How Much Should You Budget for Clothing? A Breakdown of American Household Spending

What Americans Actually Spend on Clothes

U.S. families allocate roughly $1,434 annually for clothing and related services, representing approximately 2.3% of total household expenses. To put this in perspective, that breaks down to about $120 per month—a significant portion of discretionary spending that many people don’t actively track.

However, spending patterns vary dramatically by gender. Women and girls average $545 yearly on apparel, while men and boys spend around $326. Beyond clothing items themselves, footwear accounts for $314 per household annually, and parents typically dedicate $68 to garments for infants and toddlers.

How the Pandemic Reshaped Clothing Expenditures

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically altered consumer behavior in this category. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Expenditure Survey, clothing purchases plummeted by more than 20% in 2020 compared to 2019. This marked a sharp departure from pre-pandemic levels: households spent $1,866 in 2018 and $1,883 in 2019.

As pandemic restrictions eased and people returned to offices and social activities, apparel spending began recovering. Yet an interesting question emerged: do we actually need all this spending? Research suggests the average person wears only 20% of their wardrobe, indicating significant room for smarter purchasing decisions.

Building an Effective Clothing Budget

Creating a realistic budget for apparel starts with understanding your monthly limits. If you determine you can comfortably allocate $50 per month to clothing, you gain the freedom to shop intentionally without guilt or overspending anxiety. This psychological shift transforms budgeting from a restrictive exercise into a permission structure.

Key budgeting tools and apps can simplify tracking, helping you identify spending patterns and adjust accordingly. The goal isn’t deprivation—it’s aligning your purchases with your financial priorities and long-term security.

Three Strategies to Reduce Clothing Costs

Invest in Quality Over Quantity

Purchasing a $100 item you’ll wear for five years often provides better value than a $20 impulse buy worn only occasionally. High-quality pieces that fit perfectly and match your lifestyle reduce waste and create a more functional wardrobe. This approach also curbs the common trap of buying discounted items that don’t suit you well.

Develop a Personal Style Identity

Instead of chasing seasonal trends that change weekly, cultivate a timeless wardrobe foundation that reflects your taste and lifestyle. This doesn’t mean avoiding fashion updates entirely, but rather building a core collection of versatile pieces that work together. A curated personal style ultimately serves both your appearance and your wallet better than constantly pursuing new trends.

Explore Secondary Markets and Community Swaps

Modern thrift shopping extends far beyond traditional resale shops. Online platforms and physical vintage stores now offer designer labels, high-end items, and quality pre-owned pieces at fraction of retail prices. Alternatively, organizing clothing swaps with friends provides a zero-cost way to refresh your wardrobe while promoting sustainability.

Final Thoughts on Smart Clothing Spending

As people navigate rising living costs and economic uncertainty, strategic clothing budgeting becomes increasingly relevant. You don’t sacrifice style or quality by being intentional with your spending—you simply make more deliberate choices. Whether returning to office environments or expanding your social calendar, thoughtful garment investments offer better long-term value than impulsive purchases, leaving more financial flexibility for other priorities.