Shop Online for Sales and Discounts
One of the best ways to find cheap tennis shorts is to shop online, where you can easily compare prices across multiple retailers. Online stores often run sales, discounts, and promo codes that allow you to save big on quality shorts. Sign up for email lists and browse daily deal sites to catch the best promotions.
Wait for end-of-season sales in the fall and winter to score major discounts on tennis shorts from the previous summer. Retailers are looking to clear out inventory and will slash prices dramatically. I’ve found high-end Nike and Adidas shorts for 50-75% off just by shopping post-season deals. Set up alerts so you’re notified as soon as sales go live.
Checkout outlet and clearance sections online, where retailers offload discounted overstock and last season’s styles. Sort by price from low to high to find the biggest bargains. I filter by size and preferred brands to quickly hone in on cheap shorts in my size from top labels.
Leverage Coupon Codes and Cash Back
Always search for coupon codes and promos before completing an online order. RetailMeNot and Honey can automatically apply available discounts at checkout. Rakuten and TopCashback also give you cash back on purchases at hundreds of stores. I save an extra 1-10% on my shorts buys through these sites.
Checkout for first-time customer promos when shopping at a new retailer. I often get 15-20% off just for signing up for the email list and creating a new account. Make sure to unsubscribe afterwards if you don’t want promotional emails.
Some credit cards offer bonus rewards or cash back at certain stores. The Discover Card gives 5% back at sporting goods stores during certain quarters, which helps maximize savings on my tennis shorts purchases.
Buy in Bulk and Split with Friends
If you team up with tennis teammates or friends to make a bulk shorts order, you can take advantage of volume discounts and split shipping costs. Stores usually discount price per unit when you buy 3+ pairs. I’ve found ordering 6-8 pairs with friends saves about $5-10 per short.
You can split up popular colors and sizes after the order arrives. This works best if you all wear a similar size and have coordinate colors in mind. Just make sure returns and exchanges are easy in case some pairs don’t work out.
Mix Budget-Friendly Brands with Quality Gear
Balance saving money with quality by mixing budget-friendly brands with nicer athletic labels. I buy cheaper basic colored shorts from Amazon and Target to save cash, then invest in performance pairs from Nike and Adidas when they go on sale.
Checkout brands like Hanes and Champion for affordable, breathable options under $25. For a step up in quality without the premium price tag, K Swiss and New Balance offer solid shorts for $30-40.
Keep an eye out for sale sections at tennis sites like Tennis Warehouse and Midwest Sports. They regularly discount top brands like Babolat and Under Armour by 30-50%. Sign up for their newsletters and sale alerts.
Consider Buying Used Gear
If you’re really looking to save, buying used and pre-owned tennis shorts is an option. Sites like eBay and Poshmark have secondhand shorts at huge discounts. Retailers like Play It Again Sports also resell quality used athletic apparel.
Inspect photos closely for damage and wear when buying used online. Sort by price plus shipping lowest to highest. Meet locally for exchanges if buying directly from another player to try on and inspect condition.
Gently worn shorts often still have plenty of life left if you don’t mind skipping the tag. Take care of pre-owned pairs and they can last you multiple seasons. Spot clean stains right after play and wash in cold water.
Compare Prices and Set Price Drop Alerts
Use price comparison tools like Google Shopping to quickly scan prices for a particular shorts model across dozens of retailers. CamelCamelCamel tracks price history on Amazon so you can see if the current cost is really a deal.
Set up alerts on sites like SlickDeals when particular shorts drop below a target price. For example, you can get notified if your favorite Nike pair falls under $30. This helps you bide your time until the best deal.
Bookmark shorts you have your eye on and check back often for sales. Retailers adjust prices frequently. If it’s not urgently needed, wait a few weeks and you may get lucky with a sudden price cut.
Shop Thrift and Consignment Stores
Never overlook your local thrift and consignment stores when looking for seriously discounted tennis apparel. While you likely won’t find the newest models, I’ve found previous season Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour shorts for as little as $5.
Dedicate time to dig around the racks in the athletic section to uncover hidden deals. Try on a few different sizes as sizing varies. Inspect closely for stains, tears or other damage before purchasing.
