How Much Do You Really Spend on Clothes Per Month? Understanding the Average Cost of Clothing Per Month for 1 Person

When you think about your annual budget, clothing might not be the first expense that comes to mind. But for the average American, personal apparel spending is surprisingly substantial. According to the Consumer Expenditure Survey from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the typical household dedicates $1,434 yearly to clothing and related services. When you break this down to understand the average cost of clothing per month for 1 person, it translates to roughly $120 monthly—or about 2.3% of total household spending.

But what does this actually mean for you as an individual? The answer depends on several factors, including your gender, lifestyle, and spending habits.

The Monthly Breakdown: How Average Cost of Clothing Per Month Varies by Gender and Category

The data reveals significant variations in how different household members allocate their clothing budgets. Women and girls spend an average of $545 annually, while men and boys spend around $326 per year. When converted to a monthly perspective, this means women average approximately $45 per month on clothing, compared to roughly $27 per month for men—a notable gap driven by factors ranging from fashion marketing to clothing durability.

Beyond apparel itself, footwear represents another substantial category. The average American household spends $314 yearly on shoes, while baby clothing for children under two accounts for $68 annually.

Adding these together, the average cost of clothing per month for 1 person comes to about $120—a figure that has fluctuated significantly over recent years.

Why Your Monthly Clothing Spending Looks Different in 2026

The pandemic fundamentally disrupted consumer behavior. In 2020, clothing expenditure plummeted by over 20% compared to 2019, as people shifted from office wear and social outings to casual home clothing. Before the downturn, households spent $1,866 in 2018 and $1,883 in 2019 on apparel. These pre-pandemic figures suggest that monthly spending on clothes was notably higher before 2020—approaching $155-$157 per month.

Today, as remote work persists and lifestyles have adapted, spending patterns remain below pre-pandemic levels. Understanding this context helps explain why your current average cost of clothing per month might differ from what your parents spent.

Smart Strategies to Reduce Your Monthly Clothing Budget

If you’re looking to trim your monthly clothing expenses, the most effective starting point is creating a realistic budget. Knowing exactly how much you allocate to clothing each month—whether it’s $100, $120, or less—gives you permission to shop intentionally rather than impulsively.

Quality Over Quantity

One of the most counterintuitive ways to lower your average cost of clothing per month is paradoxically to spend more upfront on individual items. A $100 jacket you’ll wear for five years provides far better value than a $20 trend piece you’ll discard after a few wears. This approach requires spending time finding pieces that genuinely suit your lifestyle and aesthetic, rather than chasing every sale.

Build a Timeless Wardrobe Foundation

Instead of constantly updating your closet to match current trends, invest in building a personal style that works for you. Most people wear only about 20% of the clothes in their wardrobes, which suggests significant waste in typical consumption patterns. By curating outfits you genuinely love and feel confident in, you’ll naturally spend less each month while looking more put-together.

Explore Second-Hand and Swap Options

Modern thrift shopping extends far beyond dusty vintage stores. Today’s options include both physical shops and online platforms offering boutique labels and high-end items at fraction-of-retail prices. This approach directly reduces your average cost of clothing per month while being environmentally responsible.

Another zero-cost strategy is organizing clothing swaps with friends. It’s a fun way to refresh your wardrobe and discover new-to-you items without spending anything.

Bottom Line: Making Your Monthly Clothing Budget Work for You

As people navigate rising living costs and economic uncertainty, scrutinizing discretionary spending like clothing becomes increasingly important. While many are returning to offices and social activities, that doesn’t necessarily mean splurging on a new wardrobe. By understanding your average cost of clothing per month and implementing thoughtful strategies, you can look great while protecting your bank account.

The key is recognizing that lower clothing spending doesn’t mean compromising on style—it means spending smarter.