy two uniform sets at the current size in August and plan to replace them midyear if needed.
Shop the Gaps, Then Stop
The best school wardrobe isn't the biggest one. It's a short set of comfortable pieces that fit, follow the rules and go together. The stores above cover low-cost basics, uniforms, trend-focused teen clothes, college outfits, discounted brands and secondhand. Go through what still fits, write a list from the real gaps, and set a budget per student. Shoes, bottoms and layers deserve the money first. A smaller first round is smart too, because students often change their minds about what they want once classes start and they see what everyone else wears.
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