Shopping for clothes is a common activity for those visiting the USA. The largest American outlet centers house stores from hundreds of different brands, offering discounts of up to dozens of percent off regular retail prices. For example, I bought a Hollister T-shirt for $6.00, a Tommy Hilfiger hoodie for $18.00, and Nike shoes for $25. In this article, you’ll find tips on the best outlet shopping centers in the USA.
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What’s Worth Buying in the USA
Years ago, when the exchange rate for the dollar was more favorable, a friend of mine paid extra for an additional checked bag on his flight to the USA. He stocked up on cheap Lacoste T-shirts, Hollister sweatpants, and Tommy Hilfiger polo shirts at outlet malls. Upon returning home, he resold the clothing online, earning enough to cover the cost of a round-trip ticket for two people.
Buying clothes in the USA for personal use is still advantageous. The clothing market in the country is massive, competition is fierce, and seasons are short, which drives prices down. When purchasing clothing in-store, you benefit from more favorable customs limits compared to online shopping.
Some of the best clothing brands to buy in the USA include Hollister, Tommy Hilfiger, Abercrombie & Fitch, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Gap, Quiksilver, and Roxy.
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The Largest Outlet Centers in the USA
For budget-friendly clothing shopping in the USA, you’ll need to visit outlet centers. These typically focus on older or incomplete collections with limited color and size options. The advantage is that you can purchase branded clothing for significantly lower prices.
Some of the most well-known outlet chains in the USA include Premium Outlets and Tanger, alongside discount stores like Marshalls, Ross, and T.J. Maxx. Outlet malls are usually located outside city centers, which can make accessibility a challenge. Some brands also operate their own outlet stores. To plan your budget-friendly shopping trip, check out this USA outlet mall map.
1️⃣ Wrentham Village Premium Outlets, Massachusetts
Wrentham Village Premium Outlets features around 140 stores, including brands like Gap, Lacoste, Swarovski, Tommy Hilfiger, and Under Armour. The center is located about a 30-minute drive south of downtown Boston. There is a food court on-site, mainly offering lesser-known chain restaurants and food trucks.
Discounts at these stores are available year-round, though some visitors have noted that the quality of outlet clothing may not always match that of regular retail boutiques.
2️⃣ Tanger Outlets, New York
Tanger Outlets is the only outlet center among the ten recommended that is not part of the Premium Outlets network. Located on Long Island, about a two-hour drive east of Manhattan, Tanger Outlets houses approximately 120 stores, including Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle, Banana Republic, Michael Kors, and The North Face.
You will need a car to reach this outlet center, as there is no convenient public transportation option. Tanger Outlets has received excellent reviews from visitors.
3️⃣ Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, New York
Woodbury Common Premium Outlets is located about an hour’s drive from Manhattan and features around 200 stores, including Polo Ralph Lauren, Nike, Michael Kors, Burberry, and The North Face. Dining options include Chipotle, Pinkberry, and Wetzel’s Pretzels.
As one of the largest outlet centers of its kind in the USA, you can easily spend an entire day shopping here. Buses run directly from Manhattan to the shopping center.
4️⃣ Philadelphia Premium Outlets, Pennsylvania
Located about 50 minutes northwest of downtown Philadelphia, this outlet center offers around 115 stores featuring brands like Forever 21, Michael Kors, Timberland, Under Armour, and UGG. Dining options include fast-food chains like Wendy’s, Saladworks, and Tony Luke’s.
Philadelphia Premium Outlets is easily accessible from U.S. Route 422. It is best to visit on weekdays when the crowds are smaller.
5️⃣ Sawgrass Mills Outlet, Florida
With more than 250 outlet stores, Sawgrass Mills is located about a 40-minute drive northwest of downtown Miami. The shopping center features brands such as Armani, Puma, American Eagle, Aeropostale, and U.S. Polo. A variety of dining options can be found in the food court, including Johnny Rockets, Nathan’s Famous, Popeyes, and Five Guys.
