Key Insights
Essential data points from our research
In 2022, the average annual expenditure on apparel and services per consumer unit in the U.S. was $1,945
U.S. consumers spent $473.42 billion on clothing and footwear in 2023
The average American household spent $74 per month on clothing in 2022
Women's wear accounts for 51% of total U.S. apparel market revenue
Men’s apparel accounts for 36% of U.S. clothing market revenue
In 2023, U.S. children’s apparel sales totaled over $53 billion
Online fashion sales in the U.S. amounted to $126.63 billion in 2023
Fast fashion retailers account for 10% of the global carbon emissions yearly
The average U.S. adult buys 68 garments per year
Consumers in the U.S. spend more on clothing than any other country, with over $400 billion spent annually
As of 2024, the global clothing market was valued at approximately $1.8 trillion USD
Footwear and accessories make up 25% of total fashion spending in the U.S.
The average woman in the U.S. spends 76% more on clothing per year than the average man
Consumer Spending Trends
- In 2022, the average annual expenditure on apparel and services per consumer unit in the U.S. was $1,945
- U.S. consumers spent $473.42 billion on clothing and footwear in 2023
- The average American household spent $74 per month on clothing in 2022
- In 2023, U.S. children’s apparel sales totaled over $53 billion
- The average U.S. adult buys 68 garments per year
- Consumers in the U.S. spend more on clothing than any other country, with over $400 billion spent annually
- As of 2024, the global clothing market was valued at approximately $1.8 trillion USD
- Footwear and accessories make up 25% of total fashion spending in the U.S.
- In 2023, about 46% of U.S. consumers said they buy new clothes at least once per month
- 59% of Americans said price is the most important factor when buying clothes
- The average cost of a pair of jeans in the U.S. as of 2023 was $45.50
- The average luxury apparel shopper spends $2,484 annually
- During back-to-school season, U.S. families spend around $325 per child on clothing
- Black Friday clothing sales in the U.S. generated over $6 billion in 2023
- Athleisure wear represents about 28% of U.S. apparel industry sales
- Global spending on children's apparel is projected to reach $339 billion by 2026
- Subscription-based apparel services generated $7.8 billion in revenue in 2023
- In 2023, budget clothing was the category most impacted by inflation, with 65% reporting reduced purchases
- 74% of consumers say promotions heavily influence their decision to buy clothing
- Americans spend $21.35 billion yearly on suits, coats, and jackets
- 2023 average U.S. spending on children's shoes was $84 per household
- Holiday clothing sales reached $68 billion in the U.S. in Q4 2023
- Global expenditures on luxury apparel reached $125 billion in 2023
- U.S. consumers spent approximately $102.52 per child on school uniforms in 2023
- 38% of Americans reduce clothing purchases when inflation rises
- Baby clothing accounted for $11.5 billion in U.S. sales in 2023
- The average American woman owns 30 outfits, up from 9 in 1930
- 25% of all apparel revenue in the U.S. is generated in November and December
- Americans spent $331 per capita on clothing in 2023
Interpretation
In a country where the average adult buys 68 garments a year and 25% of clothing revenue comes during holiday months, it’s clear that for Americans, fashion isn’t just a statement—it’s a full-time economic engine fueled by monthly shopping habits, back-to-school budgets, and Black Friday blowouts, all stitched together by a desire for deals and a closet that’s never quite full.
E-commerce and Digital Influence
- Online fashion sales in the U.S. amounted to $126.63 billion in 2023
- Global E-commerce fashion sales reached $871 billion in 2023
- In 2023, 64% of apparel shoppers purchased at least one item online
- 52% of clothing purchases in the U.S. are made via mobile devices
- The average return rate for online apparel is 30%, more than double the average for other products
- Apparel category represents 33% of all online purchases in 2023
- In 2022, 48% of consumers purchased clothing influenced by social media
- Over 60% of online clothing shoppers rely on reviews before making a purchase
- About 25% of Americans use “buy now, pay later” services for clothing purchases
- 60% of fashion customers regularly price-compare before buying
- 54% of shoppers say online sizing tools improve confidence to buy clothing online
- Online apparel purchases resulted in 857 million returned items in 2023 in the U.S.
- 89% of respondents said free shipping influences clothing purchase decisions
- 58% of consumers say fast shipping matters most when buying clothes online
- 63% of U.S. apparel sales in 2023 were influenced by digital marketing channels
Interpretation
In a world where clicking “buy” is easier than zipping a jacket, America’s $126 billion online fashion spree in 2023 proves that while we love shopping in our pajamas, we’re also more likely to send outfits back than to wear them—especially if free shipping and a glowing review seal the deal.
Market Segmentation and Demographics
- Women's wear accounts for 51% of total U.S. apparel market revenue
- Men’s apparel accounts for 36% of U.S. clothing market revenue
- The average woman in the U.S. spends 76% more on clothing per year than the average man
- In the U.S., Gen Z spends 20% of their income on clothing, more than any other generation
- 71% of consumers say comfort is their top priority when purchasing clothing
- 40% of clothing shoppers say brand reputation matters in their purchase decisions
- 69% of Gen Z consumers say they are more likely to purchase from inclusive clothing brands
- 92% of Gen Z consumers are more likely to purchase from brands with ethical practices
- In the U.S., 40% of teens' spending is on clothing and shoes
Interpretation
While women lead the charge in fashion spending and Gen Z burns through paychecks prioritizing comfort, inclusivity, and ethics, it’s clear that in America, clothes may not quite make the person—but they definitely empty their wallet.
Retail Channels and Distribution
- Apparel sales in brick-and-mortar stores fell by over 30% between 2019 and 2022
- 32% of shoppers buy clothes in-store to avoid shipping fees
- Sales from direct-to-consumer fashion brands in the U.S. reached $111 billion in 2023
Interpretation
As traditional clothing stores hemmed and hawed over shrinking foot traffic, savvy shoppers stitched together savings by dodging shipping fees, while direct-to-consumer brands buttoned up a $111 billion success story.
Secondhand and Sustainable Fashion
- Fast fashion retailers account for 10% of the global carbon emissions yearly
- Americans throw away about 81 pounds of clothing per person each year
- 87% of total fiber input used for clothing is either landfilled or incinerated
- In 2023, the resale apparel market in the U.S. reached $43 billion
- The U.S. resale apparel market is projected to hit $70 billion by 2027
- 18% of U.S. consumers prefer to shop for clothing secondhand
- 58% of millennials say they consider sustainability when purchasing clothing
- 48% of U.S. consumers say they are willing to pay more for clothing made sustainably
- 43% of consumers bought used clothing in the past year to save money
- Secondhand clothing sales are growing 3 times faster than the global apparel market
- 41% of American consumers consider resale value when buying clothing
- On average, Americans wear only 20% of their wardrobe regularly
- Fashion is the second-largest consumer of water globally
- Printing one T-shirt uses 2,700 liters of water—the equivalent of 3 years' drinking water
- The average lifespan of a clothing item in the U.S. is 2.2 years
- The pre-owned luxury market grew 65% between 2017-2023, outpacing new luxury growth
Interpretation
In a world where your favorite T-shirt takes more water to make than you'll drink in three years and 80% of your closet gathers dust, it’s no surprise that Americans are finally swapping their fast fashion frenzy for a secondhand style revolution—because the true cost of cheap clothes is proving anything but wearable.