Consignment retailers like Plato’s Closet often have more premium athletic gear, but prices are bit higher than Goodwill or Salvation Army. Still, you can save 50-75% buying like new shorts secondhand.
Bottom Line
Finding cheap tennis shorts takes some work and patience. But with online sales, promo codes, buying in bulk, mixing budget and quality brands, buying used and consignment, comparing prices and setting alerts, you can save big. With a little effort, you can stock up on quality shorts without breaking the bank.
Check Out Tennis Specialty Retailers
As an avid tennis player, one of my go-to tricks for finding discounted tennis shorts is to shop at specialty tennis retailers, both online and in-person. These stores are laser-focused on tennis gear and apparel, so they offer a wider selection and better deals than general sporting goods stores.
Places like Tennis Express, Tennis Warehouse, and Midwest Sports will oftentimes run site-wide sales around major holidays and events. I’ll browse their clearance sections for previous seasons’ shorts marked down up to 75% off. Sign up for their newsletters and email alerts so you never miss a sitewide promo code.
Don’t forget to also check out your local specialty tennis shops. I stop by mine a few times a season and chat with the staff about upcoming sales or demo product launches. Oftentimes, they’ll offer special discounts to their loyal customers first. I’ve scored some insane deals on top-brand shorts just by having a relationship with the owner.
The advantage of shopping at tennis-focused retailers is they carry a much wider range of apparel and brands tailored specifically for tennis players. This makes it easier to find the right fit, performance features, and styles you need for optimal play.
Ask About Price Matching and Price Adjustments
If you’ve found a lower price on shorts you already purchased, ask the retailer if they’ll price match. Many specialty stores want to keep your business, so they’ll credit back the difference. All you have to do is show them proof of the competitor’s lower pricing.
Similarly, retailers will often retroactively price adjust your purchase if it goes on sale shortly after buying at full price. Always save your receipts. Check their price adjustment policy, but most stores give you 7-14 days to get refunded the difference.
Saving a little upfront with price matching and adjustments allows me stretch my tennis apparel budget further. Don’t be afraid to ask!
Try Clothes On In-Person For The Best Fit
The beauty of shopping for shorts at local specialty shops is you can try them on in-person before buying. This ensures you get the right size and comfortable fit, so you don’t have to deal with returns and exchanges.
I like to bring 2-3 potential pairs in my size to the dressing room. I’ll do some test lunges and stretches to see how the shorts move and feel when actually playing. The staff is also there to help recommend the best pair for my needs and budget.
Being able to physically see, touch, and try on shorts before buying gives me the confidence I’m getting high quality gear that will perform and last. No more guessing how online pics will translate in real life.
Ask For Student and Loyalty Discounts
Don’t be shy to ask your specialty tennis retailer if they offer any student, teacher, active military or other loyalty discounts. Often these aren’t heavily advertised, but stores provide them to support certain groups and build lasting relationships.
My local shop gives me 10% off for being a frequent customer the owner recognizes. Doesn’t hurt to ask next time if they have any special deals for loyal patrons or certain professions.
The worst they can tell you is no. But you might be pleasantly surprised to save an extra 10-15% just for playing at their in-house court or being a repeat customer.
Building rapport with small specialty retailers allows you take advantage of VIP perks and insider deals you can’t find anywhere else. You support local business while saving big on tennis essentials.
Look for Coupon Codes and Promo Offers
My secret weapon for scoring cheap tennis shorts is to always be on the hunt for coupon codes, promos and special offers from retailers. A little bit of deal hunting can slash 15-20% or more off your shorts purchases with minimal effort.
Before buying anything online, I google “[store name] coupon codes” and check RetailMeNot, Honey, Rakuten and other aggregator sites. It takes 30 seconds to find and apply valid coupons that instantly save me money at checkout.
I also subscribe to the email lists from my go-to tennis retailers. They’ll send out sitewide promo codes, especially around the holidays and during big sales events. I time my shorts shopping to take advantage of these stacked discounts.
Cash back apps like Rakuten and TopCashback give you money back for purchases made through their sites. I browse and shop as normal, then activate the cash back via the browser extension. It’s an automatic way to get 1-10% back in rebates.
Look for Student, Military and Group Discounts
It always pays to ask retailers if they offer student, teacher, active military or other special discounts.Often these aren’t publicized but you can still take advantage. As a student, I save an instant 10% at some stores just by verifying my .edu email.
