Labor Day fall clothing deals: What to buy now and what to wait on

Labor Day weekend brings clothing deals on fall staples like denim jackets, raincoats, lightweight layers and hiking gear. We rounded up the categories worth shopping now, including deals from Carhartt, Eddie Bauer, Lands' End and Columbia. Since a sale doesn't always mean it's the best time to buy, we’ve also highlighted the items best saved for Black Friday deals.

Labor Day brings plenty of savings, but some categories are better buys than others. Here’s what’s worth shopping now instead of waiting for Black Friday.

READ MORE: What to buy this Labor Day weekend — and what can wait until Black Friday

Nina Leonard women's modern denim jacket: $38.08 (44% off) Levi's men's Big & Tall denim trucker jacket: $62.96 (30% off) Sonoma Goods for Life women's white denim jacket: $39.99 (20% off)

Original price: $89.95

This classic Levi's denim jacket features a full-button front and four pockets for stashing essentials or warming your hands. Its cotton-elastane blend offers a comfortable fit that softens over time. It's currently $27 off at Kohl's.

Original price: $158

Snag this relaxed-fit denim jacket from Joe's. Its lightweight 99% cotton construction and touch of stretch make it an easy transitional layer to throw on over nearly any outfit.

Original price: $150

This fun twist on a Levi's denim jacket combines Western-style angled yokes with a sporty bomber waistband. Durable cotton construction and handy front pockets make it a versatile layer for the season. Grab it now while it's $100.

READ MORE: These Levi's jeans are built to last — and some styles are under $50

Columbia women's long rain jacket: $50.11 (50% off) Lands' End men's Squall packable rain jacket: $89.97 (40% off) Helly Hansen men's Munich raincoat: $158 (25% off)

Original price: $70

Stay ready for unpredictable fall weather with this Columbia rain jacket. Its packable design folds into its own hand pocket, while a stowaway hood, zippered pockets, elastic cuffs and an adjustable hem help keep the elements out.

Original price: $130

Stay dry on rainy commutes and weekend hikes in The North Face Antora jacket. Its seam-sealed, waterproof and breathable recycled shell pairs with an adjustable hood, storm flap and zip hand pockets.

READ MORE: Buy it for life: Durable products worth every dollar

Free People women's fleece jacket: $67.20 (60% off) The North Face women's full-zip fleece jacket: $89.98 (40% off) The North Face men's Denali jacket: $120 (40% off) Patagonia men's fleece vest: $89.93 (30% off)

Original price: $49.95

Layer up in this lightweight fleece, designed with an anti-static, anti-pill finish that keeps it looking polished wear after wear. A full-zip front, stand-up collar and front pockets make it an easy choice for chilly mornings or evenings. Select colors are 40% off.

Original price: $70

Keep this warm fleece hoodie on hand for chilly days. Adjustable side drawstrings, zippered pockets and a cozy hood make it a versatile layer for everything from trail days to running errands. Select colors, including this Flint Grey shade, are marked down by 50%.

Original price: $109.99

Layer comfortably for the cold in this loose-fitting Carhartt fleece pullover, designed to slip easily over clothing. Elastic cuffs block cold air, while zippered pockets keep essentials secure. Snag the black color while it's half off.

READ MORE: The Amazon Labor Day deals we'd actually spend our own money on

Calvin Klein women's puffer jacket: $39.96 (85% off) Eddie Bauer women's down jacket: $73.03 (43% off) Columbia men's Puffect III jacket: $69.99 (42% off)

Original price: $169.95

This lightweight Lands' End down jacket uses HyperDry down to provide reliable warmth without added bulk. Water-resistant fabric, a storm flap and a stand-up collar offer extra protection, while the jacket packs into its own pocket for easy travel.

Original price: $109.99

Carhartt's Gilliam jacket delivers lightweight insulation in a durable, water-repellent shell. Its quilted design, zippered pockets and easy-to-layer fit make it a practical choice for brisk commutes, outdoor work and fall weekends.

Original price: $220

Bring lightweight warmth along on fall hikes with The North Face ThermoBall jacket. Its wind- and water-resistant recycled polyester shell, elastic cuffs and cinch-cord hem keep chilly air out, and it packs into a pocket for travel.

READ MORE: 10 comfortable walking shoes on sale at DSW, starting at $55

The North Face women's rain pants: $84 (30% off) The North Face men's hiking shorts: $53 (29% off) Men's sun protection hiking shirt: $14.99 (25% off) Danish Endurance Merino wool hiking socks, 3-pack: $30.36 (20% off)

Original price: $140

Take on hikes, travel days and more in On's Trek Pants, a style from last season now marked down by 32%. The lightweight, flexible design moves with you, while the streamlined silhouette makes them wearable beyond the trail.

Original price: $80

These Columbia convertible hiking pants easily zip off into 9-inch shorts when temperatures rise. They rely on UPF 50 sun protection, moisture-wicking fabric and two-way stretch to keep you comfortable on the trail.

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Original price: $59.95

This REI Co-op sun shirt works well for days on the trail or water. Its stretchy technical knit wicks away moisture and provides UPF 50+ protection, while the hood adds extra coverage when you need it.

Labor Day brings plenty of solid discounts, but some deals are better left for Black Friday. Here's what to wait on, along with exceptions that may be worth shopping now.

Heavy winter coats: Retailers are just beginning to stock heavy parkas and wool coats, so selection is strong, but discounts are often modest. Wait until Black Friday for more meaningful savings, unless you find a clearance style from last winter.

Down jackets: Down jackets tend to see deeper markdowns once colder weather arrives and retailers begin competing for holiday shoppers. Buy now only if you need one or see a substantial discount.

Skiing and snowboarding gear: Labor Day sales can offer savings on outdoor basics, but ski jackets, snow pants, goggles and poles typically see better promotions closer to Black Friday. Shop now only if you need a specific size or technical item that might sell out.

Current-season styles: Don't rush to buy newly released fall and winter styles simply because they're included in a Labor Day promotion. These items may be discounted more heavily around Black Friday.

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