Study Reveals Men's vs. Women's Clothing Spending Across U.S. States

And what we found might just change the way you think about your shopping habits...

As part of our ongoing research into smart spending and maximizing profits, we analyzed data to rank the percentage difference in clothing spending between men and women across all 50 states.

The results reveal some eye-opening trends, so whether you’re looking to cut costs or just curious about where your state stands, you won’t want to miss this.

Contents

1. How we Conducted the Study
2. States With the Largest Spending Gaps
3. States With the Smallest Spending Differences
4. Where Americans Spend the Most on Clothing
5. Expert Insights on Spending Trends
6. The Ultimate Income-Boosting Hack

1. How we Conducted the Study

We combined two key data sets, sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau: Consumer Expenditures per Household on Women’s Apparel and Consumer Expenditures per Household on Men’s Apparel.

By analyzing and comparing spending patterns between men and women across states, we calculated the percentage difference in expenditure.

2. States With the Largest Spending Gaps

Our analysis found that in every U.S. state, women outspend men on clothing. However, the degree of difference varies widely.  The following states features the highest percentage difference between men and women's spending on clothing:

1. Mississippi
   Percentage difference: 60.62%
   Men’s spending: $269.58
   Women’s spending: $504.16

2. West Virginia
   Percentage difference: 60.60%
   Men’s spending: $281.10
   Women’s spending: $525.44
   

3. Michigan
   Percentage difference: 60.47%
   Men’s spending: $355.38
   Women’s spending: $663.4
   

4. Hawaii
   Percentage difference: 60.42%
   Men’s spending: $460.11
   Women’s spending: $858.28
   

5. Ohio
   Percentage difference: 60.25%
   Men’s spending: $350.82
   Women’s spending: $653.31

Across all U.S. states, the study found that the average percentage difference in clothing expenditures between men and women was 58.54%, with women consistently outspending men in every state.

3. States with the Smallest Spending Differences

On the other end of the spending spectrum, some states showed a narrower gap in spending between men and women. The five states (and districts) with the lowest percentage differences were:

1. Nevada (56.46%),
2. Texas (56.35%),
3. Arizona (55.93%),
4. The District of Columbia (55.82%),
5. Alabama (55.72%).

These figures suggest that while the spending gap between genders persists nationwide, certain states exhibit slightly narrower disparities.

4. Where Americans Spend the Most on Clothing

Beyond percentage differences, our study also examined total spending on clothing per household. When it comes to overall spending, the District of Columbia leads the way:

1. District of Columbia at $1,797.89,
2. New Jersey at $1,497.72,
3. Massachusetts at $1,497.09,
4. California at $1,450.12,
5. Maryland at $936.35.
   
   

5. Expert Insights on Spending Trends

These findings shed light on significant trends in gender-based spending across the United States.

Women consistently outspend men on clothing in every state, but the extent of the difference varies greatly. States like Mississippi and Hawaii, where the spending gap exceeds 60%, highlight how lifestyle and cultural factors can drive these disparities. In Hawaii, for example, women spend nearly double what men do.

And the variation in total spending is equally notable. The District of Columbia’s position as the top spender, with a combined total of $1,797.89, contrasts sharply with states like Mississippi, where total spending remains much lower, despite the higher percentage difference between genders.

6. The Ultimate Income-Boosting Hack

At ProfitDuel, we love sharing smart ways to boost your monthly income, no matter how you choose to spend it.

Although our most recent study has shown that men and women have different clothing spending habits, one thing remains the same: unexpected expenses and rising costs shouldn’t keep you from enjoying life, whether that means refreshing your wardrobe, saving for a big purchase, or investing in new experiences.

ProfitDuel isn’t just a platform - it’s your ultimate income-boosting hack, helping Americans add to their earnings without sacrificing the things that truly matter. With just a few spare hours a week, our members are earning $1,000s each month by converting promo offers using our intelligent software and expert support.

No matter your budget or spending style, ProfitDuel can help you make the most of it.

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