Introduction:
If you’ve spent any time in menswear circles, you already know the name Raf Simons carries weight most brands can only dream of. It’s not just a logo on a hoodie. It’s a whole era of fashionable skinny silhouettes, punk energy, art-school references, and a rebellious streak that shaped how a generation of young men dressed. So when Raf Simons pieces show up on sale, it’s worth paying attention, whether you’re a longtime collector or someone who’s only recently discovered the hype.
This guide walks you through what a “Raf Simons sale” actually means today, what kind of pieces you can expect to find, how to shop smart, and how to avoid getting burned by fakes or bad deals.
A Quick Note on the Brand’s Story
Here’s something a lot of shoppers don’t realize: Raf Simons closed his namesake fashion label after the Spring/Summer 2023 collection. The designer, who now works as co-creative director at Prada, decided to step away from running his own line after 27 years. There hasn’t been a brand-new, full runway collection since.
That doesn’t mean the brand is gone, though. Simons still quietly sells archival and reissued pieces through a small web store, and every so often a pop-up or exhibition like the kind held at Dover Street Market brings rare archive pieces back into circulation for a limited window. So when people talk about a “RAf Simons Sale ” these days, they’re usually talking about one of a few things: leftover retailer stock from past seasons, resale market listings, outlet or off-price retailer markdowns, or the occasional official archive drop.
What Kind of Pieces Show Up on Sale
Raf Simons built his reputation on a handful of signatures, and these are usually what collectors chase when a sale rolls around.
Graphic and printed tees. Bold text prints, band-inspired graphics, and collage-style artwork are some of the most recognizable Raf Simons pieces. They’re also often the most attainable price point when discounts hit.
Bomber jackets. The camo and printed bomber jackets from his earlier collections are legendary in resale circles, with rare versions fetching serious money. More recent seasons’ bombers, when discounted, are a much easier entry point.
Outerwear and coats. Structured coats and parkas with Simons’ signature oversized or deconstructed cuts tend to be the higher-ticket sale items, but they’re often where the biggest percentage discounts appear too.
Sneakers and collaborations. Collaborative footwear, including past partnerships, occasionally turns up marked down at multi-brand retailers or resale platforms.
Accessories. Bags, sunglasses (through the long-running Linda Farrow collaboration), and small leather goods are lower-commitment ways to own a piece of the archive without the higher price tag of ready-to-wear.
Where to Actually Find Discounted Pieces
Since there’s no active seasonal drop cycle anymore, finding a genuine sale takes a bit more legwork than checking one brand website.
- Multi-brand luxury retailers that carried Raf Simons in past seasons sometimes still run end-of-season clearance on remaining stock.
- Off-price and outlet platforms occasionally list past-season pieces at steep markdowns.
- Resale and consignment marketplaces are the biggest source of Raf Simons inventory today, since so much of what’s available is now secondhand or deadstock.
- The brand’s own web store occasionally restocks archival items, which is the safest place to buy if you want guaranteed authenticity.
How to Shop Smart
A few habits will save you money and headaches:
- Compare against resale value before buying. Because the label isn’t actively producing, prices on certain iconic pieces (especially early-2000s runway items) can be inflated. Check recent sold listings on resale platforms so you know what a fair price actually looks like before you commit.
- Check sizing carefully. Raf Simons is known for a slim, sometimes boxy cut depending on the era. Always check the measurements rather than relying on the tag size, especially on secondhand purchases where sizing can run differently across collections.
- Verify authenticity. With a closed label and a hot resale market, counterfeits are unfortunately common. Buy from reputable retailers, authenticated resale platforms, or the official archive store whenever possible. Look closely at stitching quality, label details, and hardware — inconsistencies are the biggest red flag.
- Don’t rush graphic tees vs. tailoring. If you’re newer to the brand, printed tees and simpler pieces are a lower-risk way to start a collection before investing in higher-priced tailoring or outerwear.
- Set alerts. Because stock is unpredictable and often one-off, following resale platforms or setting price alerts for specific pieces you want is more effective than checking sporadically.
Final Thoughts
A Raf Simons sale isn’t like a typical seasonal markdown from an active label; it’s closer to hunting for pieces of fashion history at a discount. That makes it more exciting for collectors, but it also means doing a bit more homework before you buy. Whether you’re after a graphic tee to dip your toes in or chasing a rare archival bomber, patience and a bit of research will get you the best pieces at the best prices.
FAQ
Is Raf Simons still making new clothes?
No. Raf Simons closed his eponymous fashion label after the Spring/Summer 2023 collection. He continues to work as co-creative director at Prada and occasionally releases archival pieces through his own web store.
So what does “Raf Simons sale” mean if the brand isn’t active?
It typically refers to discounted past-season stock at retailers, marked-down listings on resale and consignment platforms, or occasional restocks of archival pieces through the brand’s own store.
Are Raf Simons sale pieces authentic?
They can be, but authenticity risk goes up with unofficial resale sources. Buy from established retailers, authenticated resale marketplaces, or the brand’s official store to minimize risk.
Why are some Raf Simons pieces so expensive even on sale?
Certain early-2000s runway pieces, like the well-known camo bomber jackets, are considered highly collectible and can carry high resale value regardless of markdowns, simply because supply is fixed and demand from collectors stays strong.
What’s the easiest way to start collecting Raf Simons?
Graphic tees and accessories are usually the most affordable entry points, offering the brand’s signature aesthetic without the price tag of outerwear or tailored pieces.
Does Raf Simons still sell anything directly?
Yes. Simons maintains a low-key web store, sometimes referred to by longtime fans as “History of My World,” where he periodically releases reissued and archival items.
Is there a chance the brand relaunches fully?
Simons has mentioned in interviews that he’s been asked about reviving the label, but as of now, there’s no confirmed return to full seasonal collections. Pop-up events and archive sales remain the main way the brand shows up publicly.