If you've been following the trends of retailers for the last year or two, you'll recognize when markdowns on menswear will happen. In the U.S., the sales usually occur on highlighted calendar days such as Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Father's Day and most recently, Independence Day. In my March 7 Style Points blog entry, I noted the best times to bargain hunt is just after the Fourth of July and just after Christmas. The former happened recently, and it's time to review what's in store.
 
Saks Fifth Avenue, which had its annual 33 percent off sale in June, raises its discounts during the month of July and August to up to 60 percent off. Macy's on occasion will have additional discounts of up to 40 percent in addition to existing sale prices on designer collections. Nordstrom, which has semiannual sales in January and June, has competitive markdowns, especially on dress shirts. Not least, Neiman Marcus goes into "last call" mode in July and August with reductions on high-end items.
 
Just as retailers have their rhythms on markdowns during the year, there are off-price stores that have marked-down designer wear every day. The most consistent store, in terms of price, quality and volume, has to be Syms, which has its "bash" sale period in July as well as other selected times of the year. You'll find many designer styles there.
 
TJ Maxx, Marshall's, Mervyn's, Ross and Kohl's also offer everyday low prices on men's clothing. I find them to be especially convenient for socks and underwear at a low price when I need them. 
 
Then there are the factory outlets. Be discerning about what you're looking at. Some of the clothing is made especially for the outlets and is not necessarily shipped from the retail stores. That's not the case, though, for the Neiman Marcus' "Last Call" outlets, where all items that are sent from their retail stores are first quality.
 
That said, during sale periods, you can save even more on already discounted items. The caveat is not to wait for the sale on an item you truly want. Chances are pretty good the item will be bought by someone else.
 
Do not underestimate the price clubs, either. Costco, Sam's Club and BJ's have designer wear on pallets and if you're a member of either of these clubs, you can win big on items like golf shirts and cotton slacks. You need to go in person, though, because each location has different inventory.
 
And if you're wondering whether local men's stores in major cities have sales after the July 4 holiday, the answer is: You betcha. I recently managed to purchase a Robert Graham seersucker blazer for 70 percent off at the esteemed Norton Ditto shop in Houston. The jacket retailed for $410; it rung up at a little over $130 after sales tax.
 
It's rare that a discounted jacket at a prominent shop would fit me, but when it happens, enjoy the moment. That's the thrill of the bargain hunt.
 
Good luck.