The outlet mall is especially busy on weekends, so if possible, plan your visit for the first half of the workweek. You can also use the mall’s mobile app for navigation.
6️⃣ Orlando International Premium Outlets, Florida
Located about a 20-minute drive southwest of downtown Orlando, this outlet center features more than 150 stores, including DKNY, New Balance, Oakley, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Victoria’s Secret. Dining options include Five Guys, Wetzel’s Pretzels, and Ford’s Garage.
It’s best to arrive early in the morning to avoid parking issues. Alternatively, you can take Bus 42, which stops near the outlet center.
7️⃣ North Georgia Premium Outlets, Georgia
North Georgia Premium Outlets is located less than an hour’s drive northeast of downtown Atlanta. It features around 120 outlet stores, including brands like Burberry, Crocs, Gap, and Nike. Luxury brands such as Armani, Boss, Gucci, and Jimmy Choo also have stores here.
The outlet center has a food court with several lesser-known restaurants, where prices tend to be high. A better alternative is the food trucks in the parking lot or nearby restaurants like Five Guys and Chick-fil-A.
8️⃣ Las Vegas North Premium Outlets, Nevada
For budget shopping near Las Vegas, head to the North Premium Outlets, located 2.8 mi north of The Strat hotel. The outlet center features over 160 stores, including Adidas, Aéropostale, Armani, Benetton, Guess, and Hurley. Dining options include Chipotle, Shake Shack, and Subway.
This outlet center offers more clothing stores than the South Premium Outlets in Las Vegas. It is easily accessible from Interstate 15, though parking is paid.
9️⃣ Camarillo Premium Outlets, California
Camarillo Premium Outlets is about a 45-minute drive north of downtown Los Angeles. It has around 140 clothing stores, including Skechers, Calvin Klein, Columbia, Crocs, and DC Shoes.
The city of Camarillo has a lower sales tax than Los Angeles, making clothing slightly cheaper in this outlet center.
🔟 San Francisco Premium Outlets, California
San Francisco Premium Outlets is located in Livermore, about an hour’s drive east of San Francisco. It has around 160 clothing stores, featuring brands like Abercrombie & Fitch, Armani, Burberry, Boss, Givenchy, and Prada.
You can reach the outlet center from San Francisco by train and bus, but for convenience, driving is recommended.
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What You Need to Know About Outlet Shopping in the USA
💡 A Trip to an Outlet Mall Can Take All Day
Large outlet malls feature more than a hundred stores from various brands. It’s a good idea to research the selection in advance and decide which stores you want to visit. Even so, shopping at outlets can take several hours. Most centers also have restaurants and cafés where you can take a break.
💡 Outlet Mall Hours
Outlet malls are generally open seven days a week, though hours may vary by day. Weekdays are the best time to visit, as most Americans are at work and stores are less crowded. New stock typically arrives on Mondays and Tuesdays.
During public holidays and sales events, expect additional discounts, but also larger crowds.
💡 You’ll Need a Car
Most outlet malls are located far from city centers in areas with poor public transportation. The lower rental costs in these locations allow outlet stores to operate without competing directly with high-end boutiques in city centers.
For outlet shopping, having a car is essential, as it allows you to store your purchases conveniently. Check out this guide on renting a car in the USA.
💡 Outlet Clothing May Be of Lower Quality
Some brands produce items in different quality tiers. Higher-quality products are initially sold in premium boutiques, while lower-tier products go directly to outlets. Always check for stains or loose threads before purchasing.
⚠️ Sizing Differences in the USA
Clothing and shoe sizes in the USA differ from those in Europe, and sizing can vary between brands. Always check size charts and, if possible, try on clothes before purchasing.
⚠️ Discounts Can Be Misleading
Some outlet stores advertise discounts of 65–90% off original prices. However, the “original price” may have never been paid by anyone. Always shop based on the final price rather than the percentage discount. To compare prices across stores, use apps like ShopSavvy, where you can scan barcodes.