Tennis clubs and leagues sometimes have partnerships with gear companies or retailers as well. Check if your USTA or club team has any special coupon codes or group rates to save members money on apparel.
If you have a friend or family member who qualifies for a discount program, ask them to pick up gear for you using their savings. A little creative thinking goes a long ways.
Stack Savings from Different Promos
When shopping online, don’t be afraid to layer on multiple discounts from various promos. I’ll use a sitewide 20% off coupon code on top of a 15% student discount to maximize savings on high-end shorts.
Retailers allow you to combine offers as long as they don’t explicitly forbid it in the fine print. I’ll chat with customer service through online chat to confirm multiple codes do stack on a single order.
With a little coupon stacking, I’ve scored $70 Nike tennis shorts for under $30 brand new. Never pay full price if you can coordinate a few legit savings offers.
Join Loyalty and Rewards Programs
Sign up for free loyalty and rewards programs through your favorite tennis retailers. This gives you access to exclusive promos and even more discounts as a VIP member.
Cultivate your status over time by making repeat purchases and engaging with the brand. I get special birthday coupons and early access to sales since I shop Tennis Warehouse so often.
Loyalty programs are designed to provide perks to retailers’ best customers. So take advantage of them to maximize savings on all your tennis gear purchases.
Buy Previous Season’s Styles
One of the easiest ways I score major discounts on quality tennis shorts is to buy previous seasons’ styles after new models are released. Retailers deeply discount last year’s gear to clear out old inventory.
Shop clearance sections on tennis sites like Tennis Warehouse, Tennis Express and Midwest Sports. Sort by price from low to high to find the biggest bargains. I’ve found Adidas and Nike shorts from last season marked down 60-75% off!
Check the product description to confirm it’s just the prior year’s color or style, not a defect. Try on in-store since sizing varies across models. Inspect closely for any damage or wear, though clearance items are usually new.
Off-Season Buying Allows Big Savings
The best time to buy shorts is during the off-season, like late fall and winter. Retailers are trying to clear out summer inventory so they heavily discount last year’s apparel.
I look for shorts in classic colors like black, white and navy that can carry over year to year. Vibrant prints may go on deeper clearance since they go out of style faster.
Shop off-season sales and stock up on shorts for the following year. Just try items on to confirm fit hasn’t changed. Storage space permitting, buy multiple colors/prints at huge markdowns.
Take Advantage of Post-Holiday Discounts
Another great time to buy discounted tennis shorts is right after major holidays like Christmas and Black Friday. This is when retailers deeply mark down excess inventory.
While holiday deals focus on gifts and cold weather needs, you can still uncover big savings on tennis apparel if you dig. I check all the major tennis sites right after Christmas to find shorts on sale.
Post-holiday is the off-season for summer sports gear, so retailers are extra motivated to clear old stock. Be ready to pounce on sales in late December and January.
Consider Buying Last Year’s Colorway
If you’re not too picky about having the latest colorway, buy prior seasons’ styles and save big. The shorts’ performance and technology is likely the same, just in an old color pattern.
For basic colored shorts like black, white or navy, the difference between model years is negligible. You still get high quality, durable tennis gear at steep clearance prices.
Do some quick online research so you recognize if the marked down shorts are truly last season’s color or if they have some defect. Read product descriptions closely.
With off-season shopping tactics, you can stock up on quality shorts year after year and save a ton versus paying full price on new models.
Consider House Brands to Save Money
If you want quality tennis shorts at bargain prices, don’t overlook the house brands from retailers like Target, Walmart and Amazon. Their private label athletic apparel is very affordable while still being fully functional.
Amazon Essentials, Target’s C9 Champion line and Walmart’s Avia brand offer shorts under $20. The fit and performance is decent for recreational play and training.
For casual wear, I’ll stock up on house brand shorts in basic colors to save money. Then splurge on Nike, Adidas or Under Armour only for more technical pairs meant for competition.
Compare House Brand Quality
Pay attention to product details and reviews when buying house brand tennis shorts. Quality and prices can vary widely across retailers.
Target’s C9 line uses Champion’s moisture-wicking technology at a fraction of the price. Amazon Essentials shorts have disappointing reviews for poor fit and flimsy materials.
