10 Surprising Reasons People Love Shopping for Clothes at Costco

Costco might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of shopping for clothes.

However, the big box retailer famous for helping people save on groceries with bulk products has gained popularity among fashion-savvy shoppers. You can see evidence of this on TikTok, of all places.

It’s legitimately surprising that Costco has a smart style sense, given that we mostly go there to buy large containers of olive oil and peanut butter. So what is it about the place that fashionistas love so much?

Here are ten of the most surprising reasons people love shopping for clothes at Costco. 

One of the primary reasons people go to Costco for clothing is the competitive prices – not surprising, given all of their products are affordable.

As a warehouse retailer, Costco buys in bulk and hands the savings onto members, a proven strategy. 

The retailer also caps its markup at 15%. This means you can find clothing at a fraction of the price you would pay at other outlets, especially boutique stores. Putting your savings in a high-earning savings account could make your money go even further. 

Contrary to the concept that affordable prices equate to poor quality, Costco surprises shoppers with its commitment to stocking good-quality clothing.

That’s because they source it from reputable manufacturers, ensuring that members get durable and well-made garments.

Even the Kirkland Signature store brand carries items that are made to stand the test of time. So unlike fast fashion clothing you get elsewhere, this stuff won’t shrink or fall apart after a few washes.

Costco focuses on stocking functional and versatile pieces that withstand the test of time.

Whether you need clothing for work, exercise, or casual outings, you can find a range of practical options. So you’re not likely to find an evening gown or fancy formalwear.

This is especially good for the basics, which you can stock up on in bulk for the whole family. Just make sure you can tell what items belong to who so they don’t get mixed up in the laundry.

Okay, sure, you can get 20 pairs of underwear and 30 pairs of white socks at Costco, but that's not the only kind of apparel the store sells.

The outlet also carries fashionable clothing from well-known brand names from Calvin Klein and Nike to Adidas and Eddie Bauer. This means you can enjoy the status and style associated with posh labels — and at significantly discounted prices, too.

You may have noticed that there are no fitting rooms at Costco, meaning it may be difficult to try some items on, such as bathing suits.

Fortunately, Costco has an extremely generous return policy, so you can simply purchase what you need and try it on at home.

If for any reason it doesn’t fit or you just changed your mind, you can bring the item back for a refund or exchange, no questions asked. Just don’t abuse the policy.

Are you looking for plus-size men’s shirts? Clothing for your little one? A cute bathing suit? Chances are Costco has something close to what you’re looking for.

The retailer caters to every demographic, so regardless of your age, size, or gender, you can probably find the outfit you’re looking for.

You can’t always count on Costco to carry specific items, but if you like a good treasure hunt it can be quite rewarding. You just might find a North Face jacket.

If you’re the kind of person who buys multiples of a pair of jeans that fit perfectly, Costco is a great place to shop.

The store will often have many of the same shirts or shorts stacked all together on a table, so you just need to find the apparel in your size.

This is a smart way to make sure you buy clothes that you not only like the look of, but also the fit. That way you will actually wear them.

Comfort is key when it comes to clothing, and Costco excels in this aspect. Its selection includes soft fabrics, relaxed fits, and comfortable designs.

This includes athleisure that fits well but looks like it was made by a high-end brand, which became all the rage in lockdown.

You can also find comfy footwear at Costco, made by brands that know how to make a shoe that can handle constant wear.

We hit on this briefly, but it warrants elaboration. One common frustration with clothing is its limited lifespan. However, Costco clothing is made to last.

With an emphasis on quality materials and construction, the retailer’s garments can withstand frequent wear and care.

Investing in durable clothing not only saves you money in the long term but also reduces waste by reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Costco's regular sales can give members some seriously deep discounts. Prices are already pretty low in the first place, so by the time there’s a sale, it can be a big deal. This is the same with apparel.

You can tell if something is already being sold under cost too. Check to see if the price ends in 87. That’s going to be the best price you can snag, so run with it.

We already knew that Costco is a great place to shop for bulk groceries like paper towels and pantry staples. But the king of bulk stores is also a smart place to purchase fashionable and functional clothing able to stand the test of time.

If you find yourself buying a lot of clothing regularly, you may want to consider grabbing your rewards credit card. That way you can earn cash back while you stock your wardrobe for the season.