Here’s a concise guide to some of the most affordable clothing stores in the United States, grouped by type and with quick notes so you can pick what fits you best.

Big-box / discount retailers

• Walmart — consistently among the cheapest for basics, seasonal clothes, and kids’ wear. Good for everyday pieces.
• Target — affordable basics and trendy collaborations; slightly higher quality/design than Walmart on average.
• Kohl’s — frequent sales and digital coupons; large selection of budget brands and good value when using discounts.
• Costco — limited styles but excellent value on basics and some branded items (requires membership).

Fast fashion / trend-focused (very low prices; variable quality)

• H&M — cheap basics and trendy items; frequent sales and conscious collections.
• Forever 21 — very low prices for trend pieces (quality varies).
• Shein (online) — extremely low prices and huge selection; quality and sizing vary widely, longer shipping for some items.
• Zara (outlet & sales) — not the cheapest but discounts and outlets can be affordable for trendier pieces.

Value / budget-focused chains

• Old Navy — affordable casualwear and family deals; often has good-fit basics.
• Uniqlo — low-to-moderate prices for durable basics and functional pieces (e.g., Heattech, AIRism).
• American Eagle / Aerie (sales) — affordable jeans and loungewear especially during promotions.

Off-price / outlet stores

• T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Ross — brand-name items at deep discounts; inventory fluctuates so you’ll find deals if you search.
• Nordstrom Rack — discounted higher-end and mid-market brands; good for bargains on quality items.
• Outlet malls (brand outlets) — good for past-season discounts from major brands.

Thrift & secondhand (cheapest and most sustainable)

• Local thrift stores (Goodwill, Salvation Army, independent shops) — very low prices; best for hunting bargains.
• Consignment stores — slightly higher prices but better curated items in good condition.
• Online secondhand: Poshmark, Depop, ThredUp — great for bargains and name-brand items; prices vary.

Online budget brands & marketplaces

• Amazon Essentials / Amazon Fashion — inexpensive basics with wide sizing and fast shipping (Prime).
• Boohoo, PrettyLittleThing — low-cost trendwear (quality varies).
• Shein (already mentioned) and similar marketplaces.

Kids & baby (budget-friendly)

• Carter’s outlet, H&M, Walmart, Target, Old Navy — frequent multipack deals and inexpensive basics.

Tips to get the best value

• Watch for sales, clearance sections, and sign-up discounts (email/text promos).
• Use browser coupon extensions and cash-back apps (Rakuten, Honey).
• Buy multipacks for basics (socks, tees, underwear) to lower per-item cost.
• Check outlet and off-price stores for brand-name items at a fraction of original price.
• For staples (tees, jeans, underwear), balance low price with a little extra quality spend—cheaper items that wear out quickly cost more over time.
• Consider secondhand for big savings and sustainability.

If you tell me what you need (work clothes, activewear, kids, quality vs. cheapest, or an age/size), I can give tailored recommendations and specific stores or links.