⚠️ Watch Your Baggage Limits
The cheapest flights to the USA usually include only a carry-on bag, which may not be ideal for large shopping trips. You can purchase checked baggage if needed.
⚠️ Customs and VAT on Purchased Goods
Air travelers returning from the USA are subject to a customs limit of €430$458, which includes all purchases made during the trip.
If you exceed this value, you must pay customs duties and VAT upon return.
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How to Save Money on Clothing Shopping in the USA
💵 Shop Off-Season
The best deals on clothing are always available after the season ends. Buy winter jackets in the spring and swimsuits for summer in the fall. During these months, stores need to clear out inventory for new collections, offering discounts on older stock.
💵 Look for Discount Coupons
Before visiting an outlet mall, download its mobile app. Many apps include discount coupons that you can scan at checkout. Some coupons apply to a specific purchase, while others are valid for certain items.
You can also ask store employees about additional discounts or coupon booklets directly in the store.
💵 Receipt Discounts for Future Purchases
A common practice in the USA is providing discount coupons for your next purchase printed directly on your receipt. These discounts are usually valid only on the same day, but some coupons may be redeemable in other stores within the same shopping center.
💵 Sales Tax Refunds on Purchases in the USA
In the USA, the price tag does not include sales tax, which is added at checkout. The sales tax rate varies by state and can increase the total cost by up to 10.75%.
In some states, you can request a tax refund upon departure. Additionally, some states offer tax-free holidays during which no sales tax is charged on certain items.
💵 Currency Exchange Rate Differences Can Save You Money
For larger purchases, you can save a few extra percentage points by using the right credit or debit card. Exchange rates vary between banks and card providers. Based on personal experience, I recommend Revolut or Wise.
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Department Stores in the USA
Unlike outlet malls, brand stores, fashion boutiques, and department stores are usually located in city centers. Prices tend to be higher than at outlet malls, but department stores offer a wider range of sizes and colors, as well as access to the latest collections. Clothing sales are common during end-of-season clearances, with Black Friday—held on the last Friday in November—being the most popular.
🏬 JCPenney
Founded in 1902, JCPenney operates around 650 department stores across 49 U.S. states. Most stores are located in suburban areas, offering brands such as Adidas, Levi’s, and Nike.
🏬 Sears
The Sears department store chain primarily sells affordable clothing, footwear, electronics, and home appliances. As of December 2024, Sears had only eight remaining locations in the USA. Available brands include Cheryl Tiegs, Covington, Goolagong, J. C. Higgins, Pilgrim, Roebucks, and Toughskins.
🏬 Macy’s
Macy’s is one of the most widespread department stores in the USA, with 521 locations as of June 2024. Its most famous store, Macy’s Herald Square, is among the largest department stores in the United States.
🏬 Dillard’s
Founded in 1938 in Arkansas, Dillard’s offers a wide selection of men’s and women’s fashion brands. As of August 2024, the chain operated 267 stores across the USA, with the highest concentration in Texas and Florida.
🏬 Nordstrom
Nordstrom opened its first department store in 1901 in Seattle, Washington. The company focuses on high-end clothing and footwear. As of January 2025, Nordstrom operated 376 stores across the USA.
🏬 Kohl’s
In February 2024, the Kohl’s department store chain had 1,174 locations in all U.S. states except Hawaii. Popular brands include Aéropostale, Columbia, Marvel, and Tommy Hilfiger.
🏬 Bloomingdale’s
Bloomingdale’s specializes in luxury fashion brands and has been in operation since 1861. As of November 2024, the company had 99 department stores across the USA.
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Clothing Brands in the USA
American outlet malls feature hundreds of different fashion brands. Some may be unfamiliar to you, so below is an overview of the most common ones.