Try house brand apparel on in-store and stretch the fabrics. Check longevity reports from other buyers before fully committing to a retailer’s line.
Mix and Match High and Low End Gear
Having a mix of high end shorts and budget house brand pairs in your tennis wardrobe maximizes value. I use Nike exclusively for tournaments and matches where performance matters.
But for club socials or just hitting around, I’m fine with cheaper Target shorts. They get the job done minus all the bells and whistles I don’t really need.
Figure out when you really benefit from premium brands’ technology and materials. Reserve them for competitive play, while saving with house labels for practice and lessons.
Take Advantage of House Brand Sales
House brands already offer low everyday prices, but you can save even more by buying on sale. I try to only purchase Amazon Essentials or C9 Champion shorts when they’re discounted.
Retailers like Target, Walmart and Amazon frequently mark down their house brands to clear inventory. The prices dip even lower during holidays and clearance events.
Subscribe to email lists and download apps to get notified about house brand sales. The prices will be unbeatable on those basic solid color pairs you need.
With smart mix and match shopping methods, you can stock up on tons of cheap shorts for casual play, without sacrificing performance quality for matches.
Buy in Bulk with Friends or Family
If you want to score deep discounts on tennis shorts, try organizing a bulk buy with your teammates or tennis friends. Buying 3+ pairs together allows you to take advantage of retailers’ volume pricing.
I coordinate with my hitting partners to make a joint order of shorts we all need in similar sizes. We take advantage of the price breaks buying 6-8 pairs at once rather than individually.
After the bulk shipment arrives, we get together and split up the pairs. It’s a fun little shopping party, plus we save $5-15 per short buying in bulk!
Split Shipping Costs
When buying tennis shorts in bulk, you can split up the shopping cart with friends and divide shipping costs. This avoids anyone having to pay the full freight charge alone.
I’ve found most retailers charge the same flat rate for shipping 3 pairs as they do 8. So it makes sense to maximize your order size and divide the shipping expense across friends.
After the bulk order arrives, meet up to swap pairs. The per-item cost ends up so low when you go in on a group purchase.
Coordinate Colors and Sizes
A bulk buy works best when the participants coordinate on ideal colors, styles and sizes upfront. I chat with my friends first about what we each need and want.
I’ll offer to cover more basic colors like black or white shorts that we all can use. My friend who competes more stockpiles specialty tournament pairs.
Make sure to order a few extra sizes of popular colors to accommodate slight variances in fit preferences. Returns are easier if buying as a group.
Take Advantage of Team Discounts
If you belong to a tennis club, league or high school team, ask your coach or organizer if there are any partnerships or group discounts on tennis apparel.
Sometimes pro shops and retailers extend special pricing if you buy uniforms or match sets in bulk. It never hurts to ask!
Order extras so you have back ups or can sell off leftovers you don’t need. Bulk team buys are a great chance to stock up and save.Buying tennis shorts in bulk with friends and teammates allows you to get deep discounts, split costs, and coordinate ideal pairs. It takes some coordination but pays off!
Focus on Basic Styles, Not Trendy Ones
One easy way to save money on tennis shorts is to buy classic, basic styles in standard colors rather than trendy fashion pieces. Simple shorts in black, white, gray or navy tend to cost less yet remain usable for many seasons.
Leave the neon colors, bold prints and mesh details to the trends. Timeless solids and athletic cuts provide versatility and longevity in your wardrobe at affordable prices.
For higher end brands, focus your budget on their classic lines like NikeCourt or Adidas Club. You get quality without paying extra for novelty features.
Prioritize Fit and Function Over Fashion
When evaluating tennis shorts, think about performance factors like freedom of movement, sweat-wicking technology and stretch fabric first. Trendy colors and prints don’t make a difference on court.
The athletic cut of basic tennis shorts allows you to lunge, sprint and stretch without restriction during play. That’s what really matters, not how stylish they look.
Stick with brands known for performance over fashion if you want shorts with play-enhancing features at lower costs. Faddish pieces come at a premium.
Mix in Basics with Statement Pieces
Having classic solid shorts as wardrobe basics allows you to mix and match them with bolder printed pairs. The simple colors act as anchors and make the statement prints pop more.
