Search clearance sections. Type “clearance” into the search field of a retailer’s website. Hanes.com and Jockey.com, for instance, regularly offer discounts of 50 percent on bras, panties, and tights. Hue.com, known for its legwear and lingerie, has a clearance section that offers many items for nearly half price.

Register with www.shopittome.com. Check off your size, favorite brands (choose from 537 labels, such as Ann Taylor and Levi’s), and clothing preferences (dresses, denim) and you’ll receive a weekly or daily e-mail alerting you to online sales.

Get a store credit card. Certain big retailers give special discounts to cardholders. Kohl’s sends out 30 percent off coupons four times a year, Gap cardholders get 10 percent off the first Tuesday of the month, and American Eagle gives 20 percent off on your birthday.

Log on before you hit the stores. About to head out to Nordstrom (or Bloomingdale’s or Lord & Taylor)? Go to the store’s site first to look for specials, like unadvertised in-store sales and buy-one-get-one-free offers. You may also find printable coupons you can take with you.

Time shopping to coincide with sales. Gap and Banana Republic, for instance, both mark down midweek. Shop on Wednesday and you’ll find a large selection of sale items. Ask favorite stores about their policies.

Tip: Before you place an online order, look for discount codes at retailmenot.com and mybargainbuddy.com.

The Experts

Kim Danger is a family-savings expert for coupons.com.
Karen Hoxmeier runs the site MyBargainBuddy.com.
Helen Malani is the chief shopping authority for the search engine Shopzilla.
Jaci Rae is the author of Shop for a Day with Jaci Rae (North Shore Records, $26. www.amazon.com).