Black Friday 2026 lands on Friday, November 27, with Cyber Monday following on November 30. That is only a few weeks away, and the shoppers who get the best clothing and shoe deals are rarely the ones scrolling on the day. They are the ones who did their homework first.
No big sales have started yet, so this is the perfect moment to get ready. Below is our simple plan for getting your wishlist, sizes and price checks sorted, so you can grab the right deal the moment it drops instead of panic-buying something you did not need.
Black Friday 2026 Key Dates
Sales no longer start and end on a single day. Many stores run early deals in the days before Thanksgiving and keep going through Cyber Monday and beyond. Mark these dates:
- Now to November 25: prep time. Build your wishlist and check your sizes.
- Thursday, November 26: Thanksgiving. Some stores open their sales online today.
- Friday, November 27: Black Friday.
- Monday, November 30: Cyber Monday.
- Early December: shipping cutoffs for holiday gifts get close, so order earlier than you think you need to.
Exact start times differ by store and can change, so check each retailer’s own site for the final word.
Start Your Black Friday Wishlist Now
The single best thing you can do this week is write down what you actually want. Pick 10 items at most: a winter coat, boots, a few sweaters, a pair of everyday sneakers, gifts for the family. For each one, note the brand, the size, and the regular price you see today.
That last part matters. Having the regular price written down is how you tell a real markdown from a “sale” that was never really a discount. Many stores let you save items to a wishlist or cart, and some will alert you when the price changes, so add your picks now.
Check Your Sizes Before the Sales Begin
Popular sizes sell out first, and a great price does not help if only the wrong size is left. Before the sales begin:
- Try on a few brands in store, or check your current favorites, so you know your size in each.
- Keep a note of your shoe size and width, and which brands run small or large.
- Read the size notes and reviews on the product page. They often say if an item fits true to size.
- For kids, think ahead about the next size up so you are not buying something that will not fit by winter.
How to Know If a Black Friday Deal Is Actually Good
A big percentage off does not always mean a good price. A few quick checks help:
- Compare against the price you wrote down. If the “original” price is higher than what the item has been selling for, the discount is smaller than it looks.
- Check other stores. The same brand is often sold in several places, sometimes for less.
- Look for stackable savings. Some stores allow a promo code on top of a markdown, or offer free shipping over a set amount.
- Do the math on shipping and returns. A low price with paid shipping and no free returns can cost more than a slightly higher price elsewhere.
- Ask if you would buy it at full price. If not, it is probably not a deal for you.
What to Buy and What to Wait On
This time of year, the smartest clothing and shoe buys are things you will wear right away: winter coats, boots, sweaters, cozy basics and activewear. They are in season, so a good price now is a price you will actually use.
Items for another season, like sandals or swimwear, can usually wait. Pieces from brands you love that rarely go on sale are worth watching closely, because a markdown there is more meaningful. If you like a particular look but not the price, our guide to top Lululemon dupes shows how to get a similar feel for less.
Where to Look First
Different kinds of stores tend to handle sales differently. Department stores and brand sites often promote big, headline sales. Off-price stores already sell at lower prices all year, so it is worth checking whether they add extra markdowns or promo codes. Here are the stores we cover most, each with its own page of current deals:
- Nordstrom Rack deals. Not sure whether to shop the Rack or the main store? Read Nordstrom Rack vs. Nordstrom.
- Macy’s deals
- Saks Off 5th deals
- TJ Maxx deals, plus our TJ Maxx shopping secrets
Shipping, Returns and Payment Tips
- Read the return policy before you buy. Sale items are sometimes final sale, and holiday return windows can differ from the usual ones.
- Watch free shipping thresholds. Adding one small item to reach free shipping can be cheaper than paying for delivery.
- Consider shipping to a store where it is offered. It can be faster and makes returns easier.
- Keep your order confirmations. If a price drops again after you buy, some stores will adjust it, but only if you ask in time.
- Set a budget. Decide your total before the sales begin, and stick to the list you made.
How to Catch the Best Deals When They Drop
We hand-pick clothing, shoe and home deals and add new ones to the site every day. Once the Black Friday sales go live, bookmark these pages so you can see the newest picks in one place:
Black Friday FAQ
When is Black Friday 2026?
Black Friday 2026 is on Friday, November 27, the day after Thanksgiving. Cyber Monday is on Monday, November 30.
Are the best clothing deals on Black Friday itself?
Not always. Many stores start early and run deals for several days, and some offer further markdowns after Cyber Monday. Having your wishlist and sizes ready lets you act when a price on something you want drops.
Should I shop in store or online?
Online is easier for comparing prices and avoiding crowds. In store can be better for trying on shoes and coats. If a store offers ship-to-store or free returns, you can mix both.
How do I avoid fake discounts?
Write down the regular price of what you want now, compare the same item at other stores, and ask whether you would buy it at full price. If the “original” price looks inflated, the deal is probably smaller than it appears.
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