I buy cheaper basic shorts from Target and Amazon Essentials in staple colors. Then I’ll splurge on one fun printed pair from Nike or Lululemon when they’re on sale.
With a solid foundation of block color shorts, you can afford to buy slightly trendy pairs for variety without going over budget.
Repurpose Basics from Other Sports
Think outside just the tennis section when looking for solid performance shorts on a budget. Basketball and running shorts in basic colors also work great for casual tennis play.
Shop clearance racks for solid black or white athletic shorts from Nike, Adidas and Under Armour. As long as they’re the right length and offer stretch, they’ll perform fine on court.
Lettting go of the mindset that shorts need to be labeled as “tennis” opens up more affordable options. You just want basic function.
Focusing on classic athletic shorts over trendy tennis fashion lets you save money while still getting versatile mix-and-match options.
Compare Prices on Price Tracking Sites
One of my go-to tricks for scoring cheap tennis shorts is using price tracking sites and browser extensions to find the best deals. These tools allow you to easily compare prices across retailers and wait for sales.
I add shorts I’m eyeing to my Wishlist on CamelCamelCamel to see the price history on Amazon. This shows me if the current price is really the lowest it’s been recently.
The Honey browser extension automatically finds coupon codes at checkout and shows me if other stores have the same item for less. I never buy before comparing.
Set Price Drop Alerts
When I’m not in a rush to buy new tennis shorts, I’ll set price drop alerts on sites like SlickDeals. You enter your target price for a particular pair of shorts.
When that style hits your desired price at any major retailer, you get an email alert. This allows you to bide your time until the shorts go on sale.
I try to have patience and only buy shorts I really love once they hit my ideal price point. The longer you wait, the more you save.
Check Archived Prices
Use browser extensions to reveal archived price history data on product pages. This information isn’t always visible on retailers’ sites.
You can see how much a pair of shorts used to cost at different time periods. If the current price isn’t a real low, I hold off until the next sale cycle.
Checking old prices gives you more context to determine if the deal is legit. Don’t assume a “reduced price” tag means it’s the lowest ever.
Bookmark Favorite Pairs to Track
I bookmark tennis shorts I have my eye on across a few retailers and check back often for price drops. Signing up for email alerts also helps.
Prices fluctuate frequently. A pair may be full price one week then 20% off the next. By tracking favorites, I snag deals at the optimal moment.
Persistence and price tracking pays off. I get my desired shorts for cheap without sacrificing style or features.
Leverage price tracking tools and comparison shopping to find the best bargain on tennis shorts. A little patience goes a long ways!
Join Loyalty and Rewards Programs
Take advantage of free loyalty and rewards programs from your favorite tennis retailers. Signing up gives you access to exclusive discounts, sales and perks.
I’m a member of Tennis Warehouse’s VIP program which offers free 2-day shipping, bonus points on purchases and early access to sales for loyal customers.
The more you engage with a brand through their rewards program, the more perks you unlock. Check your status dashboard for ways to level up.
Earn Points Towards Future Discounts
A major benefit of loyalty programs is earning points for purchases that translate into dollars off later. It’s like getting cash back.
For Tennis Express, 100 points = $1 off. I try to make most of my tennis gear purchases through them to rack up points for big future discounts.
Some programs let you combine points with other promos like percentage-off coupons. The savings really add up over time.
Get Birthday Freebies and Bonuses
My favorite loyalty program perk is getting free birthday gifts or discounts every year from retailers. Who doesn’t love free stuff?
Tennis Warehouse sends me a $20 gift card automatically on my birthday. Tennis Express does 20% off. It makes shopping those sales even sweeter.
Make sure your account settings are correct so brands know your birthday. Then take advantage of the free offers.
Achieve Elite Status for VIP Treatment
If you spend enough annually to reach elite status in a loyalty program, you get celebrity treatment. Expect concierge service and the best deals.
After I spent over $1000 at Tennis Express one year, they classified me as a VIP. Now anytime I have an issue, I get premium support. And I’m the first to know about major sales.
Loyalty pays off! Let those points and perks make your tennis budget go further.
Avoid High Priced Brand Names
While big athletic brands like Nike, Adidas and Lululemon make great tennis shorts, they come at a premium cost. If you’re on a budget, consider lesser known labels to save.
