What Americans Actually Spend on Clothes Each Month—And Why It's More Than You Think

When you break down your annual budget, clothing expenses might not seem like a major category. But here’s the reality: the average American household allocates $1,434 per year to clothes and related services—translating to roughly $120 monthly for clothing costs. That’s about 2.3% of total household spending, yet the numbers reveal some surprising patterns worth understanding.

The Gender and Age Divide in Apparel Spending

The clothing expenditure landscape doesn’t look the same for everyone. Women and girls spend significantly more, averaging $545 annually, while men and boys come in at $326 per year. Meanwhile, footwear adds another $314 to the yearly total, and parents spending on infants’ clothing typically budget around $68 annually.

These figures weren’t always the norm. Pre-pandemic, Americans were significantly more generous with their wardrobes. In 2018 and 2019, households spent $1,866 and $1,883 respectively—about $450 more per year than current levels. The dramatic shift happened during 2020 when clothing expenditure dropped over 20% compared to 2019, reflecting the reality that remote work meant fewer reasons to update wardrobes. While spending has recovered somewhat, it hasn’t fully returned to those earlier levels.

The Monthly Clothes Budget Reality

When you’re planning your finances, thinking about clothes in terms of monthly costs for clothing makes it easier to strategize. At around $120 per month, it’s manageable—but only if you’re intentional. The challenge is that most people approach clothing purchases reactively rather than strategically, which often leads to overspending without realizing it.

Three Strategies to Keep Clothing Costs in Check

Invest in Quality Over Quantity

The counterintuitive truth: spending $100 on something you’ll wear for five years beats buying five $20 items you wear once. Quality pieces serve as a foundation for a sustainable wardrobe. Rather than chasing sales on items that don’t quite fit your style, focus on finding a few staple pieces that genuinely work for your lifestyle.

Develop a Personal Style Framework

Instead of constantly refreshing your wardrobe to match fleeting trends, establish a cohesive style philosophy. Trends shift monthly, but a well-curated personal aesthetic remains timeless. This approach protects both your wallet and your wardrobe’s functionality, since you’re buying pieces that work together rather than isolated trend items.

Explore Second-Hand and Swap Options

The modern second-hand market offers unprecedented access to quality clothing at fraction of retail prices. Both online platforms and local thrift stores feature designer pieces, boutique finds, and gently-used items. For a cost-free alternative, organizing clothing swaps with friends allows you to refresh your wardrobe without spending anything while exploring new styles.

Why This Matters Now

As people return to social and professional activities, the temptation to invest in new clothes feels justified. However, with economic pressures mounting and living costs climbing, strategic spending on apparel can free up substantial money for other priorities. The key is making intentional choices rather than impulse purchases.

The data is clear: Americans spend a meaningful portion of their budgets on clothing each month, yet most wear only about 20% of what they own. By applying these strategies, you can maintain your style while spending smarter.