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2026 is here, and after a year of tariff talks and recession fears, retail experts say prices could continue to go up on popular shopping categories.
While President Trump’s tariff plans increased the cost of imported goods from around the globe — from iPhones to automobiles — the clothing industry took the hardest hit.
“Apparel and footwear are among the top impacted categories when it comes to tariffs because much of this product is made in countries exposed to the highest duty rates,” explains Kate Nishimura, Senior News and Features Editor at Sourcing Journal.
China and India in particular are some of the top producers of shoes and clothing, but they have been the main targets of Trump’s trade war. And while Nishimura says “Firms have tried to diversify their sourcing bases—producing products across a wider range of countries—the tariffs are so widespread that there’s no silver bullet for sourcing or safe haven from the added costs. As of now,” she says, “companies are stuck paying more for goods, and many of them are passing those costs along to consumers. I do not see prices coming down anytime soon.”
So is there anything actually worth buying right now? According to SJ Denim Executive Editor Angela Velasquez, 2026 is the year to consider a capsule wardrobe, with versatile, everyday basics. “I think the angle is [to] invest in staple pieces,” she tells Rolling Stone. “Think back to normcore and recession dressing in the early 2010s,” Velasquez says, shouting out items like white sneakers, Birkenstocks, and Levi’s jeans as things to add to cart.
Velasquez calls jeans a “safe bet,” mentioning companies like Paige, whose winter collection was designed by designer Paige Adams-Geller before Trump’s tariffs went into effect. “Her vision and planned price points were not affected,” Velasquez says. “I’ve also heard denim brands say they’ve made sourcing changes to help mitigate extra costs to the consumer,” she adds.
Industry analysts at RetailWire, meantime, predict a return to “comfort,” citing statistics that found the loungewear category moving more than twice the amount of units overall in 2025 than in 2024 (up a massive 218% year over year). That trend extends to daytime pieces too, with retailers pushing soft and cozy cashmere sweaters as affordable “quiet luxury” pieces.
RetailWire also predicts the return of the “Marie Kondo” effect, writing that “Americans are seemingly beefing up their decluttering efforts,” including a renewed focus on “clothing and closet storage.” Less, it seems, is once again more.
NAADAM The Original Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
And while clothing prices haven’t exactly gone down recently — post-holiday sales notwithstanding — it may still be better to pick up these investment pieces and elevated basics now, before prices go up even higher.
“Some companies tried to shield shoppers from the impacts of the tariffs last year, but there’s only so long they can afford to do so,” says Sourcing Journal Editor-in-Chief, Pete Sadera. “Everything I have heard is that brands are still absorbing the tariffs and are reticent to raise prices. The angle could be it’s a good time to buy apparel because the longer [the tariffs] remain, the sooner the increases will inevitably be passed on.”
Need some guidance on what’s worth buying right now? Here are 10 easy wardrobe staples to add to cart before prices go up.
Adidas Stan Smith Sneakers
Velasquez says Adidas’ Stan Smith sneakers — and other similar white sneakers — are worth stocking up on right now. This 1971 tennis court shoe-turned-everyday staple remains as popular as ever, thanks to its minimalist silhouette and clean trim.
Birkenstock Arizona Big Buckle Sandals
We may be in the middle of winter, but this is a great time to pick up a pair of Birkenstocks while they’re still on sale online. Zappos has the classic sandals and clogs on sale for up to 35% off (as of this writing), with multiple sizes, colorways and styles available. Our suggestion: pick up these bestselling Arizona sandals, with the dual leather buckle straps and the iconic contoured cork footbed.
Levi’s Men’s 501 Original Fit Jeans
Velasquez says “Classic Levi’s 501 [jeans] — new or vintage — fit into that category” of staple pieces to buy now. With dozens of washes and inclusive sizing, these best-selling jeans work for almost every style and occasion, and are a good foundation piece for your capsule wardrobe. Amazon has men’s and women’s Levi’s jeans on sale for up to 55% off right now online.
In addition to jeans, brands are also focusing on “non-denim products,” Velasquez adds, noting that “Levi’s keeps pushing ‘denim dressing’ to offer jean-adjacent products.”
Citizens of Humanity Annina Straight Leg Jeans
Other investment jeans worth considering? Velasquez likes Citizens of Humanity’s Annina Straight Leg jeans, which are made with recycled cotton for a soft, lived-in look. These versatile denim jeans pair with everything from a sweater and button-up for work, to a T-shirt or hoodie for travel or lounging.
Frame The Straight Jeans
For men, Velasquez recommends “The Straight” jeans from Frame. The premium jeans feature a mid-rise and straight leg in more than a dozen colorways including this basic (but sophisticated) black color at right.
Frame The Small Leather Jacket
Velasquez shouts out Frame’s leather pieces as well, and the brand sells a number of leather items, like this jacket, that make for a timeless investment piece you won’t regret buying. This leather jacket is made from a soft lamb leather, with a cropped fit and subtle “waxy” finish. The genuine leather will patina beautifully over time.
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
Quince says its $50 cashmere sweater saves you more than 60% off similar sweaters elsewhere, without sacrificing comfort and softness. Quince’s sweater is sustainably-sourced, easy to wear and layer, and comes in more than a dozen colors online.
COS Merino Crew Neck Sweater
Velasquez also likes COS for wardrobe staples — think polos, tailored trousers and sweaters for men (we like the slim-fit merino sweater at right) and dresses, blouses and knits for women. These are pieces that will never go out of style, so you can buy them once and wear them for years to come.
Lululemon BeCalm Pleated Extra-Wide Leg Pant
Looking for loungewear? Lululemon’s new “BeCalm” collection includes this pair of wide-leg pants, made from a buttery soft modal French terry and elastane blend. The high-rise makes it super comfortable and easy to wear, while the pleated design elevates the look to make it as suitable for the yoga studio as it is for the home.
Amazon Essentials Slim-Fit Long-Sleeve Oxford Shirt
And you can’t go wrong with a classic white oxford shirt. Amazon has this slim-fit version for under $20, with more than 70% of shoppers giving the product a full, five-star review. The 100% cotton shirt is available in multiple colors and sizes.
