What to buy from the upcoming Tibi sale
Warning: Do not read if trying to avoid shopping. This entire newsletter is only about shopping.
We are looking at an impending Sale starting first (or second) week of June. Twice a year, Tibi holds their Sale Event; and events they are.
See, Tibi isn’t an it-girl brand (thankfully), so we’re not battling crowds of 20-somethings with lightning-fast reflexes and bottomless energy for a pair of sculpted nylon joggers. But let’s be real: the competition is still stiff. Tibi has a loyal cult following, and they don’t overproduce. If you’ve had your eye on something, chances are someone else has too.
The true Tibi Fans have been prepping for months. They’ve got sale lists saved since the collection launch, tracking stock like hawks, watching quantities go up, down, and up again (pro tip: add to cart to see what’s left). They grab the “must-haves” when numbers get scary low, and hold the rest for the sale. Could they find it pre-loved? Sure. But the thrill of the chase (and the marketing genius of Amy Smilovic , Tibi’s founder and Creative Director)keeps them coming back. Side note: It me. The they is me. But talking in third person is better for denial reasons.
Then there are the casual fans. They get the brand’s vibe, they’re into the whole “creative pragmatist” thing, but they’re not shelling out full price for a nylon jogger anytime soon. For them, the sale is the moment.
This guide is for both those camps, and everyone in between. It’s my take on what’s worth scooping from the upcoming sale, which will likely include Resort 2024, Spring 2025, and some Fundamentals. (Which Fundamentals? We won’t know until launch, but it’s usually the seasonal colors.)
A Few Quick Things Before You Checkout:
Final Sale Alert:
No returns, no exchanges, no buyer’s remorse. Make sure you’re sure.
Sizing is… variable.
Tibi sizing isn’t always consistent across items. You might be an 8 in one pant and a 10 in another. The item-specific size charts are usually accurate, so check those carefully. Look at the item, know your body, and know which measurement to look at. For example, if you have hips, one I am jealous, and two, I would look at any fitted item and ensure the hip measurement is what you account for. But if it’s free sized in the hip area, look at the waist measurement and measure the part of your body where you want the ‘waist’ to sit.
I am 5’7. Bust 39 inches, hips 40 inches. I have added notes for my sizing here in this post.
If you’re near a Tibi store or stockist, go try things on. If not, feel free to ask me questions in the comments or the Fit Happens chat. And if something arrives way off from listed measurements, you might be able to get a refund. DO NOT come for me if they don’t do that, I am just saying rely on the size chart on the site for each item to reduce the risk.
How to preview what’s going on sale:
Search the codes R124 and S125 on Tibi’s site to see Resort and Spring items. There’s no way to see the Fundamentals section that would be discounted until the sale officially launches.
How sale-y is the sale?
Tibi doesn’t play. The first drop usually hits at 50% off. Later, shoes get added. Then it jumps to 60% in a few weeks, and finally 70% off (sometimes with an additional 15% discount stacked on top). They could always change it up this year, but that’s been the general pattern.
Let’s Get Into It.
These are the pieces I personally own and recommend. I decided to only recommend to you what I myself have spent money on (except for diva dresses at the end). Seems fair? Also, yes I do feel like an idiot spending full price on items that will now go on Sale, thank you for asking.
I also recognize that by posting this before the Sale starts, I am risking some of these items selling out by then. I weighed that tradeoff but decided to post it early so you have time to gameplan. It’s up to you if you are willing to play the waiting game. Ready? Let’s dive in.
If you need tops that are more than just a top
Active Knit Flip Tank / Crispy Sleeveless Sweater
This tank is so good I don’t know why they’d sell it for half price. But if they do, let this be the first thing you grab. I have it in the white active knit and adore it.
Sizing
I wear a size L and my chest is 39 inches. I like a bit of room in the chest. A medium would have been too snug, and that’s not the look for this one.
Why I love it
It’s basic without being basic. It adds instant interest to anything you pair it with. It’s also versatile. When I want to hide the straps, I just tuck them into my waistband. The crispy sweater version is slightly sheer but perfect for summer.
Why you might skip it
The hangy bits are a statement. If you’re just going to tuck them in most of the time, maybe skip it. The active knit is thick enough that I wouldn't wear it in peak summer. The crispy sweater is much lighter, but sheer. If bra visibility bothers you, this might not be your match.
