America is, for now, the uncontested capital of consumer spending. While recently modernizing countries like China are quickly catching up, Americans love to spend on the finer things in life.
(Image: JJ Suspenders)
And among those finer things, there’s one category of special importance: clothing. The right clothes can accent a personality, attract romance, land a job, and generally shape the world’s perception of their wearer.So, it comes as no surprise that Americans spend heavily to look their best: revenues among US-based clothing companies totalled a staggering $335.256 billion in 2018. Chinese companies, for comparison, come in at second place globally with over $100 billion less.
But which state puts the most effort - and money - into the perfect look? Are New Yorkers more fashionable than Californians? Will Virginians outspend Georgians? We dug through US Census reports to find out, and the results were not at all what we expected.
The important figure here is not total sales volume, which is dependent on the number of people in that state and unhelpful for state-to-state comparison (California came in first, with $20,393,000,000). Instead, we’ll look at sales per capita: in other words, the spending per person. These figures are taken from the most recently available US Economic Census.
As a baseline, California came in at $1,148 per person, while Texas narrowly beat out the Golden State with $1,289.
First, the thriftiest states when it comes to style: Hawaii, with only $547 per person, spent the least on clothing. Other low-spending states included Nevada with $653, New York with $764, and Florida with $947.
The most style-conscious state? According to these figures, that title goes to none other than West Virginia, with a staggering $2,735 per person. Rounding out the top 5:
Idaho - $2,719
Wyoming - $2,659
Montana - $2,555
South Dakota - $2,495
In Idaho and other high-ranking states, shopping for clothes nearly equaled the average American entertainment expenditure, which was $3,203 in 2017.
It comes as no surprise that women significantly outspend men when clothes shopping: women’s clothing accounts for about 35% of the total market, not including categories like sports, swimwear, underwear, and hosiery. Men’s apparel, on the other hand, made up just under 26% of apparel revenues in 2018.
But maybe comparing spending habits isn’t the best way to judge style. Plenty of smart and fashion-conscious shoppers can find well-designed and high-quality accessories which may contribute to some of the disparity. JJ Suspenders is one such example of an inexpensive accessory that can add a ton of style and class to an outfit.
Sources:
US Economic Census, 2012
Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditures Report, 2017
Statista Apparel industry report (https://www.statista.com/outlook/90000000/109/apparel/united-states)
As an enthusiast deeply versed in the world of consumer spending and fashion, my extensive knowledge draws from a variety of reputable sources, including the US Economic Census, the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditures Report, and Statista's Apparel industry report. I've closely followed the trends and patterns in consumer behavior, especially within the realm of clothing and fashion, making me well-equipped to dissect and elaborate on the information presented in the article.
The article highlights America's dominant position in consumer spending, with a specific focus on the significant role clothing plays in shaping individual identities and perceptions. The assertion that Americans love to spend on the finer things in life, with a particular emphasis on clothing, aligns with my understanding of the cultural and economic dynamics at play.
The article introduces a crucial metric for comparison – sales per capita – a more insightful measure than total sales volume, which can be influenced by the population size of each state. The revelation that California leads in total sales but is surpassed by Texas in sales per capita underscores the importance of considering population density in such analyses.
The breakdown of spending habits across states, from the thriftiest to the most style-conscious, is a fascinating insight. West Virginia's remarkable expenditure of $2,735 per person challenges preconceived notions, indicating that fashion consciousness extends beyond traditional fashion hubs.
The gender disparity in clothing expenditures is a well-documented phenomenon, and the article provides a nuanced view by revealing that women significantly outspend men in the clothing market. The inclusion of specific market percentages for women's and men's apparel adds depth to the analysis.
Moreover, the acknowledgment that comparing spending habits may not be the sole indicator of style is astute. The mention of well-designed and high-quality accessories, such as JJ Suspenders, adds a layer of sophistication to the discussion, emphasizing that style is not solely determined by the amount spent but also by the discerning choices made by fashion-conscious individuals.
In summary, the article weaves together data from reputable sources to paint a comprehensive picture of the American consumer spending landscape, particularly in the realm of clothing. The use of per capita metrics, state-wise breakdowns, and insights into gender-based spending patterns enriches the analysis, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking a nuanced understanding of the fashion industry's economic landscape in the United States.
