DALLAS — For families who have procrastinated on back-to-school shopping, the annual Texas tax-free weekend has arrived just in time.

From today through Sunday, August 17, most clothing and footwear will be be sold without sales tax, so families will save about $8 for every $100 spent on qualified items.

The tax-free weekend comes on the heels of one of the slowest months for retail sales in recent months. Shoppers understand that aisles will likely be crowded with shoppers.

"I've been waiting since July," said Adriana Muñoz, who was making plans to shop Friday with her children. "It's gonna be packed!"

Uniforms and backpacks are high on the Muñoz family list, and this is the first year that backpacks and messenger bags have been un-taxes — but only bags designed for elementary and secondary students.

On a tight budget, mom already knows how much she'll spend on Pamela and Fabian — and has calculated that she'll save about $20.

"I can put $20 in gas," Muñoz said. "It matters."

Pens, pencils, notebooks and many other classroom necessities will remain taxed this weekend.

If your student needs a new baseball cap or jersey, no tax will be charged; baseball cleats, gloves and pants, however, are subject to the state levy.

Adults can also benefit from the tax-free weekend. As long as a clothing item is priced under $100, it is likely to qualify, and that includes work clothes and uniforms, suits, hats, raincoats, socks and shoes.

E-mail cvega@wfaa.com