Tropical Wool Tie Front T-Shirt
This one has my heart. I have it in the super trendy pale yellow. Tibi calls it ivory, but it reads way more yellow so ignore their color name.
Sizing
I bought a size 6. This one is fairly oversized. Amy usually recommends not sizing down so you can get the ease as shown on the model but I wanted lesser ease :) So I went by measurements and it works perfectly.
Why I love it
Tibi’s tropical wool is shockingly good. It’s breathable, structured, and works in any season. The shape is relaxed and easy. The tie detail adds interest without feeling fussy. I wear mine with the ties knotted or left loose depending on the mood.
Why you might skip it
Maybe you’re allergic to wool. Maybe you don’t like how ties look on you. Maybe yellow isn’t your thing. If your style leans super minimal, this might feel a little too styled.
Crispy Sweater With Cut Out Detail
I wanted a Ring 4 top that felt relaxed but still made an impact. This was it.
Sizing
I wear a medium. It’s designed to be roomy. I usually take a medium in Tibi’s oversized tops. If you have a butt, check the hem measurement. The bottom band could sit awkwardly otherwise.
Why I love it
It’s one of those pieces that looks styled even when you’ve done nothing. Great for pajama dressing days when you still want to feel cool. It also works well with tailored pieces or sporty layers.
Why you might skip it
The fabric isn’t natural and some versions are a little sheer. I found the green to be opaque. There’s also a big hole on the side. I think it adds interest. You might just think it's a hole.
Pardon the interruption: I write so I learn how to think. And style is my chosen topic. Your comments, shares, subscribes are encouragement for me to keep going. So if you’re enjoying this newsletter so far, please subscribe? Also, share this one with a friend who might also be a budding creative pragmatist.
OK, back to the goodies!
If you need interesting bottoms (and a dress)
Bio twill triple pleat pants
aka the magic pants that go everywhere with me.
Sizing
I bought a size 8. I would have gone for a 10 for more ease but I have a fibroid that is slowly shrinking making my stomach get smaller each month, so I am OK with a bit snugness for now.
Why I love it
These are my best travel pants. I wrote about them in detail during my Seattle work trip recap. I mix lengths by snapping the buttons differently to create variety when I’m living out of a suitcase. For example, short culottes length for slight, longer pants for dinner. They go with sneakers, flats, boots—everything. The plum color is stunning. Tibi nails these in-between shades. It’s not brown, not burgundy, not purple. It just is, and is beautiful.
Why you might skip it
If volume around the hips makes you nervous, this cut might feel like a lot. The fabric is thick, so if you live somewhere hot, these might be more of a fall-winter-spring pant than a summer staple.
Spring Denim Triple Pleat Jean
Same magic shape as the Bio Twill pants, but in denim. Do I need both? Yes. Yes I do. They’re that good.
Sizing
This one is 29S (S for short). Most people recommend sizing up in this one to get more chill. I think it is so the pleats sit better on the stomach. I don’t care about that, I am ok if the stomach poofs out.
Why I love it
It’s the shape for me. I picked the Short version so I wouldn’t need to cuff them. I love a cuff, obviously, but the silhouette on these is so good I wanted the denim to fall clean. The snaps let me wear them cropped when I want, which is great. That said, my favorite way to style them is snapped on just one side of each leg. That half cuff is SO cute.
Why you might skip it
Do you need another pair of jeans? Maybe not. If wide-leg shapes aren’t your thing, these probably won’t win you over. And if you’re shopping for forever pieces, this exact silhouette might feel too trend-forward for your taste.
4-Ply Silk T-Shirt Dress
The dress that truly can do it all
Sizing
Size 6 here. This is very very oversized but definitely check your shoulder measurements before you buy.
Why I love it
The ease, the flow, the luxe feel. This one checks every box. It can swing from very dressy to very casual depending on how you style it. You can even wear it as a skirt by layering a top over it. And the color? Gorgeous. I had the navy first but changed it so I could get the orange instead. No regrets.
Why you might skip it
This won’t work if you want your dresses to be traditionally flattering or waist-defining. It’s oversized and drapey, and you have to be into that. The silk might feel too high maintenance. And if you’re petite, it could be a lot of fabric to manage.
If you need to layer up
Reversible Cuffed Trench
The late bloomer
Sizing: Size S. This one is oversized. I wanted it to be slightly less oversized, so sized down from my usual oversized size.
