Seven rules for buying sportswear in a sale
"Up to 60% off" usually applies to a handful of items. How to check the real saving, sizing and delivery costs before you pay.
Sportswear sales run almost all year. A few habits stop the headline percentage from fooling you.
1. "Up to" means the best item, not yours#
"Up to 60% off" applies to the deepest discount in the whole range. Check the percentage on the actual item in your basket. Items in the middle of the range are often 20 to 30 percent off.
2. Compare against the usual price, not the label#
A crossed-out price tells you what the retailer chose to show. Compare against other sellers of the same model, using the product code. If three shops sell it for roughly the same price, the saving is real.
3. Last season is fine for most kit#
Running shoes, base layers, leggings and training tops change colours more than they change technology. Last season's version is typically the sensible buy. The exception is footwear with a new midsole or technical fabrics that have clearly improved.
4. Check sizing across brands#
Sizes vary between brands and between ranges from the same brand. Read the size guide and recent customer comments on fit. If you are between sizes, check whether the item is meant to be worn tight, since compression kit is made to fit snugly.
5. Add the delivery cost to the price#
Free delivery thresholds, such as a minimum spend, change the sum. A discount can vanish if you pay shipping or return postage. Check the returns policy and who pays for return carriage on sale items, since some sellers treat sale stock differently.
6. Multi-buy deals only help if you needed both#
"Buy two, get 10 percent off" saves money if you were going to buy two. It costs money if you were not. Do the sum on the single item first.
7. Check the fabric and care label#
Technical fabrics vary. Polyester blends dry fast and resist shrinking. Cotton-heavy kit holds sweat. Look for the composition on the listing, and for care instructions that fit your routine.
Our approach#
Decide what you need before you open the sale page. Pick two or three models, compare their codes across sellers, and buy only when the price, size and return terms all pass. A deal you didn't need is not a saving.