If you wait until October to buy a winter coat, you are paying more than you need to. The best deals are usually in July.
That is when shops start clearing last year’s stock to make way for new lines, and discounts of 50% or more are common. Retailers say they sell most coats at full price in the first cold snap.
Our tip: buy a classic style in a neutral colour. It will not go out of fashion, and it will still be on the rail when everybody else is queuing for the new range.
Check the returns policy, as many retailers allow 28 days, and always try the coat on over a thick jumper.