Why I love it: I DID NOT THINK I WOULD! It looks not so great on the website to be honest. But then I saw Keturah wear this in LA and guys! This is SO GOOD. And honestly even at full price it was worth it to me (clearly). It is reversible. The black and white side is a beautiful plaid and we know Tibi does plaids so well. It has these little pale blue and grey stripes that don’t come through online. It is rainproof on both sides. It has distressed edges. Plenty of pockets. And the bottom folds up to make it more practical for travel.
Why you might skip it: Idk, maybe you hate joy and pragmatism. JKJK. If I had a trench already, I would not have bought this because I don’t like duplication. So maybe you already have a trench you love. In which case, skip it.
Anna Merino Wool Hole-At-Back Pullover
No I promise this will make sense keep reading
Sizing: My regular oversized size, size M. It fits perfectly.
Why I love it
It’s a simple sweater, but the hole in the back makes it interesting. And honestly, even without the hole, the distressed hem and slightly uneven shape would still give it that cool, undone vibe. I have it in the signature Tibi navy, and I reach for it anytime I want to feel cozy but still look dressed.
Why you might skip it
It is itchy. Not "just a little textured", actually kinda itchy unless it is cold. If you're sensitive to wool, don't risk it. And yes, there’s a literal hole in the back. I think it’s cool. But if that feels like a wardrobe malfunction to you, feel free to pass.
Clyde Padding Shirt Jacket
This is literally the most worn item in my closet. I have been wearing it almost daily since I bought it.
Sizing: Medium. Seeing the pattern? If oversized I get a medium usually. I would recommend checking the length here. I like these jackets to hit the butt-hamstring crease.
Why I love it: It is machine washable. And white. And the shape. This is my daily walk jacket, so truly the CPW is down to pennies at this point. ALSO, I wore it to a very dressy Holiday party last year. So there it is again, the versatility. And I did get it dirty, and it did wash out. Holy grail. Plus I am always cold and this is so lightweight for the amount of warmth it provides.
Why you might skip it: There is no reason. I refuse to make up one for this jacket.
Bonus: If you need event pieces but don’t want to pay full price
I don’t own these myself. I have one event dress in my closet and that’s enough for the life I currently live.
But maybe you have a more glamorous calendar than I do. Or maybe you're looking for a statement event piece you won’t regret buying at half price. If that’s the case, let me point you toward these two:
Tech Twill Lavalliere Halter Dress
I tried this on in size 8 and forgot to take a photo but it was true goddess mode. Note, size 8 was definitely too small for me. I would do 10 in this. The fabric is thick and structured in the best way, so the dress feels substantial and elevated. If I needed another dress, I would have bought it without hesitation. But alas, I do not.
Stretch Silk Nylon Wide Neck Cape Dress
I haven’t tried this on, but OMG! How good did it look on the runway? Dramatic but wearable. If I had a rotation of weddings or fancy dinners to attend, this would be the one I’d reach for.
As for what’s on my wishlist?
You wish. I’m gatekeeping that info. Because y’all are ruthless, and I know exactly how many are left in stock.
Good luck, and Godspeed.
PS1: All the links (and a few extra recommendations) are gathered here. These are affiliate links, which means I might earn a tiny commission if you buy something, no extra cost to you.
PS2: Reality check grounding reminder: Ultimately, it’s just clothes. If this stresses you out, don’t do it. Capitalism is built on scarcity mindset and while I understand I might have just contributed to it with this post, it is all in good fun. You know yourself best, and you are amazing, brilliant, gorgeous, AND stylish without having to add anything new to your closet. You are loved!
PS3: Almost anything Tibi can be found pre-loved if you have the patience and the skills for that. If that is a top value for you, none of these items will permanently disappear if you don’t buy them new. My favorite place to find them are at Cleowave or @Tibi.Fans on IG since it takes out the skills piece. Easy to sell and buy pre-loved Tibi (and they are expanding to other brands now).
I love you for this but also shhhhhhhhhhh! I am not as abundance pilled when it comes to the Tibi sale haha. I breathe a sigh of relief that nothing you’ve shared about here is on my personal wishlist.
I am a Tibi newbie so this was a great read. I am not seeing the inventory numbers when I add to cart. Maybe I’m on a different browser? Or need to be on mobile site? Any insight?