Brands like K-Swiss, New Balance and ASICS offer comparable performance and styling at almost half the price. I save these for casual play and practices.
I focus my spending on premium brands only for important tournament shorts where quality matters most. Day to day, I swap in budget-friendly options.
Compare Materials and Features
When considering cheaper brand name shorts, check the product details closely. Make sure the materials, stretch, pockets and other features match up to high end pairs.
Some cheaper brands cut costs using inferior fabrics that won’t breathe well or hold up over time. Read reviews to learn about real durability before buying.
Well-made tennis shorts don’t have to come with a flashy logo. Focus on performance factors over brand cache.
Mix and Match High and Low Cost Pairs
Having a mix of both premium and budget shorts allows you to customize based on needs. I’ll wear Nike for an important tournament, but switch to Hanes for lessons.
Rotate higher end shorts less frequently to preserve their quality. Cheaper pairs can be worn more often without worrying about breakdown.
Figure out which aspects really require splurging vs. where you can cut costs while still getting the performance you need.
Wait for Sales on Premium Brands
Keep an eye out for periodic sales on higher end tennis shorts from major brands. Sign up for rewards programs and email lists to be notified of deals.
During the 2-3 times a year Nike shorts go 25% off, I’ll stock up. But at full price, I buy cheaper comparable pairs instead.
With strategic shopping, you can get both premium and budget items in your wardrobe. Mix, match and save!
Check out Discount Outlet Stores
Don’t overlook discount outlet stores and websites when looking for serious deals on tennis shorts. These retailers offer brand name apparel at steep markdowns.
At Nike and Adidas Outlet locations, I’ve found current model tennis shorts discounted 30-50% off regular retail pricing. Online outlet sites can be even cheaper.
While the selection is hit or miss, outlets are a smart place to check for cheap shorts. Especially last season’s colors that get further marked down.
Comb Through Clearance Racks
Be ready to spend time sifting through outlet clearance racks to uncover the best hidden gems. The chaotic jumble of items takes some hunting.
I try on anything that looks like tennis shorts in my size, even if it’s mixed in with other sports apparel. You never know what performance finds you might discover for cheap.
Clearance sections will be more disorganized, but that’s where you find shorts marked down 70% or more. Be thorough in your digging.
Check Online for Coupon Codes
When shopping outlet websites instead of in-person stores, always search for current coupon codes before completing your order.
RetailMeNot and other coupon sites aggregate all the latest promo codes that stack on existing outlet discounts for extra savings.
I recently scored Adidas tennis shorts for over 75% off the original price using an outlet code plus stacked coupons. Outlet deals + coupons = huge savings!
Buy Off-Season for Max Discounts
Shop outlet stores in the off-season months for seriously discounted tennis apparel. For summer shorts, target winter and early spring.
Outlets will be looking to clear previous seasons’ summer inventory to make room for new incoming shipments later in spring.
Bundle up and hit those winter outlet sales. You’ll find deals galore to stock up on tennis shorts for cheap!
Shop End of Season Clearance Sales
One of the best times to score seriously discounted tennis shorts is during end of season clearance sales. Retailers will deeply discount remaining inventory to make room for new styles.
I specifically look for shorts in late winter (for summer gear) and late summer (for winter apparel). That’s when stores are unloading last season’s items at rock bottom prices.
Patience pays off if you can wait to shop clearance sales. I stock up on quality shorts for 50-75% off retail pricing just by buying off-season.
Look for Basic Colors and Classics
When shopping end of season tennis shorts sales, stick with basic colors like black, navy and gray. Vibrant prints and colors tend to clearance out faster.
Classic athletic shorts styles also have more longevity season to season versus trendy cuts or novelty details. Timeless basics just need minor styling updates.
Prioritize fit and function over what’s on-trend when buying clearance items. Focus on scoring discounts on classic staples.
Buy a Size Up If In Between
I tend to buy tennis shorts a size up during clearance sales because the selection is limited. If I’m between sizes, sizing up ensures a comfortable fit.
Trying clearance items on in-store allows you to better gauge fit. For online purchases, check site return policies in case sizing is off.
Finding true bargains may require some flexibility with size and color. But the savings are worth it!