⚪ Abercrombie & Fitch
Abercrombie & Fitch targets younger customers from the upper-middle class, competing directly with brands like Aéropostale and American Eagle. Abercrombie & Fitch outlets sell T-shirts starting at $7.00, jeans and hoodies from $12.00, and polo shirts from $15.00.
⚪ Aéropostale
The Aéropostale fashion brand was founded in 1973 in New York and primarily targets teens aged 14 to 20. During sales, you can find Aéropostale T-shirts starting at $6.00, polo shirts from $8.00, shorts from $9.00, hoodies from $10.00, and tank tops for as low as $3.00.
⚪ American Apparel
The bold brand American Apparel is known for its provocative advertising, sometimes featuring adult film stars. American Apparel outlets offer T-shirts starting at $9.00, skirts at $12.00, swimsuits at $13.00, hoodies at $22.00, and shoes at $12.00.
⚪ American Eagle Outfitters
American Eagle is a clothing brand aimed at high school students. Founded in 1977 in Pittsburgh, it offers T-shirts, socks, sunglasses, and caps at affordable prices.
⚪ Forever 21
Forever 21 directly competes with H&M by specializing in fast fashion. The brand frequently updates its collections with low-cost clothing. In the USA, Forever 21 is especially popular among teenagers. The company was founded in 1984 in Los Angeles.
⚪ Hollister
The surf-inspired brand Hollister is a subsidiary of Abercrombie & Fitch. Founded in 2000 in Ohio, it primarily targets teens aged 14 to 18. Hollister clothing is more affordable than Abercrombie & Fitch. Hollister outlets sell T-shirts starting at $8.00, hoodies at $26, sweaters at $10.00, and shorts at $13.00.
⚪ Michael Kors
The luxury brand Michael Kors was founded in 1981 in New York. It is known for selling handbags, watches, wallets, and shoes.
⚪ New Balance
New Balance has a history dating back more than a century, originating in Boston in 1906. Originally a footwear brand, it now offers a wide range of sports and fitness apparel. The most affordable New Balance running shoes are available at outlets starting from $20.00.
⚪ Nike
Nike is one of the largest apparel retailers in the USA. The variety of sportswear available is extensive, and footwear can often be purchased at great discounts.
⚪ PacSun
The surf-inspired teen brand PacSun was founded in 1980 in California. It is one of the most popular brands among American youth. PacSun stores also carry clothing from other brands.
⚪ Quiksilver
Quiksilver is a men’s surfwear brand founded in 1969. Outlet stores offer Quiksilver T-shirts on sale starting at $9.00, swimsuits at $20.00, shorts at $12.00, and shoes at $25.
⚪ Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren’s signature emblem is a polo player on horseback. The brand was founded in New York in 1967 by fashion designer Ralph Lauren. Targeting the upper-middle class, the brand became famous for its collared polo shirts. Polo shirts can be found at outlets starting at $30, regular T-shirts from $10.00, and dress shirts from $20.00.
⚪ Roxy
The women’s surfwear brand Roxy was launched in the early 1990s as the sister company to Quiksilver. Roxy outlets offer swimsuits starting at $12.00, handbags from $16.00, T-shirts from $10.00, and flip-flops from $8.00.
⚪ Tommy Hilfiger
While Tommy Hilfiger is considered a standard brand in the USA, it has a luxury reputation in some countries. Named after its founder, the brand was established in 1985 in New York. Tommy Hilfiger outlets sell polo shirts for a few dollars, dress shirts for around $10.00, and jeans starting at $25.
⚪ Under Armour
Under Armour was founded in 1996 in Baltimore by a 23-year-old student working from his grandmother’s basement. Today, it is one of the most popular sportswear brands in the USA, producing T-shirts, hoodies, backpacks, and shoes. Prices in the USA tend to be lower than in other countries.
💬 You can share your tips for outlet shopping and finding the best deals in the USA in the discussion below.
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