How Much Do Americans Really Spend on Clothing and Shoes Each Month?

When it comes to household budgets, clothing expenditures often catch people by surprise. Research into consumer spending patterns reveals that the average American household allocates approximately $1,434 annually to apparel and footwear—translating to roughly $120 per month for clothing and shoe purchases combined.

Breaking Down the Average Cost of Clothing and Shoes Per Month

The numbers tell an interesting story about consumption habits across different demographics. Women and girls typically spend $545 yearly on garments, while men and boys account for $326 annually. Separately, footwear purchases average $314 per household, with baby clothing representing a smaller $68 figure.

When you divide the annual average cost of clothing and shoes per month, it amounts to just over $100—yet this figure masks significant variations. Those $120 monthly expenditures depend heavily on individual choices, lifestyle, and purchasing discipline.

Historical Context: How Pandemic Shifted Our Wardrobes

The COVID-19 crisis temporarily reshaped these spending patterns dramatically. Consumer expenditure data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed a 20% decline in clothing purchases during 2020 versus 2019. Before the disruption, households had spent $1,866 in 2018 and $1,883 in 2019 on apparel.

As society reopened and office attendance resumed, many expected clothing budgets to snap back. However, with persistent inflation and economic uncertainty, a middle ground emerged—consumers became more selective rather than returning to pre-pandemic spending levels.

Three Smart Strategies to Lower Your Monthly Clothing Bill

Invest in quality basics that endure

The math is counterintuitive: spending $100 on a durable piece you’ll wear for five years beats purchasing $20 items worn twice. Quality garments and footwear reduce the average cost of clothing and shoes per month because they eliminate constant replacement cycles.

Develop a timeless personal style

Rather than chasing seasonal trends, curating a signature wardrobe of versatile pieces protects both your budget and your image. This approach means fewer impulse purchases and more confident outfit combinations from existing inventory.

Embrace second-hand and community-based shopping

Thrift stores and online resale platforms offer designer labels and quality footwear at reduced prices. Alternatively, organizing clothing swaps with friends provides wardrobe refreshes at zero cost while promoting sustainability.

Making Your Budget Work

Establishing a realistic monthly clothing budget creates accountability. If you allocate $100-120 monthly, you gain permission to spend without guilt while maintaining financial discipline. Most people wear only 20% of their closets anyway, suggesting room for improvement exists for nearly everyone.

As living costs rise, keeping clothing expenses controlled preserves funds for essentials and savings. Looking good doesn’t require overspending—it requires strategy.