Pair with New Items for a Stylish Look
Even if you purchase basic colored or dated tennis shorts styles on clearance, you can modernize them by pairing with new tops, shoes or accessories.
Clearance shorts + a trendy new sleeveless tennis top creates a stylish coordinated look. You save big on the bottoms to splurge more on tops.
Shopping clearance with a stylist’s eye lets you build head-to-toe outfits that still look fresh, without overspending.
Buy Used and Thrift Store Items
If you’re really looking to save, buying used and secondhand tennis shorts is an option. Thrift stores, consignment shops, and sites like eBay provide major discounts on gently worn apparel.
I check thrift stores in affluent areas to score pricier brands like Lululemon and Athleta for under $10. eBay also has great deals on used tennis shorts in auction listings.
While you likely won’t find the newest models, used shorts often have plenty of wear left if you inspect condition closely before purchasing.
Try On In Person for Best Fit
If buying used tennis shorts from a thrift or consignment store, make sure to try them on in the dressing room before purchasing. Used clothing fits differently than new.
Walk and do test lunges to make sure the shorts don’t restrict movement during play. Also double check for stains, tears or other damage.
The benefit of buying used in person vs. online is you can thoroughly inspect fit and condition before handing over any money.
Check Measurements When Buying Online
If buying secondhand shorts on eBay, Poshmark or other online sellers, carefully review measurements and size details in listings.
Many buyers post detailed sizing info which helps reduce surprises. Don’t assume standard size charts apply to used goods.
Buy from sellers with free returns so you can send back any items that end up not fitting. Read return policies before purchasing.
Wash Before First Wear
Used shorts should always be washed before wearing to sanitize them. Use hot water and an extra rinse cycle to remove any lingering odors or stains.
I also spray used athletic shorts with an antimicrobial spray designed to kill bacteria and odor. This gives me peace of mind about hygiene.
With some smart shopping tactics, used tennis shorts can offer major savings. Just make sure to confirm fit, inspect closely and sanitize before hitting the courts!
Stick to a Tennis Shorts Budget
The key to scoring cheap tennis shorts without overspending is to set a realistic budget and stick to it. Determine what you can afford to spend and hold yourself accountable.
I allocate around $30-40 per pair of shorts in my annual tennis apparel budget. This forces me to shop smart and take advantage of deals to make my dollars stretch.
Know your budget ceiling before shopping and refrain from impulse buys that bust your limit. Having disciplined spending habits is crucial.
Track Expenses to Avoid Surprises
Use a spreadsheet, notebook or app to track every tennis shorts purchase throughout the year. Recording what I spend helps me visualize remaining budget.
Seeing that I’ve already spent $200 of a $300 shorts budget tells me I need to only buy on sale or look for deeply discounted items for the rest of the season.
Detailed tracking eliminates any surprise overages at year end. I know exactly how much I have left to work with.
Set Price Alerts on Favorites
When I see a pair of tennis shorts I love that’s outside my budget, I set a price tracker alert to notify me if the price eventually drops into my range.
This allows me time to wait for sales and deals instead of overspending right away. Persistence and patience pays off.
Letting go of the mindset that I need shorts immediately gives my budget a break. I get my top choices when the price is right.
Avoid Paying Full Price
My number one budget rule is to never pay full retail price for tennis shorts. There are always deals and discounted options with a little digging.
Between promo codes, sales, consignment shops and clearance racks, I can save 20-60% average on quality shorts without sacrifice.
Refuse to overpay. With disciplined spending habits and smart shopping, you can stick to your tennis apparel budget and still score fantastic gear.
With summer just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about updating your warm weather activewear. And for tennis players, a good pair of tennis shorts is a must-have. But quality tennis apparel can come at a steep price. The good news is, with some patience and smart shopping, you can find great deals on tennis shorts this season.
Be Patient and Watch for Price Drops
Instead of rushing out to buy the first pair of tennis shorts you see, try waiting for prices to drop on last season’s styles first. Retailers will be looking to clear old inventory to make room for new stock. Sign up for email alerts from your favorite tennis shops so you’ll be notified right away when sales kick off.
Check retailer sites for coupons and promo codes which could score you an additional percentage off or free shipping. And don’t forget to scour the sale sections – you may find exactly what you want at a fraction of the original price.
