How Much Do Americans Really Spend on Clothing Each Year? Here's What the Data Shows

The average American household dedicates roughly $1,434 annually to clothing and related services—a figure that might seem modest until you consider it accounts for about 2.3% of total household spending. That breaks down to approximately $120 each month on clothing, though the breakdown reveals surprising gender differences.

Breaking Down Clothing Expenditure by Demographics

When you look at the money spent on clothing per household member, the picture becomes clearer. Women and girls consume $545 yearly on apparel, nearly twice what men and boys spend at $326. Footwear represents another significant line item at $314 annually, while clothing for infants under two years accounts for $68. These figures combine to reach that $1,434 annual total across the average U.S. household.

The Pandemic’s Impact on Fashion Spending

COVID-19 disrupted consumer behavior in unexpected ways, with apparel spending experiencing one of the steepest declines among all expense categories. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Expenditure Survey documented a sharp 20% drop in 2020 relative to the previous year. For context, households were spending $1,866 on clothing in 2018 and $1,883 in 2019—levels that suggest we may gradually return to pre-pandemic consumption patterns as people resume office work and social activities.

Smart Strategies to Reduce Your Clothing Budget

The reality is that most people wear only about 20% of their wardrobe, suggesting significant room for savings. If you’re looking to trim unnecessary spending without sacrificing style, consider these approaches:

Invest in quality over quantity. Rather than accumulating cheap items worn only a handful of times, purchasing one well-made piece you’ll wear for years often provides better long-term value. A $100 garment that lasts five years costs less per wear than multiple $20 impulse purchases that fall apart quickly.

Build a personal style foundation. Instead of chasing every seasonal trend, develop a cohesive wardrobe of timeless pieces that make you feel confident. This approach protects both your bank account and your image better than constantly buying whatever appears on current runways.

Explore second-hand and swap options. Modern thrift stores—both physical and online—offer designer labels and high-quality pre-owned clothing at fraction of retail prices. Additionally, organizing clothing swaps with friends provides a cost-free way to refresh your wardrobe while strengthening community connections.

The Bottom Line

As living costs climb and economic uncertainty grows, reconsidering how much money you allocate to clothing each month makes financial sense. You don’t need to sacrifice looking polished or put-together; you simply need to be intentional about where and how you shop. Those three strategies—prioritizing durability, establishing personal style boundaries, and embracing second-hand options—can significantly reduce your annual clothing expenses while maintaining an appearance you’re proud of.