May 2026 Buying Guide

Should You Buy Fashion in May?

May Rating:3/5 - Average

May Verdict

May is an average month for fashion purchases. Memorial Day sales; Nordstrom Anniversary Sale early access for cardholders

Rating3/5

Typical Savings25-40% off

Best MonthJanuary

Month-by-Month Price Calendar

When prices are lowest throughout the year

Best Great OK Wait

Jan

Best

40-70% off

Post-holiday clearance on winter clothing; deepest markdowns of the year

Feb

20-40% off

Presidents Day sales; winter clearance continues but selection thins

Mar

Wait

10-25% off

New spring arrivals at full price; limited deals

Apr

Wait

10-20% off

Spring inventory at full price; occasional Easter promotions

May

25-40% off

Memorial Day sales; Nordstrom Anniversary Sale early access for cardholders

Jun

20-30% off

Mid-season markdowns begin; early summer sales

Jul

Best

50-70% off

End-of-summer clearance begins; Nordstrom Anniversary Sale; July 4th deals

Aug

Great

50-70% off

Summer clearance deepens; back-to-school sitewide promotions

Sep

Wait

10-20% off

New fall arrivals at full price; Labor Day brings modest deals

Oct

Wait

10-20% off

Fall inventory at full price; limited promotions

Nov

Best

30-60% off

Black Friday and Cyber Monday; sitewide sales on current-season styles

Dec

Great

30-50% off

Holiday promotions and after-Christmas clearance begins late month

Jan

Best

40-70% offPost-holiday clearance on winter clothing; deepest markdowns of the yearBest

Feb

20-40% offPresidents Day sales; winter clearance continues but selection thins

Mar

Wait

10-25% offNew spring arrivals at full price; limited deals

Apr

Wait

10-20% offSpring inventory at full price; occasional Easter promotions

May

25-40% offMemorial Day sales; Nordstrom Anniversary Sale early access for cardholders

Jun

20-30% offMid-season markdowns begin; early summer sales

Jul

Best

50-70% offEnd-of-summer clearance begins; Nordstrom Anniversary Sale; July 4th deals

Aug

Great

50-70% offSummer clearance deepens; back-to-school sitewide promotions

Sep

Wait

10-20% offNew fall arrivals at full price; Labor Day brings modest deals

Oct

Wait

10-20% offFall inventory at full price; limited promotions

Nov

Best

30-60% offBlack Friday and Cyber Monday; sitewide sales on current-season styles

Dec

Great

30-50% offHoliday promotions and after-Christmas clearance begins late month

Best Great OK Wait

You're viewing May. See the full year guide

Better Months to Buy Fashion

If you can wait, these months typically offer better deals on fashion:

Save 40-70% off

Save 50-70% off

Save 30-60% off

Save 50-70% off

May is rated better than 4 other months for buying fashion. Not the worst time, but better deals may come later.

Shopping Events in May

Mother's Day

May 10

52 days away

Graduation Season

May 15 - 31

57 days away

Memorial Day Sales

May 23 - 25

65 days away

Frequently Asked Questions

Is May a good time to buy fashion?

May is an average time to buy fashion, rated 3/5. Memorial Day sales; Nordstrom Anniversary Sale early access for cardholders Better months include January and July.

What is the best month to buy fashion?

The best month to buy fashion is January, when you can typically save 40-70% off.

How much can I save on fashion in May?

In May, you can typically save 25-40% off on fashion. Better savings may be available in other months.

April Full Guide June

Read the Full Fashion Buying Guide

See all 12 months, detailed tips, related events, and expert advice for buying fashion.

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Last updated: March 2026All Buying Guides