Shop at the Right Time
Timing is everything when you want the best possible deals. Historically, the best discounts on tennis apparel happen in July and January when retailers are focused on clearing previous season merchandise. The highest prices tend to be at the start of the tennis season in the spring.
Keep an eye out for holiday weekend sales like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day. Retailers often roll out their deepest discounts around these times to lure shoppers in. And Tennis Warehouse tends to offer site-wide sales for major holidays, so check in on these dates for extra savings.
Take Advantage of Price Matching
If you find a lower price on tennis shorts you’ve been eyeing, don’t be afraid to ask the retailer to match it. Many larger retailers like Tennis Express and Dick’s Sporting Goods offer price matching guarantees. As long as the item is identical and currently in stock at another authorized dealer online or locally, there’s an excellent chance they’ll meet the price.
Price matching combined with coupons or other discounts from the original retailer can mean even bigger savings. Some stores like Walmart allow using price matching on top of other offers to maximize your savings.
Buy Discounted Gift Cards
Here’s a pro money-saving tip – buy discounted retailer gift cards from sites like Raise or CardCash. You can often get 5-15% off cards to major sporting good retailers. The cards can be used for in-store or online purchases, including sale items.
Some deal sites also offer cash back on gift card purchases. For example, WithMyDeal offers 6% cashback on Tennis Warehouse gift cards. Those added savings really start to add up, especially on larger purchases.
Shop Thrift and Consignment Stores
Savvy shoppers know you can find amazing deals at thrift and consignment stores. They regularly receive brand name, high-quality tennis apparel from private donations and other retailers. You might be surprised what gets donated – oftentimes pieces still have the original tags on them.
While selection can be hit or miss, when you do find something, the deals are incredible. Stores like Play It Again Sports often price items at 50-90% off retail. And don’t forget to check the clearance racks where deals get even deeper.
Buy Direct from China
Shopping directly from Chinese wholesale sites like Alibaba and DHGate means you’re buying straight from the source. This allows you to cut out the middleman and pay the lowest possible prices.
The tradeoff is you won’t get the same customer service, guarantees, or ease of returns you’re used to from major retailers. But for rock-bottom prices, buying direct from China is hard to beat, just be prepared for longer shipping times.
Aim for Functional Versus Brand Name
The biggest determinant of price when shopping for tennis shorts is the brand. Big brands like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour command higher prices. But carefully compare those brand name shorts next to bags from lesser-known labels and you may find it’s the exact same quality and performance for less.
Sites like Sierra Trading Post offer brand name overstock items at steep discounts. Or brands like BOA and Triple Threat offer comparable performance and quality at a fraction of the premium brand prices.
Consider Buying Used/Pre-Owned
Used tennis gear often still has plenty of life left, especially gently used shorts. Check thrift stores as mentioned above, or try used sporting goods sites like Poshmark and Mercari. Both sites make it easy to search for specific brands or styles.
eBay is another excellent source for used tennis shorts at auction prices. Filters allow you to drill down your search by brand, size, condition and other attributes to find exactly what you want.
Just be sure to carefully inspect photos and descriptions so you know exactly what kind of condition the shorts are in before bidding or buying.
Sign Up for Retailer Email Lists
One of the best ways to find out about sales and deals for tennis shorts is to sign up for retailer email lists. Oftentimes, the best offers are only shared via email subscribers.
Most retailers allow you to customize your preferences, so you only get alerts about new products and deals on categories you’re interested in like apparel or tennis specifically. This prevents your inbox from getting overrun.
Setting sale alerts on Slickdeals is another way to get notified when deals are posted for your favorite brands and retailers.
Use Credit Card Rewards and Cash Back
Using a cash back credit card is an easy way to save on all your tennis gear purchases. Cards like the Citi Custom Cash Card offer 5% back in specific categories which you can set as sporting goods stores.
Other cards offer broader 2-3% rewards on all purchases. No matter which card you have, always remember to use it for any tennis shorts or other tennis purchases to maximize savings.
Some retailers like Tennis Express even offer additional percentage rewards or discounts for using their credit card in-store or online. Stack those savings with coupon codes and sales for extra value.
Getting the essential gear you need doesn’t have to break the bank. With some smart shopping habits and savvy bargain hunting, you can enjoy major savings on tennis shorts and other tennis apparel this season.