Easy Swag
Maryland Is One Of The Least Spendy States for Clothing
Clothing prices, along with everything else, have increased significantly over the past few years. Clothing is a necessity that can become a luxury. We need clothes, but we don’t need a closet full of designer labels.
WalletHub analyzed where consumers spend the most and least on clothes and good news, Maryland came in 47th of 50 states, spending just 1.17 percent of median monthly household income. By comparison, Kentucky has the most expensive clothing prices relative to what residents earn. Buying a men’s dress shirt, a pair of jeans for a boy, and a pair of women’s slacks costs an average of around $125. That’s 2.4% of the state’s median monthly household income, the highest percentage in the country.
Virginia ranked 40th, spending 1.34 percent of median monthly income on clothing. The District of Columbia was not included in the analysis. Rankings depended on both cost of clothing in states and median income.
WalletHub asked expert Christian P. Barney, assistant professor or marketing, Parker College of Business at Georgia Southern University, for tips to avoid overspending on clothes.
She said, “Budgeting and sticking to a shopping plan are two of the best ways to avoid overspending on clothes. Even if you do not intend to shop for clothes, advertisements integrated into social media and other digital platforms can make it feel as though shopping is coming to you rather than the other way around. Taking time to consider what you truly need before making a purchase can help curb unnecessary spending.”
Barney also recommends:
· Choose timeless pieces. Opt for classic, versatile items that pair well with your existing wardrobe and are durable enough to last. By avoiding trends that come and go quickly, you can maintain your wardrobe longer and reduce the need to constantly replace items.
· Give yourself time to decide. If you see something you want, step away before making the purchase. Online, this could mean closing the tab; in stores, it might mean leaving and doing something else for a while. Creating a waiting period can help you determine whether you truly want or need the item.
