Did you know that Forever 21’s clearance section gets restocked multiple times throughout the day? I learned this the hard way after missing out on a gorgeous $8 dress that was there in the morning but gone by lunch! As someone who’s been hunting for Forever 21 deals for over a decade, I’ve discovered some insider secrets that’ll change your shopping game forever.
Trust me, mastering these clearance secrets isn’t just about saving money – it’s about scoring those amazing pieces that make your wardrobe pop without breaking the bank. Let me share everything I’ve learned from my countless trips to Forever 21 stores and late-night online browsing sessions.
The Best Times to Shop Forever 21 Clearance

Timing is absolutely everything when it comes to Forever 21 clearance shopping. After years of trial and error, I’ve figured out the sweet spots that most shoppers completely miss.
Tuesday mornings are pure gold for clearance finds. The store staff usually processes weekend returns on Monday nights, which means fresh clearance items hit the racks Tuesday morning. I’ve snagged some of my best deals – like a $15 blazer that originally cost $45 – during these Tuesday morning hunts.
Thursday afternoons work magic too. That’s when they typically mark down items that didn’t sell from the previous week’s clearance. I remember finding this amazing crop top set for just $6 on a random Thursday – it had been sitting at $18 the week before!
Online vs In-Store Forever 21 Clearance Strategies
Here’s where things get interesting, and honestly, a bit frustrating at times. The online clearance section operates completely differently from in-store clearance.
Online clearance gets updated every Wednesday around 3 PM PST. I learned this after stalking their website for months like some kind of fashion detective! The downside? Popular sizes disappear within hours, sometimes minutes.
In-store clearance, on the other hand, varies by location. Some stores are better organized than others – I’ve found that suburban locations tend to have more hidden gems than busy city stores where everything gets picked over quickly.
The Secret Clearance Sections You’re Missing
Most people think clearance is just that one rack in the back corner. Wrong! Forever 21 has clearance items scattered throughout the store, and they’re not always clearly marked.
Check the accessories section thoroughly. I once found earrings marked down to $1 that were mixed in with regular-priced items. The jewelry clearance often gets overlooked because it’s not in the main clearance area.
Don’t skip the basics section either. Those plain tees and tanks that seem boring? They regularly go on clearance, and they’re perfect for layering. I’ve built half my wardrobe foundation with $3 basic tops from Forever 21’s hidden clearance finds.
Price Drop Patterns and Markdown Schedules
After tracking prices for months (yes, I’m that dedicated), I’ve noticed Forever 21 follows a predictable markdown pattern. Items typically get marked down 30% first, then 50%, and finally 70% off.
The key is knowing when to wait and when to grab. Trendy pieces that are super popular? Buy them at the first markdown because they won’t last until the deeper discounts. Basic items or pieces in less popular colors? Those usually make it to the 70% off stage.
I made the mistake of waiting too long on a pair of jeans I loved – they were gone by the time I went back for the deeper discount. Now I have a rule: if I genuinely love something and it’s already 50% off, I buy it.
Size and Color Strategies for Maximum Savings

This might sound obvious, but being flexible with sizes and colors dramatically increases your clearance success rate. I typically shop one size up and one size down from my usual size, especially for oversized styles.
Colors matter more than you’d think. Bright colors and unusual shades hit clearance faster than black, white, or neutral tones. That neon green top everyone avoided? It might be perfect for your summer wardrobe at 70% off.
Don’t dismiss petite or plus sizes if they’re close to your measurements. I’m a regular medium, but I’ve found amazing deals in large petite sizes that fit me perfectly. The plus section clearance often has incredible deals that regular-size shoppers ignore.
Your Forever 21 Clearance Action Plan
Ready to put these secrets into action? Start by checking both online and in-store clearance sections regularly – they’re completely different inventories. Set aside time for Tuesday morning and Thursday afternoon shopping trips when possible.
Remember, clearance shopping is part strategy, part luck, and part persistence. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find amazing deals every time. Some of my best finds happened when I least expected them!
Most importantly, only buy what you’ll actually wear. A $5 top isn’t a good deal if it just sits in your closet gathering dust.
Want more insider tips on scoring the best fashion deals? Check out more money-saving strategies and style guides at The Fashion Pick – we’re always sharing the latest tricks to help you look amazing without spending a fortune!
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